How Dental Bonding Guards Against Decay
Tooth decay is a severe problem, especially when you can't control it with brushing and flossing alone. Keep reading to discover how dental bonding helps protect your teeth from bacteria and decay.
As an adult, one of your biggest fears may be losing a tooth and wearing a bridge to replace it. Although a lost tooth is a cosmetic concern, it also affects the health of your jawbone. Dental implants are the only treatment for a missing tooth that provides stability to your jaw and decreases bone loss over time.
After losing an adult tooth, Dr. Gabriel Polo and the experienced team at Woodland Lakes Dental Studio in Conroe, Texas, offer dental implants as a treatment option. Dr. Polo is an experienced dentist who provides many services to brighten your smile and ensure your mouth, gums, and jaws stay healthy.
Dental implants are artificial teeth surgically placed in your mouth after the loss of a permanent tooth. Unlike a bridge or dentures, dental implants are a permanent fixture that provide a natural look.
There are different types of dental implants, including subperiosteal and endosteal. Dr. Polo places subperiosteal implants on top of your jaw instead of inside. Dr. Polo uses these implants if you don't have adequate bone to support an endosteal implant.
Endosteal implants are more common than subperiosteal implants. Dr. Polo surgically places the endosteal implant into your jawbone during the procedure. Eventually, the implant fuses with your bone, reinforcing your jaw and prosthetic tooth.
You're a good candidate for dental implants if you've lost one or more teeth and have a healthy mouth and gums. Dr. Polo also evaluates your bone health to ensure your jawbone can support an implant without causing damage.
Dental implants are the best option for a missing tooth because they support a healthy jawbone. But how is this possible?
After you lose a tooth, your bone begins to break down in the empty space where your tooth was. Your other teeth may attempt to move into the open spot, causing you problems with biting, chewing, and even talking.
The only way to rectify the problem of a missing tooth is through a dental implant. Other routes like a fixed bridge or partial dentures provide a tooth to fill the void but don't do anything for your jawbone health.
Dental implants are the superior treatment because Dr. Polo secures them into your jaw. The implant process takes place over the course of multiple appointments, and after your bone bonds with the implant, he puts in your artificial tooth.
When your bone bonds with the implant, it ensures that you won't have bone breakdown from your missing tooth, as you would with a bridge or dentures.
A strong jawbone is necessary as it provides your teeth with stability and is necessary for chewing your food and talking. Essentially, a dental implant is indiscernible from your other teeth and provides you with the best bite health of all the alternatives.
Although the dental implant process can take months, it's the best option for your jaw health and smile. You should consider dental implants if you're missing one or more teeth and you fit the following criteria:
An important consideration in the dental implant process is whether you can commit to multiple appointments over a period of time. It takes time for your bone to bond with the implant, which is why the process takes so long. If you're willing to commit to the time frame, you'll be happy with the results.
If you're interested in learning more about dental implants, call our office today to request an appointment with Dr. Polo or book a consultation online.
