George Pegios — What are the consequences of not having a dental implant?
George Pegios It is common that over the years and a series of causes (poor hygiene habits, hereditary factors, trauma ) people can lose one or more teeth.
It can also be due to the main oral diseases that cause tooth loss, such as caries or periodontitis (an advanced stage of gingivitis).
There is a false belief that the lack of a tooth does not affect our oral and general health, but it is not. Even with the rest of the teeth, it is important to replace the missing tooth, since the adjacent teeth tend to move to try to cover the empty hole.
George Pegios wants to make everyone aware that it is essential to replace an absence since its consequences can be alarming in the long term.
We give you an example: Imagine that you have lost a molar. In the chewing process, food continually impacts the gum, which can damage it and cause continuous discomfort. As a consequence, we tend to chew on the side with which we have all the molars, causing greater wear on all teeth on this side.
As we have mentioned before, by having an empty space in the mouth, the adjacent teeth try to have contact with the missing tooth, so they begin to tilt and close said space.
In the same way, the opposite tooth erupts looking for the corresponding contact. This widespread mobilization of teeth can lead to other problems.
Another consequence of the lack of a tooth in the mouth is that the interdental contacts become irregular and even open, facilitating the retention of food between the teeth and with this, the appearance of caries.
Furthermore, this new position of the teeth makes oral hygiene difficult and generates spaces in which tartar is easily formed, favoring the appearance of periodontitis.
Chewing overload also causes a worsening of the periodontal state of the tooth, generating more mobility and pain, even endangering its continuity in the mouth.
To correct this situation, in addition to replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant, we must also restore the bite relationship to its original point.
George Pegios What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small piece of titanium that serves to replace the root of a tooth and can support a crown or dental prosthesis. Implant-restored teeth look, feel, and function the same way as natural teeth. They should be brushed like natural teeth, cleaned with dental floss and make an appointment with your dentist to carry out routine check-ups and cleanings in the same way that you would take care of your natural teeth.
George Pegios — What are the advantages of dental implants?
* It is the safest option, since the prosthesis is attached to the bone and not to other teeth.
* Prevents bone loss by maintaining function on the bone.
* The chewing sensation is similar to that of a natural tooth.
* It has a longer duration, with rates over 95% in periods of 20–30 years.
