It goes without saying that there are a variety of concerns that pose a threat to our oral health, whether minor or major. Because of this, dentistry spans a wide range of treatments, procedures, and more to help prioritize your health and protect your natural teeth. In many situations, however, help is sought too late either due to dental anxiety or simply from a lack of knowledge about the warning signs. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist takes a look at the way that tooth loss impacts individuals in a variety of ways, and how restorative dentistry may be able to help at multiple stages in the process.
The Need for a Complete Smile
When it comes to tooth loss, many individuals focus on the negative impact it has on their smile’s appearance as the main issue. While nobody wants a noticeable gap in their grin, this is actually not the biggest area to take a hit. In fact, your oral function can suffer significantly if even a single tooth is gone.
To shed a little light on this process, we will take a look at the way your structures work together. You see, each tooth is comprised of a root and a crown. The crown helps in processes like chewing, biting, and eating, while the root affords the crown the ability to absorb the pressure of your bite without falter. This is made possible through the secure connection between your root and jaw bone.
If even a single tooth is missing, your bite readjusts to accommodate for the missing structure. As this occurs, you will begin to experience strain and difficulty in function. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.
Bridging a Gap
Because function plays a major role in your oral health, we will do what we can to help ensure a healthy smile. One option that is beneficial for a single missing structure includes a dental implant. This consists of a biocompatible post that functions as an artificial root and crown restoration.
Another solution that may be beneficial if you are missing several consecutive teeth includes a dental bridge. This restoration consists of two or more crowns that are bonded together to help bridge the gap between teeth.
Partial and Full Dentures
As decay progresses, more and more structures will become compromised or impacted. Fear not, however, because you still have options. Indeed, a partial bridge can be helpful in addressing several gaps, or a full denture set can be used to address total loss. What’s more, your treatment is specific to you and your needs, so make sure to visit our team to learn about your options.
Learn More Today
For more information about addressing structural loss or to schedule your appointment with our team, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 today.
