Many adults avoid visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Many people suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia and others only make time to visit the dentist if they are experiencing toothache or find themselves in a dental emergency. It is important that you visit the dentist on a regular basis, at least once every six months to make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy and to avert dental complications in the future. By avoiding the dentist you are allowing plaque and tartar to build up in your mouth which can cause cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. If you continue to avoid the dentist these issues can have irreversible effects and result in missing teeth.
Tooth loss
Tooth loss as an adult can be a great source of discomfort, embarrassment and worry. A missing tooth not only affects the appearance of your smile, but it has negative implications on different aspects of your life. By affecting your smile it can affect your self-esteem and your self-confidence and in the long run it can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing. More importantly, one missing tooth can have serious repercussions on your remaining teeth and result in further tooth loss.
Tooth loss increases your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Your remaining teeth shift to fill the gap of the missing tooth, causing your teeth to become crooked and wonky. Which means there is more opportunity for bacteria and food particles to linger in your mouth forming plaque and tartar on your teeth and weakening the teeth further. Missing teeth can also cause bite disorders which mean that your teeth are more prone to wear and tear as well as other complications. Missing teeth also result in bone loss which can cause your jaw to shrink, providing less support to the remaining teeth.
Dental implants
It is important that you contact your dentist as soon as possible if you lose a tooth so that they can put together a treatment plan for you and prevent further consequences. Dental implants Melbourne are the most efficient solution for replacing your missing teeth. They are small titanium rods that replace the roots of your missing teeth and provide a steady foundation for a crown or a set of dentures to restore the appearance and function of your mouth. Dental implant surgery may not be suitable for all, so your dentist will need to carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, assess your medical history and help you make the right choice. If you are eligible for dental implants then you will have to wait three months following the loss of your tooth, after which the implant will be placed into your jaw so that it can become a permanent fixture in your mouth. This occurs as part of a healing process known as osseointegration which can take a further 3 to 6 months, after which you will be ready to replace your missing tooth for the future. Oral implants are designed to last for a very long time, therefore if you look after your teeth carefully and visit the dentist on a regular basis you will have a lifelong solution for your missing tooth.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.
