Patients that have recently lost one of their permanent teeth will need to contact their local dentist right away so that they can avoid some of the major medical issues that can start to take place after tooth loss. There are now a number of restorative options available to these individuals, and patients that would like a permanent solution may enjoy the advantages that only dental implants will be able to give them. Not all patients will be good candidates for this treatment, however, and that is why everyone that is currently struggling with the loss of one or more teeth should understand some of the leading causes for tooth loss, how the implant surgery is carried out, and a few minor steps that can be taken to improve one's chances of a successful treatment.
A completely healthy tooth will stay vibrant and straight for an individual's entire life. This is because the interior of every single tooth is comprised of pulp, the living matter that continues to provide nutrients to the outer enamel and dentin layers. If the pulp is damaged for any reason however, the tooth may become brittle and ultimately die. Any damage that takes place to the root of the tooth, one's jaw, or even the gums can result in tooth loss as well.
The traditional treatment for this condition is removable dental appliances such as dentures and bridges. These appliances could be held in place by cementing them to the surrounding natural teeth or to the unique structure of the interior of the patient's mouth. Although effective for restoring a smile, some patients were in search of restorative treatment options that required less maintenance and would last for a longer period.
More individuals than ever are now looking to dental implants to restore their smile, but this treatment will not be the right option for everyone. The dentist will start this process by anchoring surgical-grade rods into the mouth in the area that has been left exposed by the lost teeth. As the mouth heals, it will form a tight bond with the dental implants in a process known as osseointegration. After the mouth has fully healed, the dentist can then attach custom bridges or dentures to the crown to restore the smile.
Any serious ailments or habits that the patient carries out could affect the final results of the procedure. This includes dental caries, gum disease, oral cancer, heavy drinking, or the use of tobacco products. Individuals that are currently struggling with one of these conditions may need to speak with their dentist first to see what restorative procedures may be right for them. This includes the possibility of restoring one's oral health before utilizing dental implants.
Visit RobertMondaviDDS.com for more information about dental implants. Robert Mondavi DDS, Torrance dental implants specialist uses dental implants in combination with other treatments to replace lost teeth.