Our priority is to help prevent and manage gum disease. Unfortunately, though, severe stages of periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. If this happens to you, it’s important to treat this problem as soon as possible. Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist offers dental implants that can mimic your lost dental structure.

Tooth Loss Can Affect Your Oral Health

Periodontal disease is one of the number one reasons patients lose their teeth, but other factors can contribute to this as well. Accidents, genetics, and other health concerns can cause you to lose one or more of your pearly whites. Losing a tooth can cause a variety of concerns for your oral health and the appearance of your smile.

When you have a gap in your smile, it may cause feelings of self-consciousness. Dental implants can help fill this gap in a secure way that will last for many years. This replacement option can also help support your jaw and prevent further tooth loss. You may also notice changes in your ability to chew certain foods or speak clearly if you have lost a tooth. Dental implants can improve your chewing and speech. This replacement option consists of multiple parts, including the post, abutment piece, and crown. Your crown is the visible part that shows and allows you to chew. The post helps support your jaw and supports the prosthetic. Unlike dentures or bridges, you will not need to remove this prosthetic to care for.

Preparing Your Smile For Dental Implants

It’s important that your existing teeth, gums, and jaw are in good health before receiving this replacement. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your oral cavity and jawbone to ensure that it will be able to withstand the post. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, you will need to have this managed with treatments before the prosthetic can be placed.

Periodontal treatment may include laser treatment to remove plaque buildup and an improved oral hygiene routine. These steps can help you better manage your symptoms of gum disease. Gum or jaw grafting may also be required to prepare for the surgery. Once you are approved for this treatment, the process can begin. This process can take several months to prepare, receive, and heal from the procedure. A significant advantage of dental implants are that they are long lasting and can help preserve your smile. To maintain them, continue a consistent oral hygiene routine at home and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

Schedule An Appointment To Learn More

Dental implants can restore the function and appearance of your smile. To learn more about this tooth replacement option, or to schedule an appointment, call us at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.