At Feldmanis Family Dentistry, Eugene dentist Dr. Feldmanis often sees patients with damaged or missing teeth. Because even one missing or damaged permanent tooth can negatively impact your oral health, it’s very important to address it right away before it becomes a larger issue. Our general dentistry in Eugene offers several highly effective tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants and removable dentures. Today, we’ll discuss what can cause tooth loss and how Dr. Feldmanis can help restore your smile.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
There are many reasons why someone may lose a permanent tooth or teeth. One of the most commonplace is tooth decay, which happens when leftover food particles stimulate the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that attack the hard surface (aka the enamel) of your teeth. This can create a small hole in your tooth – a cavity. When left untreated, a cavity can lead to tooth loss as well as severe infection.
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. When excessive plaque builds up on gum tissue, they become irritated and may even bleed. This early stage is called gingivitis. As the disease progresses, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. Another common cause of damaged or lost teeth are sports injuries.
Removable Dentures
Dentures are one of the most common and affordable ways to replace missing teeth. They consist of false teeth attached to a plastic base designed to look like gums. Depending on your needs, they come in a few different options:
•Complete dentures replace all your upper and lower teeth with gum-colored plastic bases that fit snugly over your existing teeth and gums. The natural anatomy of your mouth holds them in place.
•Over dentures click into place over dental implants. This offers more stability and a better fit.
•Partial dentures only replace your missing teeth and are held in place by your natural teeth.
Since all dentures experience wear and tear over time, you’ll need to visit Dr. Feldmanis regularly to ensure they’re correctly aligned and fitted, and to ensure that your oral tissues remain healthy.
Dental Bridges
Another common tooth replacement option is a dental bridge, which attaches artificial teeth to your neighboring natural teeth. They can be made using materials such as porcelain and gold. Fitting a dental bridge usually takes Dr. Feldmanis two appointments to complete.
Bridges are semi permanent, so they can last for many years, especially when well cared for. They also provide stability for eating or speaking clearly. A dental bridge relies on its neighboring teeth for support, so a strict regime of brushing and flossing is necessary to keep it and the surrounding teeth clean.
Dental Implants
Gaining in popularity, dental implants are a more permanent alternative to dentures or bridgework. You’ll be able to eat and talk without having to worry about any slipping or shifting. That’s because the implant replaces the root of your tooth with a titanium metal post, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The post is fused to your existing bone tissue, providing a secure foundation for a replacement tooth such as a crown or bridge.
Dental implants require no alteration to adjacent teeth, look natural and are highly functional. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. Just make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene and routine appointments and cleanings with Dr. Feldmanis.
Are you interested in tooth replacement solutions to improve your smile? Contact us today to schedule an examination. We want you to enjoy the best oral health possible at our dental office in Eugene.