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At MajorSmiles.com we’ve heard all of the craziest stories about how patients have lost teeth. From getting hit in the face with a soccer ball, to biting an apple the wrong way, we’re glad that we can provide our patients with durable, man-made teeth along with the many benefits of dental implants. But here in Bryan, TX we see other cases where patients have lost teeth to purely biological reasons: age and disease. The most common of these is tooth decay, also known as cavities.
How Does Tooth Decay Occur?
It’s a common misconception that tooth decay occurs when you eat too much sugar. The reality is that tooth decay occurs when leftover food particles and sugars are consumed by ravenous bacteria in your mouth. As they eat, they dispense acid waste that turns to plaque and erodes the enamel of your teeth. This is where those dark or yellowing patches, pits, and cracks occur on your teeth.
Technically, you are free to enjoy the foods and sweets that you love, so long as you maintain a healthy oral regimen including brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
What Parts of My Teeth are Affected?
Some patients may believe that it’s only the surfaces of their teeth that are affected by tooth decay, but given that excessive tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, this is not true. Let’s take a look at the basic layers of the tooth, to give you a better idea of the structure and how tooth decay can affect it.
- Enamel – This white layer is what surrounds the surface of the tooth and is not as thick as people can imagine. This is where tooth decay first occurs, which is why it’s so important to keep it clean.
- Dentin – This mineralized layer is thicker and lies just under the enamel. It protects the sensitive middle of the tooth.
- Pulp – The pulp is comprised of sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. Should tooth decay infect the area, you’ll experience a lot of pain and the feeling of shocks.
How Can Dental Implants Help Me?
Let’s say you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, and tooth decay has caused some damage to your tooth, both on the surface and internally. If Drs. Majors feels that the tooth is beyond recovery, then it may be recommended that the tooth be extracted to save surrounding teeth. No one enjoys losing a tooth, so we at MajorSmiles.com recommend dental implants as the solution to replacing your tooth.
Dental implants are permanently placed into the jawbone and your smile. They’re constructed from titanium, so they’re biocompatible with the bone. Through a bonding process known as osseointegration, the implant merges with the bone and creates a firm, solid hold. Unlike loose dentures or capped dental bridges, this treatment is permanent with the potential to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Restore Your Lost Teeth in Bryan, TX
Do dental implants sound like the right path for you? If you’ve lost a tooth to tooth decay, or are at risk for losing a tooth as a result, head to MajorSmiles.com for a consultation with Dr. Chuck Majors to see if you qualify for dental implants. Located in Bryan, TX, we serve patients from Bryan, College Station, TX and beyond. Let us know your smile goals today and we’ll do our best to get you there!
