When a patient loses a tooth, it’s important to replace the tooth quickly both for aesthetic and health reasons. My patient Tony knows this all too well. Seven years ago, Tony lost a tooth in an accident. He procrastinated on getting treatment, and eventually he found that that he was suffering the consequences.
A missing tooth destabilizes the entire structure of the mouth and neighboring teeth. When a patient loses a tooth, the resulting hole in the jaw bone can actually cause the bone to disintegrate and neighboring teeth may shift around. Over time this can lead to a host of very serious health problems, not to mention many patients end up hiding their smiles from the world.
One tooth replacement option—dental implants—aims to combat these problems head on. Dental implants are titanium rods that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They fill the hole left by a missing tooth, and thanks to a process called osseointegration, the titanium actually bonds with the natural bone. Consequently, dental implant roots provide a stable foundation for the porcelain crown that is attached on top.
Dental implants are unique among tooth replacement options because they actually mimic the natural structure of teeth. The titanium rod serves as the tooth root—maintaining bone strength and density. Dental implants are easy to care for, patients simply brush and floss normally. Additionally, dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option—with diligent care they can last for up to twenty years.
Although it’s important to replace teeth for aesthetic reasons, it’s equally important to maintain the health of your overall smile. Our O’Fallon dental implant dentists have helped numerous patients enjoy healthy smiles even after the trauma of tooth loss. Tony was able to benefit from dental implants after having some reconstructive surgeries. Now he can enjoy his favorite foods again—and he promises that he will never put off necessary dental care again! If you have any questions about tooth replacement options please give our O’Fallon dental implant dentists a call at (636) 614-1217.