5 Reasons to See a Houston Implant Dentist
There are certain dental conditions that cannot be managed by simple dental hygiene, and your personal situation may dictate that you need to see a Houston implant dentist. If you have experienced tooth loss, then a cosmetic dental practice can help you to restore your smile in a pain-free manner.
If you are seeking an implant dentist in Houston, Dr. Thomas Heap can help you with your needs. There are 5 possible conditions that can lead to tooth loss and will make you seek out the services of a specialist:
1. Advanced Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the periodontium, or tissues that surround the teeth. Microorganisms that occur in the mouth naturally and adhere to the tooth's surface, triggering an overly active immune response from the body, cause this disease.
This disease can lead to the destruction of the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent tooth loss. Although this disease can be managed through regular preventive dental care, sometimes it progresses too quickly and permanent tooth loss can occur even if you are under preventive dental care.
2. Trauma
Unfortunately, accidents do happen and you could lose a tooth or two through trauma. If you are active in team sports such as football or hockey, you can easily lose a tooth through an accidental fall or contact with another player or the ball. You can also lose teeth in other accidents; in fact, automobile accidents are a leading cause of tooth loss. No matter how the accident occurs, you may choose an implant as a tough, durable option for restoring your smile.
3. Severe Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria damage the hard enamel of the surface of the teeth. Over time, the bacteria are able to break down the tissues of the teeth, leading to holes in the tooth's surface, known as cavities. Routine preventative dentistry can help keep tooth decay under control. However, some chronic diseases such as diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, and sarcoidosis can predispose a patient to severe tooth decay, which can lead to permanent tooth loss.
4. Excessive Wear and Tear
The technical dental term for excessive wear and tear is known as bruxism. Bruxism occurs when a patient grinds his or her teeth and clenches the jaw, usually during sleep. Most people experience tooth grinding at some point in their lives, especially if they are under severe stress.
However, bruxism can progress to the point that it can severely wear down the teeth, making an implant or two necessary. Certain disorders can lead to this extreme form of bruxism, including obsessive compulsive disorder, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
5. Failed Root Canals
A root canal is a common term for a procedure more precisely known as endodontic therapy. This procedure is used when a tooth becomes cracked or is so decayed that further infection is almost inevitable. The infected pulp is removed to save the tooth and prevent further infection. However, sometimes the procedure cannot save the tooth fast enough. In those cases, removal of the tooth and implantation can be performed by a top cosmetic dentist to restore the patient's health and smile.
More articles on Houston Dental Implants:
Denali Dental Services
2990 Richmond Ave Suite 205
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 621-6622