Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is a process where teeth loosen and eventually fall out. This is normal when it comes to baby teeth. In adults, however, tooth loss can result from injury or diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and dental avulsion.
The good news is that tooth loss can be addressed by way of dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Let's first look at some tips to help prevent tooth loss:
How to Prevent Tooth Loss
Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste. Be especially mindful about brushing before bed.
Don't forget to floss.
Rinse your mouth with a fluoride-enriched mouthwash.
Cut back on sugar, candy, and salty foods.
Schedule regular visits to the dentist for an oral exam. This will help address any underlying problems.
Dentures
Dentures are teeth replacements that can be removed and set back in place as you wish. There are two kinds of dentures available. They are as follows:
Complete Dentures
These are used when a person has no teeth left. Complete dentures can be further broken down into two types - immediate and conventional.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are made ahead of time. If a person's tooth loss is the result of tooth decay, for instance, they will probably need to get affected teeth extracted. In this scenario, dentures can be made well in advance. Owing to this, there's no reason for the patient to go without teeth for even a short while.
One downside, however, is that the healing process following tooth removal can bring about significant change in bone and gum structure. This is why immediate dentures are considered to be more of a temporary solution that buys time until a set of conventional dentures is ready for use.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures can be used 8-12 weeks following tooth removal. This time is necessary because tissues in the mouth need time to heal.
These dentures do not come with clasps or attachments. Instead, they rely on natural suction and dental adhesives.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when even one natural tooth remains in either jaw. Simply put, partial dentures bridge the gaps left by missing teeth. They also help the remaining teeth stay in position. Precision partial dentures with internal attachments can be removed at will, and can be fixed to crowns that lie adjacent.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are replacement teeth, or pontics, which are secured in place by teeth that bracket the gap created by missing teeth. Even though a pontic tooth is made using various materials including gold, porcelain makes for a more natural look given its color.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are more invasive as compared to dentures and dental bridges.
They are set in place via surgery, and take a couple months to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Dental implants essentially replace the roots of teeth that have fallen out.
Despite the fact that dental implants require the patient to have surgery, they are permanent in that they help replacement teeth stay in place. They are made using titanium, and boast a success rate of 98%.
If you're looking for an effective solution to hide those missing teeth and perfect your smile, call ComfortCare Dental today!
