Lost a Tooth: Why Should I Get a Dental Implant?

Phil Asks:

I'm 67 y/o. I had tooth 37 extracted recently. I'm having no problems with chewing or speech and, of course, there is no esthetic problem. Is there any reason to have an implant?

Answered by: Dr. Ken Ross

Lighthouse Point, FL

Hi Phil,

There are several reasons why placing an implant is important. First it will preserve the bone in the area where the tooth was extracted. We lose bone when there are not teeth or implants present.

Secondly the implant will prevent movement of both adjacent teeth as well as the lower teeth (which can “rise up”). Tooth movement like this can lead to many other dental problems: TMJ problems, problems chewing, tooth loss, etc.

Finally, if teeth begin to shift or we lose teeth without replacing them, ultimately eating and health can be effected!