Of all the reasons that patients lose teeth, whether by accident or by disease, tooth decay is one of the top reasons that patients lose their teeth. This disease causes dark black pits in their teeth, cracks, plaque buildup, and more. While it’s one of the most common diseases in the world, it also has the potential to loosen your tooth to a degree where it falls out. Also known as cavities, this disease is often thought of as something only children get, but many don’t know that adults are just as susceptible to this disease too.
Parts of the Tooth
First off, let’s first get to know the different layers of the tooth. These layers may be strong, but they are not impervious to stubborn, cavity-causing bacteria:
- Enamel: This first layer encompasses the outside of your tooth, wrapping it in a hardened, white shell. This is the first line of defense against diseases like cavities, but a long period of neglect in oral care can result in this layer being broken down.
- Dentin: This is the thickest layer of the tooth, and is a mineralized layer that protects the sensitive pulp of the tooth.
- Pulp: The pulp is the center of the tooth, containing sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels. If the tooth decay reaches this layer, this means that the patient may experience a lot of pain and sensitivity.
- Cementum: This layer is what keeps the tooth attached to the jawbone. It’s possible for the tooth decay to wear this away.
While tooth decay has the potential to eat through each layer, it can be difficult to see the signs while at home. Be sure to visit a dentist such as Dr. Taler to keep an eye out for the warning signs of tooth decay.
How Does Tooth Decay Occur?
The common belief is that tooth decay occurs as a direct result of eating too much sugar. This is only half-true; sugar is behind one part of it, but the decay itself is caused by bacteria that eat the sugars and other food particles in your mouth that are leftover after a meal.
These bacteria consume the food particles and then dispense acid waste in the form of plaque. This plaque builds up to tartar and slowly eats away at the enamel of the tooth. As it progresses through each layer, it can cause pain and sensitivity. So you see, sugar is only part of the problem; neglecting your oral health care is the other.
How Can Implants Help?
So let’s say that you do lose a tooth due to cavities: what’s the next step? Turns out, dental implants have helped out a lot for patients just like you. When an implant is placed, it undergoes osseointegration, where it bonds with the jawbone. This fusion process also doubles as a healing process, improving the volume and regeneration of the jawbone around it. Essentially, getting dental implants can help heal the area affected by tooth decay. Even more, tooth decay doesn’t affect dental implants because they’re made of titanium.
Contact Us About Dental Implants for Your Tooth Decay
Have you lost a tooth due to decay and want to know how to complete your smile permanently? Dental implants could be the answer; call us today for your consultation with Dr. David Taler in Fishers, IN.