If you aren’t seeing your dentist at least twice a year you are at risk for premature tooth loss. Even with proper brushing and flossing you still need to see your dentist. Regular brushing and flossing cannot remove all of the food and bacteria that is building up between your teeth. In addition, all of the plaque that is left on the surface of your teeth and below the gum line can harden into tartar. The longer the tartar remains on your teeth, the more likely it is that you will develop tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Gum disease and tooth decay are two of the leading causes of premature tooth loss. Once your permanent teeth are lost you will not grow new ones back, which means you will require artificial replacement teeth. Removable dentures and dental implants are the most common forms of artificial replacement teeth. Your dentist in Apple Valley, MN will discuss the options that you have, and help you select the one that is best for you.
For most people, dental implants are the best option for tooth replacement. They are permanently installed in your mouth so they cannot fall out, or be misplaced. They also cannot slip while you are eating or enjoying life. There are, however, requirements for who is best suited for the dental implant procedure. For instance, you cannot have any major health issues. It is also inadvisable to have the procedure done if you are a heavy smoker. In addition, if you have severe bone loss due to advanced stages of tooth decay or gum disease your dentist may need to perform a bone graft before you can have the dental implant procedure performed.
The entire procedure can take several months to perform, especially if you do require a bone graft prior to implantation. In most cases, you will be provided with a dental flipper, or temporary dentures to wear while you wait for your implants.
