Some people may consider tooth loss a minor issue and tend to dismiss it. But did you know that losing even one tooth can affect your entire mouth? Remember playing Jenga and carefully removing one block, hoping the tower wouldn’t collapse? From the start, you’re concerned about the whole structure. Now, think of each tooth in your mouth as a block in the Jenga tower. Each one plays an important role in maintaining the structure’s stability. When you remove a block from the tower, the balance is compromised. It becomes more susceptible to collapsing with each following move. While it might seem like losing one tooth is a small inconvenience, it can impact your oral health and overall well-being. Promptly addressing tooth loss can help maintain the structure and function of your mouth. At Designing Smiles Dentistry in Melbourne, we provide dental implants to restore your smile and oral health.
Why Am I Losing My Teeth?
We can lose our teeth for various reasons, each impacting our oral health differently. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, also called periodontal disease. This infection harms the soft tissues and bone that support teeth, making them loose and eventually falling out. Gum disease often sneaks up on us because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until it’s advanced.
Tooth decay, or cavities, is another major reason for tooth loss. Untreated decay can destroy so much of the tooth that saving it becomes impossible, leading to extraction. Poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, and skipping regular dental check-ups can all contribute to severe cavities. Trauma or injury also causes tooth loss. Accidents or sports injuries can knock out or severely crack teeth. Even if your tooth doesn’t fall out immediately, the impact can damage the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth in place. Over time, this damage can cause the tooth to loosen and eventually require extraction.
Dental Implants: Your Tooth Replacement Options in Melbourne, FL
When a tooth is lost, the problem goes beyond the visible gap. The bone in your jaw where the tooth used to be will start to shrink because it does not receive the stimulation it needs to maintain its density and strength. This bone loss can change the shape of your face, making you look older, and it can also cause your other teeth to shift out of place.
One of the best solutions for this issue is a dental implant. A dental implant is a small titanium post Dr. Apel places into your jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental implants help prevent bone loss because they mimic the natural tooth root, providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone. They keep the bone healthy and intact, preserving your facial structure and preventing other teeth from shifting. Implants also look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them a secure, long-term solution for tooth replacement.
Mini Dental Implants in Melbourne, FL
Mini dental implants distinguish themselves from conventional dental implants in several key ways. While traditional implants typically have a diameter of around 5 millimeters, mini implants are less than 3 millimeters wide. This smaller size makes them easier to place and accelerates healing time.
Traditional dental implants involve multiple components: a titanium post implanted into the jawbone, an abutment connecting to the post, and a crown on top. This multi-component construction requires a multi-phase implantation, which takes several appointments and often lasts several months.
In contrast, mini implants streamline this process with their simpler design. Each mini implant consists of a single small titanium post topped with a ball-shaped end that protrudes above the gum line. This design allows for a minimally invasive placement technique. Instead of making large incisions and using stitches, Dr. Apel places a mini implant by making a tiny hole through the gums, resulting in minimal bleeding and faster recovery.
Another advantage of mini implants is their “immediate loading” capability, which makes same-day teeth possible. Unlike traditional implants, mini implants are stable as soon as Dr. Apel places them into the jaw. You can walk into our office and walk out the same day with a stable, secure smile!
Book Your Free Consultation With Dr. Apel Today
Take charge of your oral health and regain your confidence at Designing Smiles Dentistry in Melbourne. Why wait to enhance your overall well-being? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Apel today to learn how mini dental implants can give you a stable, natural-looking result. Let us help you enjoy life with a beautiful, healthy set of teeth.
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