There are several options available for replacing missing teeth. However, some provide better solutions than others, like dental implants. If you have missing teeth, here are a few signs that implants could be the best treatment for you.
Losing teeth as children can be an exciting time, assuming it’s a “baby” tooth that brings a visit from the Tooth Fairy. That’s because it’s completely normal for these teeth to fall out to make room for up to 32 permanent teeth, or “adult” teeth.
As their name indicates, permanent teeth should remain in place for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, more than 5 million children and adults knock one or more of their adult teeth out of position each year. But, even if you lose an adult tooth because of an injury or trauma, it may not be lost for good.
Peter Gambertoglio, DDS, brings more than 30 years of dental experience to the community of Spring, Texas. He recommends taking these steps immediately if you dislodge a permanent tooth.
When you act fast, you can sometimes re-implant a permanent tooth. That means you should consider it a dental emergency when you lose an adult tooth and contact us as soon as possible for an appointment.
After losing a tooth, quickly rinse it with water to clean it. Then, try putting it back in the empty socket, but don’t force it. When handling a lost tooth, only touch the crown — or the chewing surface — not the root.
If you can’t get your tooth back in its socket, you should still save it and keep it moist until your dental appointment. Dr. Gambertoglio recommends putting it in your cheek or a container of cold milk or saliva. Don’t wrap a lost tooth in a tissue or store it in water, contact lens solution, or yogurt.
While waiting for your appointment, you can manage your pain by applying a cold compress to the part of your face where you lost your tooth. Dr. Gambertoglio also suggests taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication, as directed.
A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of successful re-implantation when you get dental attention within an hour. However, there are other ways to replace a missing tooth, including dental implants.
When you get a dental implant, Dr. Gambertoglio secures a titanium post into your jaw, which acts as a synthetic tooth root. This structure holds a dental crown to replace the visible portion of your missing tooth. Not only do dental implants provide a more secure fit and natural appearance than other replacement options, but they also maintain your oral health by continuing to stimulate bone growth, just like natural tooth roots.
Have you lost a tooth? Don’t wait to see a dental professional. Contact our office by calling 281-350-8852.
You Might Also Enjoy...
There are several options available for replacing missing teeth. However, some provide better solutions than others, like dental implants. If you have missing teeth, here are a few signs that implants could be the best treatment for you.
Do you have significant damage to your teeth and gums? Are your dental problems interfering with how your mouth works? We can correct these issues and more with full mouth reconstruction.
You usually don’t associate your ears with your mouth. But if you have ear pain, it could be a sign of a jawbone issue. Keep reading to learn about temporomandibular joint disorders and how ear pain could require a trip to the dentist.
Periodontal disease can put your gums and teeth at risk. But how do you know the difference between healthy gums and those with disease? Learn how to spot the signs of a problem — and how to avoid one.
Have you been dreaming of a straighter smile? Advancements in teeth straightening technology like Invisalign® make it easier than ever to turn these dreams into reality. But is it right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Are discolored or stained teeth keeping you from looking and feeling your best? You don’t have to live with yellow teeth, even if professional whitening won’t help. Learn how a visit to the dentist can have you smiling again in no time.