A tooth breaks due to injury or disease. Trauma can come in the form of an accident or excessive biting force. The disease is usually tooth decay or periodontal disease [gum disease], but there are other categories such as cancer and various neoplasms of the jaw, which can result in tooth loss. Studies show that more than 50% of the population is missing one or more teeth. Trauma usually causes the loss of one of the front teeth. It clearly affects one’s health. Fortunately, an experienced Best Dental Implant Melbourne specialist can usually remove the remaining root, place the dental implants Melbourne, and secure a new tooth for that implant in an hour or two visit. Loss of a single posterior tooth is usually due to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Sometimes it can be treated in the same way as front teeth but it often takes longer for various reasons.
Often the treatment for missing back teeth is as follows:
- Removal of damaged tooth and grafting of root socket. Then wait 4 months
- The placement of a dental implant to replace the root of a missing tooth. Then wait 4 to 6 months
- A record of making an abutment on a dental implant and making a crown to replace a missing tooth. Then wait 3 weeks
- Permanent attachment of the abutment to the implant and cementation of the crown to the abutment.
Multiple missing teeth usually follow a single missing tooth. Every time a tooth is lost and not replaced; it accelerates the process of further tooth loss. Since many teeth are lost, all the problems associated with missing teeth are exaggerated. But there are additional concerns. This will include but not be limited to:
Decrease of vertical dimension- Many back teeth are lost, mouth loses its support when we close, chin is brought closer to the nose. This results in deep folds at the corners of the mouth and thinning of the lips. It can easily extend one’s appearance by 10 to 20 years.
Bone Loss- Our upper and lower jaw bones have only one natural purpose; Support for the roots of our teeth. When the root is lost, the bone begins to dissolve like a muscle that is not being used. This results in further loss of facial support and can make it impossible to wear prostheses such as dentures. This can make dental implant placement more challenging.
Inability to chew food properly- The mouth is the first in a series of organs designed to absorb and digest food. The more food we can chew, the better the whole system works. Mother was not wrong when she advised us all to eat slowly and chew well.
Inability to eat a healthy diet – As more and more teeth fall out, it becomes difficult to eat a balanced diet. Important foods such as raw vegetables and nuts become impossible to eat and we lose many of the vitamins and minerals they provide.
The inability to eat the foods we enjoy—corn on the cob, ribs, steak, fajitas, etc.—makes it impossible. Many people don’t realize that being able to eat whatever they want means it’s too late for them.
Embarrassment – There is a social stigma associated with missing teeth. Many people simply stop smiling or hide their smiles with their hands. This is unfortunate because we know very few people who lost teeth because they wanted to. Everyone has their own story and all or sad.
