CONSEQUENCES OF NON-TREATMENT
1. IN A HEALTHY, FULL JAW, ALL OUR TEETH ARE HELD SECURELY IN THE JAWBONE.
Disease, decay or trauma may lead to tooth loss. If a lost tooth is not immediately replaced, the surrounding bone begins to collapse and shrink.
Normal jaw with all teeth intact
Jaw with single tooth lost
2. WITH NO ADJACENT SUPPORT, THE NEIGHBORING TEETH BEGIN TO DRIFT TOWARD THE AREA OF THE MISSING TOOTH.
The amount of bone loss and the pattern of drifting will vary depending on the individual and the location of tooth loss. The drifting of one tooth may lead to the drifting of several teeth, resulting in a significant amount of movement.
Adjacent teeth drift toward the gap
Additional teeth continue to drift
3. THEREFORE LOSING A TOOTH BECOMES MUCH MORE THAN ONLY A COSMETIC PROBLEM.
Periodontal disease may begin to form after your teeth have drifted and erupted, because it becomes difficult to properly clean your gums and reach all the pockets in those areas. This may lead to tooth decay, receding gums, and further tooth loss.
Remaining teeth are hard to clean and more prone to disease
Further decay and tooth loss can occur
DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT
IF YOU HAVE LOST A SINGLE TOOTH, YOU HAVE VARIOUS TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTIONS TO CONSIDER.
Traditional treatments include a single tooth partial denture, resin bonded bridge or fixed bridge.
Partial Denture: A major consequence of this option is the bone loss that occurs due to the absence of the natural tooth root. Biting forces will cause the partial to move and shift because its design lacks a secure connection. Many partial denture wearers may also experience discomfort and gum irritation.
Resin bonded bridge: A high speed drill is used to cut into the back of the neighboring teeth. The prosthesis is then attached to the back of your natural teeth. With the absence of the natural tooth root the bone above the crown begins to shrink. Everyday biting forces will also begin to apply opposing pressures that will loosen the bond over time.
Fixed bridge: A high speed drill shaves down a significant amount of the neighboring teeth’s natural structure. This prepares the teeth for the fitting of a fabricated 3 unit bridge that is cemented in place. However, resulting bone loss and plaque buildup commonly lead to further tooth loss and other complications.
DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE A MORE ADVANCED TREATMENT THAT FEELS AND FUNCTIONS LIKE YOUR NATURAL TEETH, WITHOUT THE BONE LOSS THAT RESULTS FROM OTHER TREATMENTS.
A dental implant replaces the natural tooth root with a long-lasting titanium screw that is inserted into the bone. An abutment is secured to the implant and a crown is secured to the abutment. The dental implant option closely mimics the design and function of your natural tooth..
The dental implant is the most secure option with a solid foundation of bone that keeps it stable, withstanding the forces of biting and chewing. An implant feels and functions like a natural tooth.
