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If you have a tooth that is damaged to the point where it can no longer be saved, you have recently knocked a tooth out, or you’ve had a tooth fall out, you’ll need to speak with your dentist about teeth replacement options. They are necessary not only for a fuller, more appealing smile but also for your overall oral health.
One option you may have when it comes to the replacement of your missing tooth or teeth is dental implants. But why implants? Do they need to be replaced? Are there other options?
There are a few reasons why you should consider a tooth or teeth replacement. These include:
· Teeth migration. Many people don’t realize that teeth shift and migrate over time if they are not held in place by other teeth or a replacement. Not only do crowded and crooked teeth look bad, but they also cause functional issues. Dental implants help to keep your teeth in place and prevent them from shifting and migrating.
· Additional oral health issues. As your teeth shift, crowd, impact each other, and become more crooked, additional oral health issues become a major concern. It can be difficult to brush and floss crowded areas and crooked teeth. This can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, root infection, periodontitis, and more. Over time, this can actually lead to more teeth falling out! As dental implants help to keep teeth in place and prevent migration, it makes it easier to take care of your oral health when you have dental implants installed.
· Trouble biting and chewing. If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, you know how much more difficult it can be to bite and chew the foods you love like you used to. Dental implants provide you with the bite strength you need to continue to enjoy your favorite foods.
· Jawbone deterioration. One major issue that people are unaware of is the damage that is done to your jawbone over time if you have a missing tooth or teeth. Your bone can actually wear away over time. Dental implants help to maintain the density of your jawbone and avoid deterioration.
The dental implant placement process begins with a trip to Nova Dental. If you have a damaged tooth, you’ll need to set an appointment so the tooth can be examined. Your dentist will do everything they can to save the tooth or at least save as much of the tooth as possible. If the tooth cannot be saved, it will need to be extracted. From there, you can discuss replacement options like dental implants.
If your tooth has been knocked out or has fallen out and you are able to retrieve it, you should immediately visit an emergency dentist with the tooth to see if it can be re-inserted. Do not touch the root of the tooth! If you are able to, put the tooth back in the socket. The dentist may be able to re-insert the tooth. If not, you’ll need a tooth replacement.
The process of having a dental implant placed involves the installation of a titanium rod into the jawbone. Once it has been installed, there will be a healing period where the rod fuses to the jawbone. When the dental implant is secure, your dentist will place the dental crown via an abutment. You’ll then have your new replacement!
Once you’ve had your dental implants placed, you’ll need to take proper care of your oral health to ensure their longevity. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing every day, twice a day. Even though the dental crown is a prosthetic, your gums and the surrounding teeth are not. They need to be properly cared for.
You’ll also want to have an appointment scheduled every six months for a cleaning and checkup. This will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. It also gives your dentist the opportunity to recognize any issues with the prosthetic or implant so they can be addressed.
Make sure you follow all of the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist after you’ve had your dental implant or implants placed.
People often believe dental crowns and implants are the same thing. They are not. Over time, the crown will wear and need to be replaced. Dental crowns generally last around 10 to 15 years, but they can last longer if well cared for.
Dental implants themselves can last a very long time. For some patients, they last a lifetime. This is if you continue to take care of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. With proper care, you’ll find dental implants are a one-time cost with lifetime benefits.
If dental implants aren’t the best option, your dentist will recommend other replacement options. These may include a dental bridge or dentures. Dentures are a more affordable option and often do not require any installation for placement. Dental bridges require the reshaping of a healthy tooth or teeth in order to place.
While dentures are often the most affordable option, they also aren’t as secure and do not provide the same amount of bite support as other replacement options. Dental bridges offer more support than dentures, but they aren’t as secure as dental implants.
Speak with your dentist to see which replacement option best meets your budget and specific needs.
If you have a tooth that has fallen out or been knocked out, or you need a tooth extracted, reach out to Nova Dental. We’ll take a look and see what replacement option is best to meet your needs. If your dentist decides you are a candidate for dental implants, we’ll discuss insurance coverage and costs with you. We’ll then get you in the books for an appointment to have your dental implants placed.