Step 1…Get rid of the gum disease

Loss of teeth is usually the result of an injury or gum disease.  First, a periodontist must rid the patient of the periodontal infection, which is a low grade chronic infection getting into the blood stream. Your body recognizes the infection and sends out white blood cells to build up resistance, but they can’t fight the bacteria outside your bloodstream around your teeth. After a while, resistance drops and you are open to more gum disease as well as other diseases.  Meanwhile, the lining of your bloodstream has been changed due to the circulation of the many white blood cells.  Untreated gum disease makes you 10 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

Step 2…Reinforce stability of the remaining teeth

If several teeth are already lost, remaining teeth may have lost too much bone to stand alone or handle even normal forces like swallowing. These weakened teeth cannot even handle a well-made metal partial denture clasping to them, because it “jiggles” upon every swallow – over 2,000 times per day.  You might be able to handle a light acrylic “flipper” partial denture that puts very little stress on the remaining teeth. Most likely, you will need to strengthen the remaining teeth with fixed crowns and bridgework where the crowns are bonded together.  This procedure strengthens the adjacent teeth and increases stability and comfort. It also helps restore natural chewing capacity and restores the look, feel and function of natural teeth.

Step 3…Dental Implants

In order to replace lost support, dental implants and fixed bridgework over the implants may be placed. Implants resembling screws or cylinders are placed in the jaw. Over the next several months, the implants and the bone are allowed to bond together to form anchors for upcoming crowns. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over implant sites. Full bridges will be custom created for you and attached to your implants. With a dental implant, your mouth looks like it never even lost a tooth.

Step 4… is to get on a two-to three-month professional maintenance program to avoid losing bone and teeth again. Taking care of your teeth is essential to good health.

Live and smile long.

Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S., graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry, subsequently earning certification in periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania. A periodontist,  Hendrix specializes in gum and dental implant surgery and has practiced for over 27 years.  Passionate about people, Hendrix has traveled worldwide providing free dental care through mission work.