Just about everyone loses their baby teeth around the ages of six or seven. As time goes on, accidents occur and fillings break, causing the tooth structure to weaken. When this happens, it can put your tooth at risk of falling out and being lost forever.
However, if your tooth is still intact and you want to save it for as long as possible, there are a few things you can do right away. Keep reading to find out what they are so you can be one step ahead this tooth-loss curve.
What Causes Tooth Structure Loss?
Tooth structure loss occurs when parts of the tooth are broken off or degraded. It is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and physical injury. Poor oral hygiene and diet supply the necessary environment for destructive bacteria to attack and degrade the enamel, dentin, and inner pulp of the tooth.
Physical trauma can cause chipping and cracking as well as knocking out parts of the tooth. Poor oral hygiene can result from inadequate brushing and flossing, which allow plaque and bacteria to build up and weaken the protective layers of the teeth.
Poor diet, such as consuming too many acidic products and sugary snacks, can also lead to erosion of protective layers. With each bout of tooth structure loss, the potential for more serious oral health complications increases and can ultimately lead to extraction of the tooth.
The Benefits of Treating Lost Tooth Structure
Treating lost tooth structure is one of the most important dental procedures for maintaining oral health. Not only does it help maintain a healthy smile, it also eliminates pain and discomfort, as well as minimizing future problems.
The benefits of replacing and rebuilding lost tooth structure significantly outweigh the cost of treatment. For starters, it promotes better oral hygiene by helping to remove plaque and protect against decay. It also repairs damaged and decayed teeth, helping to restore their appearance and function.
Lastly, it helps maintain the integrity of the jaw, preventing or delaying the need for a dental bridge or implant. All in all, the benefits of treating lost tooth structure far outweigh the costs and can help prevent other costly and potentially painful problems in the future.
How Can a Dentist Replace Lost Tooth Structure?
There are many types of tooth replacement options available to those who are missing teeth due to extraction, injury or other causes. These options range from the following:
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are one of the popular top tier tooth replacement options typically used to fix visible teeth that have imperfections. These veneers are wafer-thin shells of inorganic materials, usually porcelain and resin, that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth.
The veneers are specifically designed to resemble the appearance of natural and healthy teeth. Dental veneers are often prescribed for teeth that have chips, cracks, discoloration, misalignment, or to change the shape and length of teeth.
When the veneers are properly installed and maintained, they can last for many years, reducing the need for touch-ups or replacements. Consult a dentist for veneers if this is the right option for you.
Bridges
A bridge is a form of tooth replacement option used to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dental bridges are permanent and fixed, meaning they can’t be removed like a partial denture.
Bridges are held in place by abutments, which are the healthy teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. They are typically made from porcelain or composite materials and are custom-made to fit seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
There are several different types of dental bridges that can be used to replace a missing tooth, such as traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are one of the most popular types of tooth replacement options available. They are an artificial replacement root made of small titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jaw.
Once implanted, the implants act like a natural tooth root and can support a fixed bridge, denture, or even a single crown. Dental implants provide the most natural look and feel of all the tooth replacement options, and have the advantage of being longer lasting than bridges or dentures.
The process of getting a dental implant typically takes multiple visits, but once it is completed, it is a permanent solution to tooth loss and helps to maintain the shape and alignment of the surrounding teeth.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings (also known as ‘white fillings’) are a current and popular type of tooth replacement option. As the name suggests, tooth colored fillings are made of a mixture of materials and have a natural tooth-like appearance.
These types of fillings can be used to repair cavities, chips, cracked teeth, as well as to replace large and old silver fillings. Tooth colored fillings are versatile, and they can also be used to cosmetically enhance the overall appearance of one’s smiles.
Additionally, tooth colored fillings can last up to 15 years with proper care. For optimal dental care, patients should practice brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings. This not only helps maintain healthy teeth and gums but also keeps your tooth colored fillings intact and in good condition.
All-porcelain Crowns
All-porcelain crowns are dental restoration options used in replacing damaged or decayed teeth. All-porcelain crowns provide a strong, elegant, and natural looking restoration due to its superior material.
The durability and aesthetics of all-porcelain crowns provide superior dental care, replacing the missing pieces of the tooth and helping to restore the patient’s smile. All-porcelain crowns are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but they should always be considered in conjunction with other types of dental restorations.
This option allows dentists to customize the crown to match the patient’s natural teeth and offer physical strength and stability for daily oral use. It require several visits to the dentist and considerations when compared to other replacement options.
Explore How to Replace a Lost Tooth Structure
A dentist is an expert at rebuilding lost tooth structure through a variety of procedures. A dentist can use composite fillings, bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and implants to help restore your smile and keep your teeth healthy.
If you have lost some tooth structure, contact your local dentist to discuss your options.
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