Losing teeth is a problem that many people face, or will face, and that has longer-lasting consequences than you might realize. In addition to the visual effects, tooth loss leaves a void in your oral structures that influences how the rest of your teeth work. However, since these effects can take years before they become apparent, we help you understand them now so you can take steps to preserve your smile, either by preventing tooth loss, or by replacing lost teeth with one or more dental implants.
Losing and Replacing Teeth
What causes tooth loss?
Your teeth face many dangers, several of which can immediately cause, or eventually result in, the loss of one or more teeth. The most frequent cause—periodontal disease—doesn’t directly target your teeth, but rather their support; namely, periodontal tissues (gums) and the jawbone that hold your teeth’s roots. Other common causes of tooth loss often include sudden, traumatic impact, extreme tooth decay, and tooth extraction, to name just a few.
Is tooth loss preventable?
Tooth loss that’s caused by a severe dental disease, or by damage that’s grown too extensive to repair, can be prevented by keeping your mouth healthy and by seeking immediate treatment in a dental emergency. Besides brushing and flossing at home (at least twice a day), be sure to attend regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings with your general dentist.
What is a dental implant?
In case tooth loss does occur, dental implants may be your most comprehensive replacement option. Dental implants are small, titanium, root-shaped posts that are placed into your jawbone, then utilized to support a dental crown, partial denture, or full denture, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost. For implant placement to succeed, your oral tissues must be free of infection and disease, and your jawbone requires enough density to support the posts.
ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO PERIODONTIST:
To learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, visit our office or contact us today at (760) 642-0711.