What are dental implants used for?
Dental implants Herefordshire are used to replace teeth which are missing. They are created with three parts including a titanium screw (which is commonly implanted into the jawbone), an abutment (this is a metal rod which is used to connect the screw to the crown or denture) and a crown or denture (which is the visible part of the dental implant).
Here at Warrendale Dental we come across patients from a wide variety of walks of life. Of course, people are different from one another and these differences can contribute to our dental health as well as other areas of our overall wellbeing. For those with missing teeth, this can be affected by genetics as well as more commonly known issues. Depending on your personal needs and history, as well as the cause of the missing tooth, we may recommend dental implants Herefordshire as a treatment option for you to consider. Let’s explore some different causes of missing teeth.
Missing teeth
Missing teeth, as stated above, can be a common dental issue that affects people of all ages. While there are several reasons why you might lose your teeth, some causes are more common than others. Some can be prevented or delayed with treatment, and some cannot.
Tooth decay and cavities are some of the leading causes of missing teeth. When left untreated, cavities can penetrate deep into the tooth and cause damage to the pulp. In some cases, this can lead to infection and eventual tooth loss. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is another common cause of missing teeth. When plaque and bacteria build up along the gum line, it can cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss as the teeth become loose and fall out.
Trauma or injury to the mouth can also result in missing teeth. Whether you have experienced a blow to the mouth, a fall, or a car accident these can all cause tooth loss. When teeth are knocked out or broken, they may need to be extracted or replaced. Sometimes it is appropriate to replace teeth at extraction in some circumstances like these, and we may recommend dental implants Herefordshire in such circumstances.
Genetics can also play a part in causing missing teeth. Some people may be born with missing teeth, a condition known as hypodontia. In some cases, this can be a result of genetics, while in other cases, it may be due to environmental factors. As we age, our teeth can become more brittle and prone to decay. This can increase the risk of tooth loss, particularly if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. If you are concerned that your teeth may be becoming brittle or prone to decay, please inquire about whether we have particular advice for caring for your teeth in this situation. We may be able to direct you in oral hygiene routines which could be helpful to you, or recommend particular pastes.
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of missing teeth. When teeth are not properly cared for, plaque and bacteria can build up, leading to decay and gum disease. Over time, this can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
Can anything be done to help prevent tooth loss?
Of course, many of the issues mentioned here can be slowed or stopped by preventive treatment, good oral hygiene, or more extensive treatments such as root canals. For further advice about any of these things, or to discuss your oral hygiene routine with us and ask for tips, please contact us.
Whatever the reason is for your tooth loss, we would be delighted to see you and discuss your options for treatment, including whether dental implants may be suitable for you. Book a consultation with us to discuss these things with a full examination in mind.