When a tooth has a deep cavity, most dentists recommend root canals. This is always bad news, but sometimes it’s the only way to save the tooth. However root canals are not a sure thing; sometimes they don’t work out. And the older the infection is, the more chance there is of bacteria leaking back in. So regular visits are always advised to prevent the deep cavities that can cause root canals.
When root canals don’t work out or the tooth gets reinfected, replacing missing teeth is always advised to prevent your teeth from moving. This can cause bite problems and possibly joint pain called TMJ. Removable appliances are easy and relatively inexpensive. Bridges feel and chew like real teeth, but you have to grind down other teeth to support them.
Implants are a viable, sometimes ideal solution to missing teeth. They look and feel like real teeth and it isn’t necessary to grind any other teeth to support them. It’s like getting your tooth back!
Implant posts are made with titanium, a metal that has been proven over time to be safe, with .5% or less reactivity with immune cells. By itself, it doesn’t cause inflammation. This is why it’s used with shoulder, hip and knee replacements. However, inflammation may be caused by bacteria sticking to these implants due to exposed grooves, or by a small electrical charge or current created by any other metals in your mouth. These might be old crowns backed with nickel or or amalgam fillings.
Anyone sensitive to electromagnetic fields in general may not do well with any metal in their mouths, including titanium implants!
For these patients there are zirconia implants. These implants are white in color so they look better. Zirconia implants have the hardness of metal but are a metal oxide and not as conductive as a metal. Zirconia does not create inflammation in the body because bacteria doesn’t stick to it. This means the gums are always healthy around them and you don’t get red or grey gums with them that you sometimes get with metals.
For some, zirconia implants may be the better option. If you would like to find out more about these types of implants or see if you are a candidate, please call for an appointment.
Dr. Tracy Evans and Dr. Carey O’Rielly provide laser and ozone treatments for root canal teeth and extractions when necessary, as well as zirconia implants and crowns.
Find out more at myholisticdentist.com or call 760-632-1304.
