I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Do you remember the old days of dentistry, where tooth extraction was an endgame in itself? If you were unfortunate enough to suffer extensive decay in a tooth, the dentist may have had no alternative but to remove it, but there was little talk of any replacement. Today, you not only have a variety of options, but also the dentist will recommend that you take action to replace. Why is this important?
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth
Dentists know now that when any tooth is removed completely from the mouth, subtle changes start to happen. The bone that was supporting and stabilising the tooth specifically will now be effectively "redundant." It will start to disappear, in a process known as resorption. Essentially, the tissue in this area will start to dissolve and won't be able to provide the same type of support as it did before. This process does take some time to happen, and when it does so it can affect the positioning of the teeth that remain around the "gap." It can also, very subtly, affect the structure of your face in that area and your ability to bite and chew as well as before.
While the effects will not be dramatic and instantly noticeable, over the years there will be repercussions. There is a reason, after all, that people have a full set of teeth and it's not a good idea to simply live without some.
What You Should Do
A skilled dentist and technician can prevent all of this from happening by designing, creating and implanting a post and crown. When done skillfully, the replacement tooth will look just as natural as the teeth surrounding it and be fully functional. When the space that was created by the extraction is filled, the effects of bone resorption will be minimised.
The modern-day dentist has access to a wide variety of tools and diagnostic equipment, to augment their high levels of skill. They are able to very precisely position the titanium post, which will ultimately accept the new crown. While the procedure does take some time to finalise, as the post needs to "set" and be absorbed into the bone structure, it's well worth while.
Scheduling the Work
If you want to maintain full functionality and aesthetic, then you always need to consider replacing any teeth that may be lost. No matter how long ago you had a tooth extracted, have a word with your dentist soon to see how they can help you.
For more information about tooth replacement and dentures, contact a local professional.
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