A dentist will usually suggest a dental implants restoration when a patient is missing a tooth. Read on to learn more about how dental implants work. Dental implants are screw-like titanium metal posts embedded in the jawbone to replicate the lost tooth root. The implant supports a restoration like a dental crown or bridge and helps to preserve the jawbone from deterioration.
The following are situations where a dentist might recommend a dental implant restoration:
It is possible to reattach a knocked-out tooth if patients visit the dentist soon after the incident occurs. However, reattachment might not be feasible if the damage caused the tooth to break into several parts. In this situation, the dentist might suggest replacing the tooth with a dental implant restoration. Implants are the closest match to natural teeth available and prevent the bone deterioration that often occurs after a tooth falls out.
The implant is placed inside the socket of the lost tooth, and within a few months, it fuses with the bone tissues. Afterward, a dental crown is placed over the implant via the abutment. The implant restoration looks and functions like a natural tooth without any special maintenance requirement.
Root canal therapy is done to treat an infected tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other areas and become life-threatening. Root canals eliminate the infected tissues inside the tooth to stop infection. However, when the infection is severe and there is a risk of infection spread (when the chances of success with root canal treatment are low), the dentist may suggest removing the tooth. The next decision would be to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant.
Tooth decay damages the tooth’s structure. If the tooth is severely decayed or has been filled too many times, there might not be enough healthy structure left to support a dental crown. The next step would be to remove the tooth and put a dental implant restoration in its stead.
As mentioned earlier, root canals save a tooth from extraction. A treated tooth has a good chance of surviving over the long term, but the tooth might get reinfected in rare cases. The dentist can treat the tooth again or recommend extracting the tooth altogether. Removing the tooth means a replacement will be required.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Severe gum infection breaks down the tissues supporting the tooth, causing loose teeth and gum recession. Without prompt intervention, it might be too late to save the tooth. The teeth may fall out on their own or need to be removed during treatment. One of the replacement options to consider is a dental implant.
It is necessary to replace a tooth when it is lost or extracted to restore the smile. If you have a gap between your teeth, you can talk to our dentist to know if they will recommend getting a dental implant restoration.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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