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Are you missing a single tooth or multiple teeth? Occurring for various reasons, tooth loss is not something to be ignored as a toothless smile can cause speech problems, eating difficulties and even gum disease. With the use of dental implants, you can replace your missing teeth more comfortably and permanently. Your implants, when placed and restored by your dentist, will look and feel like your own natural teeth. Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Tooth loss can occur for a number of reasons including poor oral hygiene and a poor diet. You can lose teeth naturally with age and also due to trauma. The Dental Implant Procedure Before your implants are placed, your bone density needs to be assessed to ensure that you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone tissue available around the area where the implant will be placed. If you do have insufficient bone or significant bone loss has occurred, then you may need bone grafting before the implant can be placed. In some cases, mini implants can be used if your bone density is too low for larger implants. After you are assessed for implants and treatment is planned, the appropriate size of your implant and implant system will be selected. Since your implant will now function as the root of your tooth, your implant will need to be surgically placed into your jaw bone. The placement of your implant is often accompanied by local anesthesia. Anxious patients may choose to be sedated during their treatment as well. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits to ensure the implant properly fuses to the bone structure. Failure to brush and floss is a leading cause of implant failure and can cause infection of the implant to occur in addition to surrounding areas. Tooth Loss If you have lost any teeth you may feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Biting irregularities can be caused by tooth loss and can have a negative effect on your eating habits. If your eating habits are significantly altered, you may exhibit secondary health problems like malnutrition. Your teeth can be lost because of:
• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear By visiting your dentist twice a year, you can take a step closer toward prevention of tooth loss and other dental diseases. Improving your oral hygiene habits at home by brushing and flossing daily is key to preventing problems from developing. Tooth loss is preventable and your dentist can help. To determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, a consultation with your West Orange dentist is needed. With proper examination, your dentist can put together the right treatment plan for your missing teeth.
Dr. Paul R. Feldman is a cosmetic dentist in West Orange. Named one of Americas Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council of America from 2005-2009, this leading West Orange emergency dentist is highly qualified and committed to providing the best general and cosmetic dental care for every patient he serves.
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