Typically, humans grow two sets of teeth in their lifetime. Your baby teeth, or primary teeth, are like training wheels that teach us to care for our smiles while maintaining proper space for your adult teeth to grow. Primary teeth are destined to fall out and make room for their adult counterparts. Known as permanent teeth, your adult teeth should last for a lifetime, yet many patients lose one, several, or all of their teeth by the time they reach late adulthood. Your Southlake dentist explains why teeth that are meant to be permanent sometimes aren’t, and how to preserve your smile if you lose one or more teeth to damage or disease.
Neglecting Your Dental Problems
Accidental trauma can often damage the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, and lead to a partially or fully dislodged tooth. In most cases, however, permanent tooth loss is the result of a severe dental disease, like tooth decay or gum disease. Tooth decay can erode your tooth’s structure, causing holes (cavities) to form and consume your tooth if not treated in time. Gum disease describes infected gum tissue, and can destroy the gums and jawbone that support your teeth. Both diseases can develop from the excessive buildup of dental plaque, and can be prevented with excellent dental hygiene and regular professional maintenance. Tooth loss can also be avoided by treating tooth decay and gum disease as soon as possible when they develop, before your teeth and gums are irreversibly damaged.
Restoring Your Smile
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, Dr. Wright may recommend replacing them with an appropriate number of dental implants. The prosthetic devices are made from biocompatible titanium, and are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace lost teeth roots. The jawbone fuses to the implant(s) as it heals, which usually last between 4-6 months, and Dr. Wright can attach a dental crown, partial denture, or complete denture to the implants to complete your smile’s restoration. By replacing lost teeth roots, implants can provide the most lifelike support for your replacement teeth, improving their ability to look and function like real teeth.
About Gregory Wright, DDS:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He is happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
