How are missing teeth replaced?

Causes of tooth loss

The only time when tooth loss is not a cause for concern is in children approximately between the ages of 6 and 13, as during this time their milk teeth loosen and eventually fall out to provide space for the erupting permanent teeth. In any other case tooth loss is considered pathological and it is a serious cause for concern that requires medical attention as soon as possible. To be able to prevent tooth loss it is important to understand its pathogenesis and what causes it. The main causes of tooth loss include periodontitis, advanced tooth decay and injuries. Periodontitis and tooth decay are primarily caused by the overgrowth of acid producing bacteria in the oral cavity. This is facilitated by the consumption of large amounts of sugar and by neglecting oral hygiene. To prevent tooth loss, make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss and an antibacterial mouthwash. To prevent dental injuries, wear a mouthguard when engaging in sports that could lead to dental injury. If you are interested in dental implants Hertfordshire as you have lost teeth, they may well be the answer to improving your dental health.

Dental implants

There are numerous ways in which teeth can be replaced. One of these is the use of dental implants. These are small metal appliances, which initially look like a simple screw. However, these are special ‘screws’, the material they are made out of is titanium. This is a metal of special interest with regards to medicine, as the body does not reject it when it is implanted, and instead it integrates into the surrounding tissue through a process called osseointegration. The implants are put into the jawbone through a surgical procedure, where they integrate into the jawbone over the course of a few months. After the wound has healed and the implants have integrated into the bone, your dentist will order your replacement teeth, which will be attached on top of the dental implants.

What are the benefits? Dental implants have numerous benefits. These appliances are thought to be one of the most efficient and long lasting ways of replacing missing teeth. Due to the integration of the titanium implants into the jawbone and the other surrounding tissues, they are a rock solid point of attachment for the artificial teeth, therefore they work just like a natural root. When a tooth is lost, the structure of the jawbone starts to disintegrate, which can lead to localised osteoporosis and an increased likelihood of fractures in case of an accident. When dental implants are successfully implanted, this process is stopped and reversed, as the process occurs due to the lack of a root and stimulation to the jawbone. Dental implants are the only treatment type for missing teeth that stop or even reverse this process. It is important however, to seek treatment as soon as possible, as the longer you spend without a tooth in its respective place, the more time there is for the bone to disintegrate.

Apurva Thakur

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