When you lose your natural teeth, this could mean major problems not just for the appearance of your smile but for your health and function too. Which is why replacing your lost teeth is essential for protecting your smile. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about the facts behind tooth loss, and the benefits of dental implants.
The Factors Behind Lost Teeth
For some, minor tooth loss could occur due to untreated cavities or severe infections, or possibly as a result of an injury to the face or jaw. The most common cause of adult tooth loss is actually periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. As part of your treatment, we will assess the cause and severity of your tooth loss, so we can address any underlying oral health issues and ensure we select the best choice to replace your lost teeth. Our team could recommend bridges, or possibly dental implants and even implant-secured prosthetics.
The Dangers for Your Oral Health
Missing teeth could change the appearance of your smile. Beyond the initial gap in your teeth, the surrounding teeth could drift from position and lead to misalignment. Uneven teeth alone increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. For others, missing teeth could strain the jaw joints and make the onset of painful complications like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) more likely. The most severe complication is the loss of mass and density in your jaw, which occurs when the body registers the missing roots and stops the flow of calcium and phosphates to the surrounding bone tissue. This causes a breakdown linked to further tooth loss and an aged appearance.
New Teeth
Fortunately, our team offers an advanced and long-lasting option to address minor and even severe cases of missing teeth. With dental implants, our team will plan and guide the placement of dental implant posts into the jaw, which are accepted by the body as natural roots. The flow of calcium and phosphates resumes, so your new roots can stay in place for decades, potentially even a lifetime. We then connect an abutment that allows us to attach a dental crown, one custom-made for a lifelike appearance. Our team could also secure a prosthetic like a bridge or even a complete denture.
If you have any questions about the factors behind your missing teeth, or about replacement with dental implants, then contact our team today to learn more.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT REPLACING MISSING TEETH
Our team understands the value of treating your missing teeth. If you would like to find out more about implant dentistry, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
