When You Lose a Tooth | Riverside Dentist

Believe it or not, but millions of Americans will lose one or more teeth due to some combination of tooth decay, gingivitis, and physical trauma. Despite the prevalence of dentists and dental care, it’s still quite common for patients of all ages to suffer tooth loss of one or more teeth. While brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleanings are very effective at combating tooth decay and gingivitis, it is unfortunately quite common for patients to neglect professional cleaning, and teeth need to be removed.

In cases where the tooth must be removed, patients are typically left with a handful of options: either create fake teeth that cover the area, or replace the tooth with a combination of synthetic root and crown using a dental implant. While dentures and bridges have their advantages and disadvantages, implants are often recommended by dentists for a variety of reasons:

• Closely match the appearance of natural teeth
• Allow for natural eating, drinking, and speaking
• Very comfortable, nearly indistinguishable from a normal tooth
• Quite durable, often lasting decades

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots, often made of titanium, and fixed permanently into the bone of the tooth socket. The dentist then attaches a crown – often porcelain or ceramic above the titanium post, providing a structure that looks and feels almost exactly the same as a normal tooth, but without any natural tooth material. The implant can be brushed and flossed as if it were a normal tooth, but the crown surface is impervious to decay, and when properly installed, the titanium post will last for decades.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton in Riverside, CA at (951) 470-3379 or visit www.gmdental.com.

Dr. Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore and all surrounding areas.