Even if you’ve never experienced tooth loss, you might worry about having to deal with it as you get older. If you have parents or aunts and uncles who’ve lost teeth, then you might also think it’s hereditary.
The good news is that it’s not; in fact, tooth loss isn’t an inevitable occurrence, and you have a good chance of preventing it with excellent hygiene and good preventive dental care. If you’ve already lost a tooth, then you can still effectively deal with tooth loss by replacing it and preserving the rest of your smile.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Tooth loss doesn’t happen at random, but is rather a consequence of many different issues. For instance, the most common reason for tooth loss is gum disease, which erodes your gum tissues and jawbone structure until they’re unable to support your teeth.
To prevent tooth loss, you must prevent the issues that cause it, including gum disease, by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing, flossing, and attending regular checkups and cleanings helps you control the oral bacteria that lead to most common dental issues.
Recovering from Tooth Loss
Despite your best efforts, you may still experience tooth loss due to accidental trauma, severe misalignment, or more. If you lose a tooth, then your dentist can help your smile recover by replacing it with a lifelike prosthesis—preferably, a dental implant.
When an implant is placed in your jawbone, your jawbone fuses to the post as it heals. By replacing your lost tooth root in such a fashion, the implant can preserve the surrounding jawbone structure while also preserving and improving your smile.
Your Dentist Can Help You Deal with Tooth Loss
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, then let your dentist help you deal with the loss. Learn how to rebuild your smile schedule an appointment, Call Sunnyvale Dental Care today at (408) 720-0900.