Tooth Decay And Dental Implants

According to dentists, most Americans will experience tooth decay at some point in their lives. When left untreated, tooth decay can increase, spread to other areas in the mouth or result in tooth loss. Unfortunately, loss of teeth and self-confidence is the unhappy result for many people.

And once the routine of bad oral hygiene gets started, it can be hard to halt the damage. However, dental implants can help stop the vicious cycle of decay, tooth loss, and poor oral health. Once the space or spaces are filled from missing teeth, plaque and bacteria can no longer build in the area and the function of the lost tooth is restored.

Moreover, this new tooth prevents movement from other teeth into the empty space and lets you smile confidently again!

Tooth Decay In The Past

Dentists agree that a diet high in sugar or highly refined foods can contribute to an overgrowth of bacteria which ferment into acids that erode our teeth. Once upon a time, carbohydrate was rare, refined products and sugars were non-existent and the human diet was rich in protein.

As modern culture expanded, refined products invaded our diets and people began experiencing tooth decay in greater numbers than ever before.

Even with modern dentistry, fancy toothbrushes, and flavorful tooth cleaning products, patients have still suffered the ill effects of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

Tooth Decay Today

In the past, patients visited dentists only if they needed a traumatic and painful tooth extraction. Modern day tooth extractions are nearly pain-free, but empty holes in your mouth can still create lots of problems.

Not all patients take adequate care of dental problems and many end up with bite problems, shifting of other teeth and further tooth loss. Additionally, hole created by missing teeth are magnets for food and bacteria.

Because they fill the spaces in your mouth with natural-looking replacement teeth, dental implants allow for restoration of both function and appearance.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implants process is surprisingly simple. After you have an examination by Dr. Mortensen, you will be scheduled for your implant procedure.

First the doctor will make a small incision in your gum above the appropriate area. Next, a small titanium fixture will be placed directly into your jawbone.

Then, a abutment piece is attached to the fixture. And finally, an artificial tooth or crown is attached.

The wound will be sutured and the patient is sent home to heal. In a few short months, you will be left with a beautiful new replacment tooth that looks and feels exactly like the surrounding teeth.

Dental implants aren’t just another pretty looking replacement tooth though, they also fill gaps that can trap food and bacteria, correct weak and sunken facial muscles, and help strengthen the your bite.

And forget about complicated oral hygiene or expensive cleaning products, your new implants are virtually maintenance free. If cared for properly, dental implants can last you a lifetime!