What are the results of tooth loss?
Tooth loss can be a devastating, frustrating and highly inconvenient experience. Tooth loss – depending on which tooth or teeth have been lost – can result in the impairment of normal, everyday activities that normally people are not even aware of. Tooth loss can impair chewing, and biting: it can make eating an uncomfortable and even painful experience. It can also have an impact on speech, primarily if the front teeth are lost.
Moreover, if more than one tooth is lost – and not replaced – it can affect the bone density of the jawbone, and negatively impact the gingiva (gum) and the tissues surrounding. Generally, the more time someone spends with a missing tooth, the higher and more irreversible is the consequent collateral damage. If you have lost one or more of your teeth, book a consultation appointment at High Dental Implants Melbourne to find out about possible treatments.
What can cause tooth loss?
Children between the age of approximately 6 and 13 years go through a process of natural tooth loss, where the deciduous teeth – also known colloquially as primary teeth, baby teeth, milk teeth or temporary teeth – are lost to give space to the growing permanent teeth. The problems begin, when these permanent teeth are lost at an adult age. Various risk factors contribute to tooth loss. One of its main causes are diets high in simple sugars. Bacteria in the oral cavity feed on such sugars, and produce organic acids as a side product of their metabolism. If these acids are allowed to accumulate, they can progressively dissolve the mineral content of the teeth, eventually resulting in cavities.
Tooth decay if left untreated can result in tooth loss as well. Another issue associated with oral bacteria is gum disease. If the oral bacteria overgrow, they can cause the chronic inflammation of the gum tissue, which if left untreated can severely damage the gums resulting in the loosening of teeth and their eventual loss. Another important risk factor is contact sports and other activities that can result in dental injury. Regardless of the cause, if you have lost a tooth or more teeth, the best is to seek treatment at High Dental Implants Melbourne as soon as possible.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are innovative treatments for tooth loss. They are metal appliances, which have a screw-like appearance. They are made out of titanium, a special metal which the body recognises as if it was its own tissue, and thus integrates it into tissues – including the jawbone – surrounding the implant. This process is called osseointegration. The fact that dental implants get integrated into the jawbone has numerous implications. First of all, successfully integrated dental implants are very strong and resilient to the enormous pressure exerted on them by chewing. Secondly, if dental implants are integrated successfully, they can prevent the damage and disintegration of the jawbone and the gum, which is very important and beneficial. Note: as every surgical procedure, the implantation of dental implants also involves some risks. Consult your dentist to find out what the risks are, and whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants based on your clinical history, allergies, etc.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
