Modern dental patients have access to more restorative and tooth replacement treatments than ever before. Our Glendale dentists are here to help you learn about your options, and, ultimately, choose the type of replacement tooth that works for you.
Tooth loss can occur a number of reasons, including:
- Accident or trauma
Vehicular and sporting accidents can both cause sudden tooth loss. That is why it is so important that you wear any recommended protective mouth guards while playing contact sports.
- Periodontal disease
Infected gum tissue can become so severe that it starts to deteriorate the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
- Jawbone deterioration
Tooth and gum infections can even spread to the patient’s jawbone. As the tissue wears away, the sockets that hold your tooth root become weak.
Tooth replacement options, generally speaking, fall into one of two categories:
- Sit on top of the tissue
Traditional tooth replacement treatments are removable and they are designed to sit on the gums. Bridges, for example, are placed on top of the gums and then held in place with brackets that attach to adjacent teeth. An upper or lower denture replaces a full complement of missing teeth. Your stays in place because the base of the denture is molded to fit your gum tissue, specifically. Sometimes patients use dental adhesives to achieve a better fit.
- Permanently embedded in the jawbone
Thanks to the advent of dental implant technology, our dental team is able to replace the tooth root in addition to the visible crown. A small titanium screw that extends into your jawbone will be the replacement root. Then, we attach your restoration, which is shaded, shaped, and sized to look natural for you. Excitingly, implant screws can also be used in conjunction with dentures, to make them permanent.
It is crucial that you seek prompt treatment for tooth loss; doing so will greatly decrease your likelihood of developing secondary oral health problems. Give our Glendale dental implant dentists a call to schedule a personal consultation!