Over the years, several advancements have been made in dentistry to enhance the quality of care you receive while delivering superior results. One of the most revolutionary procedures involves dental implants. Now, tooth loss can be treated using a dental prosthetic that can stop the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth. This can allow you to preserve your bone to protect your oral health and facial structures with a solution that can last for a lifetime with the proper maintenance and dental care.
Stop the Complications of Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth from natural causes or due to an extraction, your underlying jawbone is no longer stimulated. As a result, it starts to lose size and density. Also, over time, your remaining natural teeth usually shift toward the open space, which may lead to overcrowding and alignment issues. This can result in an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease, while potentially leading to additional tooth loss. Your facial structures may also begin to show the signs of tooth and bone loss as sagging and wrinkles appear.
Although there are many dental prosthetics available, dental implants are the only option with the potential to stop bone loss. After a tooth has been lost, immediately placing a dental implant can stimulate the jawbone to preserve its density. This can help to ensure that your remaining natural teeth have the support they need to stay in place while also protecting your facial structures.
Choose a Biocompatible Approach
The success of dental implants involves the use of a titanium implant post, which is biocompatible, so the body often naturally accepts it. In addition, it is hypoallergenic, perfect for those with metal allergies.
After a tooth has been lost, a surgical procedure is used to place the dental implant post into the jawbone. The gum tissue is opened and a small hole is drilled into the bone. The implant post is then placed and the gum tissue is closed.
Over the course of the next several weeks, as the bone heals, it will begin to fuse to the post through a process known as osseointegration. This can allow the post to remain in place for several decades with the right care to preserve your bone. In addition, it creates a sturdy and secure foundation for the replacement tooth.
After the jawbone has healed, an abutment is attached to the post to connect the custom-made dental crown to fill the space. Together, these replace both the root and crown of the tooth using a predictable and reliable solution to treat tooth loss.
Protect Your Smile Today
If you have lost a tooth or need to have one extracted, it is often best to replace it right away to prevent damages to your oral health. Dental implants can be the ideal solution to fill the space while helping to preserve your dental health.
About Dr. L. Blaine Kennington
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington has worked in private practice since 1998 after serving as a dentist in the United States Air Force for 12 years. Due to his advanced training and exceptional qualifications, he is well-versed in an array of complex dental aspects, including dental implants. If you have questions about your options to replace missing teeth, contact Cowlitz River Dental to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Kennington, at Cowlitz River Dental, is located in Castle Rock Washington and serves patients from many surrounding communities, including Chehalis, Centralia, Toutle, Longview, Kelso, and Rainier.