Wilshire Smile Studio’s Dental Implants Will Change Your Life

If you are age 35-44, you may be one of the 69% of Americans who have lost at least one tooth. It could have been due to an accident, but is most common because of inadequate brushing and flossing, which is harder to do properly than many realize until it is almost too late. Of those 75 and older, more than a quarter have lost all their teeth.

Even losing one is not something you should ignore because it can begin a chain reaction: the mouth naturally tries to close the gap in your bite by having the neighboring teeth lean in and soon this causes them to come loose. There are two things you should do immediately if one or more are missing.

Step 1: Have a thorough dental exam, including a full-set of digital x-rays (which involve minimal radiation) and a 3-D CT scan.

This will reveal how well the remaining teeth in the area are anchored into the jaw bone and whether you might need some extracted to stop the process of losing all of them. It may also show that a bone graft can provide enough support to save them and provide a solid foundation for dental implants, which can be a permanent solution.

Step 2: Once your oral health status is determined, your Wilshire Smile dentist will discuss your best treatment options.

Not everyone is immediately suited for implants, such as those who are heavy smokers, anyone with diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or advanced osteoporosis (especially if he or she is taking bisphosphonate medication), and those who have gone through radiation treatment of the head and neck. While implants are the best solution, whether you have lost one or more teeth, there are alternatives, such as dentures and bridges, which might be more appropriate for your case.

Step 3: To avoid further periodontal problems, be sure to have not only an exam twice a year, but a professional cleaning.

Our dental hygienist has the training, techniques, and tools to clean off the most stubborn tartar (hardened plaque, the sticky film that forms on particles of food and drink that have not been removed each day). She can also show you the proper way to thoroughly brush and floss. For gum infections that keep recurring, she may also recommend using a water pick, small bristle brushes to clean between teeth, or a periodontal rinse.

Give us a call today to set an appointment for your next exam: 323-336-8478. It is never too late to save your teeth and gums.