When a child loses a tooth, we hardly give it a second thought. The tooth fairy may come for a visit, but that’s about it. But when an adult loses a tooth, panic and worry are often close to follow. We all know the problem: adult teeth don’t grow back. A lost tooth can also mean further dental problems. Luckily, scientists have developed dental implants for replacing lost teeth. Your Rochester implant dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, explains what dental implants are and how they can prevent the serious problems that often follow a lost tooth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a three-part structure that is inserted into the gums and jaw where a tooth has fallen out. The three parts of the dental implant are the post, the crown, and the abutment. The post is made of titanium and will fuse with the jawbone, ensuring that the implant remains firmly in place. The crown is the part of the dental implant that shows above the gum line. Made of porcelain, the crown replicates surrounding teeth, ensuring a consistent look among a patient’s teeth. The final part of the implant, the abutment connects the crown to the post. The abutment is sturdy, holding the crown firmly in place.
How a Dental Implant Prevents Other Problems
When a tooth falls out, the body marks the unoccupied area as dead. Thus, it suspends the flow of nutrients to the area. These nutrients are necessary for the continuing health of both surrounding teeth and jaw, meaning that a lost tooth often leads to jawbone density issues, further tooth loss, and facial collapse. To prevent these problems, the dental implant actually restores the flow of nutrients that ceased when the tooth fell out. Because of the presence of the titanium post in the jaw, the body recognizes the implant as a living tooth and sends the vital nutrition.
Visit Your Rochester Dentist
Do you have a missing tooth that needs a replacement? Schedule a visit with your Rochester implant dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, by calling 507-281-3659. Our 55902 dentist office offers the latest in general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and surrounding areas.
