Odessa Cosmetic Dentist Stresses Importance of Replacing Lost Teeth
Robin Rutherford, DDS discusses why replacing one or more missing teeth is essential for maintaining good dental health and proper oral function.
Odessa, TX – Teeth are susceptible to damage as people get older, due to factors like decay, injury, and gradual wear. While this can be an unpleasant part of the aging process, Dr. Robin Rutherford, a cosmetic dentist in Odessa, tells his patients at The Art of Dentistry that a variety of realistic tooth replacement options are available for maintaining good dental health. In order to prevent additional problems from occurring, however, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes that every tooth that goes missing needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
When a tooth goes missing and is not replaced within a relatively quick amount of time, Dr. Rutherford explains the following problems may start to develop:
- The adjacent teeth start shifting towards the gap.
- Other teeth nearby undergo excessive wear and tear.
- Jawbone structure and gum tissue start to recede.
- The cheek may start to appear hollow or sunken.
Dr. Rutherford recognizes that some people are not as concerned about losing teeth, especially if they are located in the back of the mouth and do not seem to be affecting smile aesthetics. While gaps in one’s smile may not cause many issues at first, Dr. Rutherford stresses the importance of replacing each tooth before more severe problems begin to take place—such as those listed above.
When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, Dr. Rutherford often recommends a dental bridge or dental implant. A bridge typically entails two dental crowns attached to an artificial tooth in the middle, which effectively fills the empty space. A dental implant, on the other hand, is composed of a crown affixed to the top of a titanium implant post, which replaces the full tooth down to its root. If several teeth need to be replaced, Dr. Rutherford says a denture secured by a set of dental implants—also known as an implant-supported denture—may be the most beneficial solution.
Dr. Rutherford says dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. In addition to providing a natural-looking tooth replacement and restoring bite function, the titanium post works to stimulate the jawbone and preserve its structure. He encourages anyone needing to replace missing teeth to discuss their options with an experienced dentist. By being proactive about their oral health, Dr. Rutherford says patients can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.
About Robin Rutherford, DDS
Dr. Rutherford received his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio, and regularly completes continuing education courses to stay at the forefront of advancements in dentistry. In addition to performing a wide range of dental treatments at The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Rutherford is a Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association (an honor given to less than 1% of member dentists), and a Fellow of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (achieved by less than 2% of sedation dentists). He has also been recognized in the media as a “Best Dentist in Odessa” by Odessa American, and is a co-author of “A Cup Of Coffee With 10 Of The Top Cosmetic Dentists In The United States.” Dr. Rutherford is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Robin Rutherford and The Art of Dentistry, please visit gentledentaldoc.com or facebook.com/gentledentaldoc.
Contact:
The Art of Dentistry
4712 E. University
Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 367-0202
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com