|
Tooth loss, or edentulism, can rob you of much more than the ability to chew and properly digest your food. It has serious social, psychological and emotional consequences, impacting your quality of life, self-image and self-esteem. For those who feel too self-conscious to smile or talk, dental implants may be an appropriate solution for restoring their self-esteem. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or multiple teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss. By replacing missing tooth roots, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. How are Teeth Lost? Tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly. However, it can also affect children and adults if they do not practice proper dental hygiene. Toddlers and children run the risk of two types of traumatic tooth loss: premature loss of baby teeth and loss of permanent teeth due to injury or neglect. Dental caries are a major cause of tooth loss in children and teens. In adults, gum disease and dental caries are the leading causes of tooth loss. As gum disease destroys gum tissue and bone, teeth loosen and may require extraction. Smoking, heart disease and diabetes are also associated with tooth loss. Additionally, plaque accumulation and hardening, gum recession, older fillings and dry mouth put the elderly at a greater risk for losing their natural teeth. Other causes of tooth loss include the following: * Tooth decay
* Root canal failure
* Gum disease
* Trauma to the mouth
* Excessive wear and tear
* Congenital defects Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth Dental implants are artificial replacements for natural teeth and roots. Used in the upper and lower jaws, implants are manufactured "anchors" that resemble cylinders or screws, and are surgically inserted into your jaw bone to create a stable base for the artificial tooth replacement. The implant acts as the root of your tooth and a crown or bridge is placed over the implant to look and act as a natural tooth. The process is completed at your dentist's office and usually placed in a single sitting, but will require a period of healing. Osseointegration is the process in which direct anchorage of the implant root and the bone of the jaw occur. This is the most commonly used type of dental implant, which makes the restoration extremely successful. It may take anywhere from three to six months to heal, and at that point your dentist will complete the procedure with a crown. Your dentist will give specific instructions as to properly care for your dental implants to ensure successful recovery. It is important to remember that dental implants are not for everyone. If you are missing teeth, contact your Yonkers and Westchester County dentist for further consultation to see if dental implants are an appropriate solution for restoring your smile.
Dr. Fedele E. Vero, dentist in Westchester County, graduated from New York University College of Dentistry, Summa Cum Laude, and received 5 awards for excellence in Dentistry. He is joined by Dr. Christine N. Fumo and Dr. Shahin Shahgoli to provide the best care available, including Westchester County dental implants.
|
