Replacing
Missing Teeth
Lost Teeth Impact Health
In the past, the loss of teeth (edentulism) was dismissed as
a natural part of the aging process, and dentures were considered
a normal sign of old age.
While such ignorance is rapidly becoming a thing of the past,
there is still not a general awareness of the seriousness of edentulism.
Multiple tooth loss is most commonly caused by periodontal disease,
i.e. gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease has a high statistical
correlation with chronic debilitating disease, such as diabetes,
cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
So it is not very surprising that studies now show a shortened
life expectancy by as much as 10 years for persons who have lost
their natural teeth, when compared to those who have kept their
teeth.
In addition to longevity, quality-of-life differences are just
as significant. The functional efficiency of dentures has been
measured to be only 20% of that of natural teeth. Can there be
any doubt that nutritional deficiencies will be much more prevalent
in those without their natural teeth?
Loss of teeth often causes a feeling of loss of wholeness and
a sense of deterioration and aging. Given these factors, preservation
of the natural teeth is integral to whole-person wellness.
Replace Missing
Teeth With Dental Implants
"Well, you know Doc, it's just a back
tooth. No one will see it so I'll just get rid of it. It's not
going to make a difference."
The plain truth is that it will make a difference. The
loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy
an entire mouth.
Well, if that's true, tell me more. I sure don't want to
lose the front ones that I smile with."
Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by
missing teeth. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly
aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems.
"Well, I don't like that. What can I do?"
If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're
right. If I'm going to keep a patient happy, I need to provide
options at this point.
One of the options would be an implant.
This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically
placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown
to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and
thereby causing further tooth loss.
If you have any questions about missing teeth and possible implant
treatment, please call our office.
Some Dental Problems Are Easy
To See!
One of the easiest problems to spot is a build-up of plaque.
Plaque is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria, which is constantly
forming on the teeth. Usually it is invisible to the naked eye,
but when a person is not brushing adequately, it can build up
to where it appears to be a thick whitish coating on the teeth
at the gum line. If not removed, it can lead to gum disease.
Another potential problem, which is easy to spot, is missing
teeth. Many patients assume that if they are still able to eat,
they are O.K.
But very often, losing just one tooth can lead to the loss of
support, and teeth begin to drift into the empty space, causing
a change in the bite. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry
an additional load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In
most cases, when even one tooth is lost, the remaining teeth suffer
and are more likely to be lost as well.
Our focus is in the treatment of problems such as these. Call
our office for the care you need.
A Missing Tooth?
Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of
the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow
nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and
the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious
cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead
to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches.
Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their
normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or
a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional
and cosmetic result.
Please call our office with any questions you may have about
the benefits of replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental
implants
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