Durability. Companies like to promote their product’s ability to withstand everyday disasters.
And your teeth are not to be ignored in a discussion about durability.
You subject them daily to temperature extremes and acid via what you eat and drink. Your teeth are being attacked by bacteria as we speak.
The routine force exerted on them can exceed 120 pounds per square inch. And yet all things considered, if you take care of them, your teeth will last decades.
It’s a harsh environment
Keeping your mouth healthy is a major challenge. Common threats like bacteria, infection, cavities, decay, trauma, or tooth loss make protecting your teeth a top priority.
Teeth are durable. In fact, they’re among the most durable bones in your entire body.
But they are not indestructible. The big question is, can they be saved if they become a victim of trauma or dental health issues such as decay.
Should you feel threatened?
The topic of decay leads the discussion of threats to your oral health. This is especially true if dental decay advances deep into your tooth or teeth.
Once the pulp or nerve tissue is compromised a full-blown infection can set in. If the infection is sourced in your tooth roots the threat increases.
Scary language isn’t often enough to motivate change. You’re accustomed to hearing about the danger and damage that your diet can have on the health of your teeth.
Diet isn’t the only issue. Poor dental care is also to blame.
The threat is imminent if you avoid routine, daily dental care (brushing and flossing) plus scheduled dental exams and teeth cleanings (recommended two times per year).
The silent “enemy”
Bacteria were mentioned earlier. They cause problems for your teeth, out of sight, as a microscopic enemy.
The result of a bacterial attack is tooth decay that leads to gum (periodontal) disease and bone loss. Be concerned because this can happen slowly, silently, and sometimes without pain.
Again, it’s important to schedule regular dental check-ups and exams. These appointments give us opportunity to detect potential risks that you’re not aware of.
Watch your blindside
It’s those seeming out-of-nowhere circumstances that can also do damage to your teeth. And even cause tooth loss.
Sports injuries, random accidents, clenching or grinding your teeth threaten your teeth with fractures and in some instances with a loss of tooth structure.
Once an infection sets in you could require root canal therapy. This procedure is successful to treat your severely decayed teeth, especially when the damage is into the pulp portion.
Your Plan B
Tooth damage, tooth loss, and tooth decay, no doubt, require care. On occasion, the recommended care will include dental implant treatment.
For example, root canal failure could be cause for a reassessment. Before root canal re-treatment is pursued it’s necessary to evaluate the reason for the failure, how strong the treated tooth and its root are, your overall health, and what could be involved in retreating the tooth.
Dental implants provide a solid tooth replacement option when your damaged tooth or teeth have been compromised by decay or the need for a treatment reassessment following root canal therapy
Dental implants:
• Have predictable outcomes
• Last for decades
• Are functional and enhance your appearance
• Can effectively replace single or multiple teeth in your upper or lower jaw
• Help maintain your jawbone and facial structure
• Provide stand-alone support without the need for adjacent teeth
• Will not be a victim of tooth decay
It’s important to talk with me about the circumstances of your tooth loss, tooth pain, or the damage caused by progressive tooth decay. Your treatment success depends on a careful assessment of the factors that uniquely affect you.
