Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

What Happens When Your Smile is Missing Teeth?

The most immediate consequence of tooth loss is that, depending on the teeth that are missing, you may find it harder to bite or chew food. If the esthetic of your smile is affected, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance.

A possible consequence would be teeth misalignment. This happens very gradually, but over time can result in significant shifting, which in turn has negative consequences for the health of your teeth and gums.

Additionally, over a long period of time, the jawbone could lose density. This happens because bone requires the stimulus of pressure to keep renewing and repairing itself. For teeth, the pressure comes from biting and chewing actions. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath no longer receives that stimulus, so over time it loses density. This impacts oral health and affects the way your face looks too.

Your Options for Tooth Replacement

To replace missing teeth, patients have the choice between three options: dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Each of these options has some benefits and drawbacks and is generally suitable for specific situations.

Dentures are an inexpensive non-surgical option. The denture is a dental device made of acrylic resin, with tooth restorations fused to a mouth plate. Some foods are off-limits with dentures, as chewy and tough foods may put stress on the device and cause breakage.

A bridge is another non-surgical option that’s relatively inexpensive. This is a permanent and non-removable dental device that can replace up to 3 missing teeth. It’s a convenient option, as the bridge can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth.

Dental implants are the most costly option and require minor surgery. However, while these can be considered drawbacks, implants have some important advantages. They look and function just like natural teeth and are the only tooth-replacement option that prevents loss of bone density in the jaw.

Talk to Your Dentist for Advice

If you’re missing teeth, tooth restoration can be life-changing. Talk to your dentist for more information about your tooth replacement options and for advice on which options are suited to your needs.

Ruben Alvarez

Alvarez Solutions is a leading provider of dental practice management solutions with personalize coaching techniques. Whether you are just starting with your dental practice and need help to establish your business, or you are an experienced dentist who wants to revive the practice and improve revenue and reputation. Coaching Staff Training, Patient Management, PR Support, Billing and Insurance Support, Doctor and Hygiene Department Development.

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For Good General Health, Take Great Care of Your Gums

Why is Gum Health so Important?

Gum tissue has some important functions. It surrounds the roots of teeth, forming a protective seal that helps to prevent infection. They also help to anchor teeth in place and act as a shock absorber that protects deep oral tissues from damage.

Gum disease develops when bacteria begin to grow along the gum line, typically as a result of poor oral hygiene. If this growth progresses to an infection, it causes gum inflammation, bleeding, and tenderness; this early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Bacteria cause further damage by depositing plaque, an acidic substance that hardens into tartar over the course of several days. Tartar deposits contribute to further inflammation and are difficult to remove.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria starts to grow beneath the gum line, causing gum tissue to break down. This causes teeth to loosen in their sockets and eventually lead to tooth loss. An advanced infection may spread to the teeth themselves and to the jawbone beneath.

Gum disease affects more than just oral health—it also contributes to risk for heart attack in people with cardiovascular disease as well as make it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar. It’s not yet clear why this is the case, but it’s certain that gum disease does pose some general health risks. So, it’s more important than ever to take good care of your gums as well as your teeth.

Preventing and Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease can be serious, but it’s a disease that is easy to prevent. Good oral hygiene, with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, is the best prevention, along with a nutritious low-sugar diet. Regular dental visits are vital too, as they ensure that your teeth and gums are free from plaque and tartar.

In the early stages of gum disease, the effects can be reversed by paying strict attention to oral hygiene, and with professional cleaning to remove any tartar deposits from teeth.

Even if gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it’s still treatable with professional dental care, but additional treatment is needed. For more advanced cases of gum disease, treatments called scaling and root planing are used. Scaling is a treatment in which dental instruments are used to remove tartar from teeth above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the roots of teeth to make it harder for bacteria to grow.

Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy for Life

Good at-home oral health care is your first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay, but it’s important to see your dentist regularly too. Regular checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your life.

Ruben Alvarez

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Tips for Optimal At-Home Dental Care

You may visit the dentist twice a year, but that’s not enough complete your oral health regimen. How you care for your teeth at home plays a major role in the longevity of your smile

It’s true that your dentist is the only one who can remove stubborn tartar from teeth and diagnose any oral health concerns, but you can also contribute to your cause by practicing a few tips for optimal at-home dental care!

1. Brush and floss regularly

It may seem obvious, but brushing properly and flossing regularly is what will give you a clean bill of health the next time you head to the dentist’s office. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Doing so keeps bacteria from penetrating your tooth enamel and gums.

2. Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash

It’s not always necessary to use an oral rinse, but adding one to your oral hygiene routine can improve the health of your teeth even more. Mouthwash destroys any bacteria left on your teeth after brushing and flossing and gives your mouth an added clean feeling once you’ve used it. Non-alcoholic mouthwashes keep the mouth from drying out, avoiding issues like decay.

3. Eat the right diet

What you put into your body can dictate the health and durability of your teeth. Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can increase the strength of your tooth enamel and keep cavities at bay. Other foods, like fruits and vegetables, act as edible toothbrushes that scrape off plaque and bacteria as you chew. A healthy balance of the right foods can significantly improve the condition of your teeth.

4. Avoid the wrong diet

If a balanced diet improves your oral health, then it only makes sense that an unhealthy diet will do the opposite. Consuming lots of sugar whether it’s soda, candy or juice is a recipe for plaque, tartar, and cavities over time. If you do consume sugary foods, it’s important to brush and floss regularly to avoid oral health problems in the future, but it’s best to limit your consumption of these foods overall.

5. Use your teeth for chewing only!

Eliminating plaque and tartar from your teeth is only one part of maintaining your smile. Your teeth are prone to damage just like any other part of your body, which is why you should only use them for their intended purpose - chewing! Using your teeth as tools for opening wrappers or unscrewing bottle caps can cause them to chip and crack, which is not only cosmetically unappealing but can lead to health issues in the future.

The better you care for your teeth at home, the easier your bi-annual dental appointments will be! Not only will your dentist appreciate your diligence, but your teeth will thank you, too! If you would like more information about the best ways to care for your teeth at home, contact our Danville dental practice and schedule an appointment!