Los Angeles dentist explains the benefits of tooth replacement with dental implants

You lost a tooth, or several teeth. Now what? The worst thing you can do is nothing, because that little space in your smile will have a big impact on your appearance and oral health. The best answer is to see an experienced Los Angeles dentist. Here at Downtown Dental, we offer several options, and will explain the benefits and disadvantaged of each so that you can make an informed decision.

Dental implants are usually the treatment of choice for several reasons. They can:

• Help prevent premature facial aging
• Stabilize adjacent teeth
• Preserve bone health
• Last a lifetime
• Improve chewing efficiency

What happens when you lose a tooth?

If the gap is visible, you are probably most concerned about the cosmetic consequences. For the loss of a back tooth, you might be bothered most by difficulties chewing. In either case, the full effects of untreated tooth loss are much greater than what you see and feel. Here is what happens:

• In the first few months, injury to the bone and gums will heal. Some degree of gum recession is apparent early on. The missing tooth root leaves a tissue deficit, so the area appears to shrink.
• Bone cells in the area become less active. They are normally stimulated by the tooth root, which absorbs pressure every time you bite down. Much like exercise makes muscles strong, activity of the tooth root triggers bone regeneration and strengthening. Without this stimulus, the bone actually begins melting away, a process known as resorption.
• Teeth on either side of the gap are subjected to a disproportionate amount of bite force. Meanwhile, bone mass in the area is decreasing, and there is no longer a neighboring tooth for support. The combination of factors causes teeth to lean towards the gap.
• For many of the same reasons mentioned above, coupled with changes in chewing patterns, some remaining teeth are subject to excess wear and tear, or an increased risk of fracturing and other damage.
• Cumulatively, the loss of bone and gum tissue, along with worn or leaning teeth, can present a significant change in facial structure. When resting, the jaw might close farther than its natural position, compressing the lower part of the face. Visible effects can include wrinkles, sagging or bunching skin, and changes in the facial profile. Unseen – but often felt – effects include strain on the jaw joint, also known as TMJ (temporomandibular joint), which can cause facial pain, headaches, and more.

Comparing tooth replacement options

Will a restoration help you avoid the problems discussed above? If you choose dental implants, the answer is an unequivocal “yes.” Other options will improve oral health but may not address the full spectrum of tooth-loss related concerns.

Popular restorative treatments include:

• Classic dentures – If you want a fast, economical solution that can easily be upgraded later, this is it. Full dentures cover an entire arch, usually held stable by suction force against the mouth. Partials replace only a few teeth and attach to other teeth. In either case, the appliance is removable, so you can easily get implants or possibly a bridge later. The mobility of dentures is also their greatest disadvantage. The appliance might slip or feel uncomfortable, and it will not prevent bone resorption.
• Bridgework – This is an option if you have a small number of missing teeth. The bridge is a porcelain replacement tooth, attached to dental crowns, which are placed on adjacent teeth holding it in place. The process is relatively fast and affordable, and the result looks natural. A bridge is completely stable, eliminating worries of slippage. The disadvantage to this option is that crown preparation requires permanent tooth alteration. Like dentures, a bridge will not stop bone resorption.
• Implants – Small but mighty, a dental implant is nothing more than a post, about the size of a tooth root. It is implanted in the jawbone during a minor oral surgery and serves the same function as a tooth root. One or several implants can be placed, and they can support a variety of custom-made porcelain restorations, including specially designed crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants are the only restoration that replaces tooth roots, and therefore, the only options that helps stop resorption of the bone. This treatment most effectively replicates the functionality, health, and appearance of natural teeth. The disadvantage is that treatment may take longer, because the bone needs time to attach itself to the implant. However, with good oral health, implants can be a “once and done” solution, possibly lasting a lifetime.

Although we highly recommend implants, we understand that our patients have varying needs. Therefore, we also offer bridges and dentures, along with a full spectrum of other dental services. Let our experienced team help you rediscover the joy of smiling with confidence. Call us at 213-863-9464 and schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.

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