Unfortunately, tooth loss is a fact of life for many adults. In fact, the primary cause of tooth is gum disease. Dr. Gilly Calcagno and our team at Calcagno Cosmetic & Family Dentistry offer permanent solutions to tooth loss with dental implants and provide answers to frequently asked questions about tooth replacement below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants and Tooth Loss
Question: Should missing teeth be replaced?
Answer: Yes, missing teeth should be replaced. When a patient loses a tooth it presents potential oral health problems. Adjacent teeth may move out of their proper position toward the empty tooth socket. In some cases, patients with missing teeth also experience bone loss in their jawbone. Replacing teeth with dental implants will prevent the loss of bone and the displacement of surrounding teeth.
Question: What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent option for replacing missing teeth. Implants consist of two parts. The first part of the implant is a titanium alloy rod that is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth is located. Over time, the bone will naturally fuse to the rod. The titanium rod will act as a tooth’s roots. The second part of a dental implant, a custom made crown, serves as the visible portion of a tooth and is anchored to the titanium rod. The implant’s crown can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, and metals such as gold.
Question: How are dental implants cleaned?
Answer: Dental implants are flossed and brushed just like natural teeth. Because they permanent, they are not removed for cleaning like dentures.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with our restorative dentist, Dr. Calcagno. To reserve your appointment with Dr. Calcagno, contact our Rochester dentist office (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Hastings, Farmington, and the neighboring Rochester communities.
