What are your options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth?

Not replacing your tooth isn’t an option

For your oral health Brisbane Dental Implant Group recommends you do not leave a gap in your smile. A gap will cause further oral health problems. These problems include jawbone degradation, crooked teeth and misaligned bite.

It can, down the track, cause further tooth loss. This is because as the bone gradually degrades it can affect the tooth roots on either side of the gap. In addition to this, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can cause jaw problems which in turn can lead to headaches, neck and even back pain.

Replacing a tooth is the healthiest option

There is nothing better for your oral health than a natural tooth. The pressure exerted when biting stimulates the jawbone helping to keep it healthy. The crown of your tooth is good for chewing, biting as well as speaking.

Replacing a tooth with implant dentistry is the best way to ensure you get the best treatment for your oral health.

The dental implant itself is inserted into your jaw to replace the tooth root. Then the crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the dental implant to give you a whole tooth replacement.

Brisbane dental implants are not just for older people

There are many reasons you can lose a tooth:

• Gum disease
• Accident/injury
• Decay

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But who hasn’t watched a game of football (league, union, AFL) and seen a player lose a tooth or two? They’re young, fit, healthier athletic types, and yet they’ve lost a tooth. It is true that with mouthguards this is not a regular occurrence, however, when this does happen, you can bet next time you see that player they won’t have a gap in their smile.

Other things that can cause tooth loss include advanced tooth decay. If your tooth is so badly decayed that a root canal is not a viable option, it may require extraction. Typically, dentists will avoid extracting a tooth, but if the tooth is dead and might potentially cause other problems, extraction may be the best option.

After a suitable healing period, you may want to consider dental implants. Unlike bridges and dentures, implant dentistry offers stability and a range of health benefits that outweigh having a dental bridge not supported by implants.

Is it ever too late to have dental implants?

When it comes to dental implants age is not – generally speaking – a factor. The biggest factor when it comes to dental implant treatment is your oral and overall health; as well as how much jawbone you have.

If you have inadequate jawbone the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Brisbane Dental Implant Group can perform bone grafting surgery to make implant dentistry viable.

To find out more about how the Brisbane Dental Implant Group can help you, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.