Replacing Missing Teeth With Durable Dental Implants
If you have a missing tooth, this is more than just an embarrassing gap. This could be the start of major complications for the health, beauty, and function of your smile. To replace your lost tooth, your Cleveland, TX, dentist could recommend placing one or more dental implants. In today’s blog, we’re looking at this durable tooth replacement option.
The Risks to Your Smile from Tooth Loss
When you lose even one tooth, this could mean serious trouble for your oral health. The gap left in your smile may cause surrounding teeth to move from their current positions, resulting in dental misalignment and further changes to your smile’s appearance. For others, the gap could upset bite balance and strain the jaw joints, leading to issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding). The body could also suspend the flow of nutrients to the jawbone around the missing root, a complication linked to a breakdown in the jaw structure and the onset of further tooth loss!
Placing the Dental Implant
A dental implant is a unique option for replacing missing teeth, because we don’t support new teeth with crowns or clasps. Instead, we insert a free-standing titanium post into the jawbone through oral surgery. The biocompatible post then bonds with the jawbone, acting as a new root and stimulating the growth of jawbone tissue to avoid further tooth loss. This process, known as osseointegration, could allow your new tooth to last for decades to come, possibly even a lifetime. The entire process will be planned and guided with the assistance of digital technology.
The Restoration Process
Once your new root is in place, we will attach an abutment that extends beyond the gum line. Next, we affix a crown to the abutment. The crown will be custom-made and offer a lifelike appearance and durable structure. You have a complete tooth that looks and functions like a natural one. For cases of multiple tooth loss, we could use several posts and abutments to secure a bridge, or a fixed denture. These prosthetics again last much longer than the traditional or removable options. You will be able to smile with confidence, enjoy your favorite foods, and maintain good oral health as well.
If you have any questions about how we replace one or more of your missing teeth with dental implants, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Implant Dentistry?
We want to help you enjoy optimal oral health by replacing your missing teeth. If you would like to learn more about addressing the gaps in your smile, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.