- Dental Crown
- by admin_cosmetic
Losing a tooth—whether due to an accident, decay, or extraction—is more than just an aesthetic issue. While it might be tempting to delay treatment if the gap isn’t visible when you smile, your jawbone is on a ticking clock.As experts in dental implants in Brooklyn, we consistently see patients who waited too long. Here is why the 6-month mark is the “point of no return” for your oral health.
1. The “Use It or Lose It” Rule: Jawbone Atrophy
Your jawbone stays healthy and dense because of the stimulation it receives from tooth roots during chewing. The moment a tooth is gone, that stimulation stops.
Within the first year, you can lose up to 25% of the bone width in that area. If you wait longer than 6 months, the bone begins to resorb (shrink) so significantly that it may no longer be thick enough to support a dental implant without a costly and invasive bone graft surgery.
2. The Domino Effect: Shifting Teeth
Your teeth are a team; they rely on each other to stay in place. When there is a gap, the neighboring teeth start to “tip” or drift into the empty space. This ruins your bite alignment and can lead to:
Difficulty cleaning between crooked teeth (causing more cavities).
TMJ (jaw joint) pain and headaches.
The need for braces (Invisalign) before you can even get an implant.
3. Changes in Facial Structure
Missing teeth don’t just affect your mouth; they affect your face. Bone loss leads to a “sunken” appearance, making you look older than you are. By replacing a missing tooth in NYC quickly, you preserve your natural facial contours and jawline.
4. Why 6 Months is the “Golden Window”
In the first few months after losing a tooth, your bone is usually still at its peak density. Choosing dental implants during this window is:
More Predictable: Better integration with the bone.
Less Expensive: You avoid the costs of sinus lifts or bone grafting.
Faster Recovery: Your body heals more efficiently.
The Solution: Dental Implants in Brooklyn
Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that mimics a natural root, stopping bone loss in its tracks.
Don’t let a missing tooth change your life. If it’s been more than 6 months (or even if it just happened), contact Cosmetic Dentistry Center today. Let’s protect your bone, your smile, and your budget.
