When an extraction is necessary, it’s because the structure of the tooth is too weak to support a crown or restoration, or it may be due to the bone loss and periodontal disease within the supporting gingival tissue. Bacteria often goes unnoticed under crowns, bridges or within root canaled teeth, unless x-rays are taken. When the bacteria harbors for long enough, it will literally eat away at the bone structure.
If a tooth is removed and not replaced with an implant, denture or bridge, several adverse reactions begin to take place. The first is that the facial structures can change. As individuals age, the facial contours that once supported the lips and cheeks can change with muscle atrophy and the effects of gravity, but when there is added tooth loss, the facial structures change drastically. The outcomes are an increased aging effect with noticeable sagging and gaunt like features.
This may seem superficial, but there is an underlying cause that increases health risks and disorders. The underlying cause is bone loss. When a tooth is extracted, the alveolar sac (bone socket) begins to degenerate, and the surrounding jaw structure will as well.
The degeneration of bone is caused by lack of contact of the teeth. When healthy teeth are correctly abutting against each other, it creates pressure and friction on the teeth and surrounding bone. This pressure from biting and occluding teeth helps to regenerate bone daily, keeping teeth and the jawbone healthy.
A missing tooth will affect the dentition
When teeth are missing, and there is nothing for the other teeth to bite against, this is when bone loss takes place, and it can happen quite rapidly in both the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) jawbone. Consequently, the occluding teeth will either drop down or lift out of the bone, to try and adequately occlude with their natural bite. If this happens, a patient could potentially lose multiple teeth, because they will become loose and be subjected to bacteria deep within the gumline.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the ideal resolution; it’s optimal to have an implant (titanium post and porcelain crown) placed. In addition to preventing bone loss and facial contour changes, if you leave an open space between teeth, the proximal teeth will shift, trying to fill in the interproximal space.
Dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple teeth. Implants are also a remarkable solution for holding in a permanent bridge or as an anchor(s) for dentures.
If there is significant bone loss, bone grafts can help to regenerate the bone that’s been compromised and assure that the implants are securely supported.
Periodontal Disease
A six- year study, followed patients who had lost more than one tooth, and evaluated their prevalence of periodontal disease. The study, titled “Periodontitis in US Adults” was published in JADA (Journal of the American Dental Association) and the ada.org.
The results were as follows, 42% of the individuals developed periodontal disease. 7.8% had severe periodontitis. These patients also had deep probing measurements of 4 mm or greater and tissue attachment loss.
Dental health and proactive measures are essential. Staying on top of your dental health through cleanings, x-rays, and dental examinations are critical to avoid in-depth procedures and to maintain a healthy mouth that’s free of decay, bacteria, and oral cancer. There are multiple treatment options; however, if you need to replace missing teeth, getting dental implants is the best solution for overall health.
Caring Dentistry of Naples
At Caring Dentistry of Naples, we are a genuine team of dental professionals that always strive to treat our patients with love and kindness. Dr. Dianelis Blanco values excellent communication, which helps guide you to the right treatments to meet your individual needs. We are committed to helping you feel at home and do everything possible to help you have an excellent dental experience.
We provide general dentistry, cosmetic, surgical, restorative, and advanced technology, and software to offer the best solutions and treatment outcomes for our patients.
We welcome you to our dental office and look forward to helping you learn to love your smile. You are welcome to browse through our website to learn more about our services for dental care in Naples, Florida, and we invite you to feel free to call us with any questions. Schedule an appointment with our dentist today and let us be the reason you smile!
Please call Caring Dentistry of Naples at (239) 455-1044.