As a child, losing a tooth is a natural occurrence that everyone goes through in order to make way for permanent adult teeth. As an adult, however, tooth loss is not a good thing, and can actually be indicative of a much larger concern such as infection, decay, or worse. Indeed, your only option to treat an infection so severe may be to extract the concern, but keep in mind that even though the structure is gone, your overarching oral concern may not be. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist examines what it means to lose teeth and how it impacts your health.
Potential for Future Loss
Typically, oral structures are only considered for removal if they are decaying or infected and all other restorative options would fail. In this event, your provider will recommend extraction. Once the tooth is gone, however, does not mean that your infection is. In fact, harmful oral bacteria actually thrive in warm, moist, and difficult to clean areas, making the gum line an ideal home. When your smile contains a gap due to a diseased structure, the infection may still remain and threaten the health of the surround teeth as well. In other words, once you lose a tooth as an adult and do not replace it, your chances for losing even more increases dramatically.
In order to combat this concern, your provider may recommend a dental implant and restoration to fill the gap. During this procedure, your prosthodontist will strategically place a titanium implant post in the jaw bone so as to create a secure bond that affords your new crown the ability to absorb the pressure of your bite. A custom restoration will then be placed that closely mimics the natural texture and appearance of your teeth, even down to the shade. With the gap now bridged, you can enjoy your complete smile once again without the fear of significant future loss.
The Impact on Bite Function and the Jaw
Not only does a missing structure increase your chances of losing more, but it impacts your day-to-day oral function as well. Every tooth is comprised of two main parts – the root and the crown – which work hand-in-hand to function properly by absorbing the pressure of your bite. When this root is gone, your bite will readjust in order to accommodate the missing structure, causing unevenness that results in strain, difficulties biting and chewing, and even increased pain. It also impacts your jaw bone as well, as the portion without a root will no longer serve a function and cause deterioration down the line if not managed properly. By seeking a prosthodontic solution, your restoration will be able to correct your bite once more with the ability to endure the pressure your bite and restoring your mouth’s functionality.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
To learn more about the importance of replacing lost teeth, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office of Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 today.