For adults, tooth loss may be a common occurrence, but that doesn’t mean it is a necessary part of aging. Still, the fact that it occurs so often can make tooth loss seem inevitable. If you believe that it is bound to happen, then you might be less likely to take tooth loss prevention seriously. The good news is that, if you still retain all of your teeth, then you still may have an excellent chance at preserving them all. If you’ve already lost one or more teeth, however, then you can prevent your smile from losing more by replacing them with dental implants.
How Teeth Are Lost
A healthy tooth is held safely in place by its root, which is held within a socket in your jawbone and secured by strong, resilient periodontal tissues. While you can lose a tooth for several different reasons, the mechanics of tooth loss typically involve damage or infection in the tooth, or in the structures that support it, such as;
- Gum disease, which destroys the gums, periodontal tissues, and jawbone around your teeth roots
- Severe trauma (i.e., cracks, fractures, breaks) that render the tooth too damaged to save
- Accidental impact that knocks the tooth out of its socket (avulsed tooth)
- An extreme tooth infection, or tooth decay, when root canal therapy cannot save it
Replacing Lost Teeth
Because of its permanence (an adult tooth will not grow back), tooth loss can seem like the worst-case-scenario of a serious dental health issue. However, if not addressed properly, the loss could trigger a chain of reactions that lead to further tooth loss and jawbone degradation. To prevent those reactions, we often recommend replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant-supported crown. A dental implant is a root-like, titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone, then topped with a lifelike dental crown to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
