Why You Always Need to Consider a Replacement When You Lose a Tooth

Dentist Blog

Rumours abound that the dental industry is on the verge of discovering an all-natural way to regenerate teeth within the mouth. While this may sound like utopia for those who don't particularly like visiting the dentist, it may be some way off. Until that time, some people are still going to suffer the loss of a tooth for one reason or another and need to think about their functionality without it. Why should they always consider getting a replacement?

Function and Appearance

A few generations ago, when extraction was even more routine, talk of replacement was relatively rare. It was just assumed that you would carry on without anything in that space and that this would be okay. Nevertheless, each tooth is part of a larger structure that's not only intended to help you process food efficiently, but also to support the bones and appearance of the face. In short, if you want to smile and talk and simply look your best, you really should have all your teeth.

If you have had a molar extracted from the back of the mouth, then the other teeth will start to move inward to take up the space left by the missing one. As this happens, the bone that surrounds the area will lose some of its mass, the facial structure will be affected, and you will have difficulty chewing.

What About a Bridge?

At one time, removable dentures and bridges were the first choice when trying to replace a missing tooth. While these are still used and are often successful, it's more popular today to pick a dental implant instead.

Why an Implant Is Better

An implant is a popular choice because it is actually anchored to the bone, making it extremely strong. A titanium post is usually inserted, and this is well accepted by the body, resulting in an extremely strong base on which to put the new crown. You may expect this solution to last for a very long time and possibly even the rest of your life, unlike removable dentures which will have to be updated occasionally.

If you choose a bridge, the dentist will have to work on the teeth that are either side of the gap to ensure that they are in a condition to accept and support the bridge itself. However, the alternative implant does not require any work to the other teeth.

Choosing an Implant

You may find that an implant is the best solution for you, not only due to its strength and stability, but also because it looks perfectly natural and feels like the original tooth. It may also be more cost efficient when spread over time. Contact a dentist for more information about dental implants.

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21 June 2018

Dental Health: Not To Be Taken For Granted

As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.