Many dental concerns such as decay or harmful bacteria can be treated with simple restorative procedures such as a filling, crown, or even periodontal cleaning. Other times, however, a dental extraction may be the only viable option when it comes to preserving your smile. Though this addresses the immediate concern, it is important to recognize that you may not be out of the woods yet. In fact, not replacing a lost structure could be even more detrimental to your health. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX dentist at Smith Family Dentistry would like to inform you why it is imperative to replace your lost tooth.

Increased Risk for Future Loss

Many times, the need for an extraction arises from failed attempts at restoring a tooth due to significant decay or damage. In fact, your dentist will first attempt to address the issue with a serious of solutions, starting with a bacterial removal and composite filling. If this will not work, the next step is to consider a dental crown, or a root canal treatment if the infection has spread to the inner pulp of your teeth. When all of these efforts fail, only then will an extraction be considered.

Once the structure is gone, however, your battle is not over just yet. Just because the diseased tooth itself is no longer present does not mean the harmful bacteria causing the problem are gone, too. Oral bacteria thrive in the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth that are warm and moist, meaning the gum line is an ideal spot to nest. If the gap in your grin is not filled, your chances of losing other teeth increases dramatically. In other words, you should consider a dental implant to replace your lost tooth and prevent further smile deterioration.

Jaw Bone Breakdown and Functional Difficulties

Every tooth is comprised of two main parts – the root and the crown. When a root is missing, the portion of the jaw that would normally house it is no longer able to perform its function, and thus begins to weaken. If this issue is not taken care of in a timely manner, significant deterioration could take place, requiring extensive treatment such as jaw bone grafting before you are even able to receive an implant. What’s more, a missing structure will cause your bite to readjust in order to accommodate for the missing structure, causing functional difficulties such as unevenness, troubles with biting, chewing, and even enunciation.

When you receive a dental implant, your dentist will begin by strategically placing a titanium implant post into the jaw to create a secure connection. This post will function as an artificial root, affording your new restoration the ability to absorb the pressure of your regular bite. After your lifelike restoration is placed, you will be good to go to enjoy the benefits of a complete smile once more.

Schedule Your Visit

For more information or to schedule your visit, contact Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX by calling 903-455-5750 today.