Your Options For Replacing A Lost Tooth

The loss of a tooth can disrupt your quality of life in more ways than you anticipate. It may not surprise you to hear that people often feel self-conscious about the way they look when they experience this problem. It can also be less than shocking to hear that this can also affect your bite function. Unfortunately, there are also problems that worsen over time that you will have to contend with. These issues include a greater risk for losing more teeth, and for you to lose jawbone density in the area around the lost tooth. Fortunately, the right approach to restorative treatment can help. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is prepared to provide options for your care if you want to do something about your incomplete smile.

Is It Time For You To Do Something About Tooth Loss?

It is a good idea to make treatment a priority after you lose a tooth. When you delay care, you open yourself up to more complications from this problem, which can lead to several concerns. Teeth provide important support to their neighbors. When one is lost, those at either side can start to loosen, and can be more likely to be lost themselves. You also have to worry about uncomfortable changes in your bite function that lead to a greater risk for chronic jaw pain and excess wear and tear on remaining teeth. In time, tooth loss can even impact your jaw health, as a gradual loss of density in the bone will occur when you no longer have your roots in place to stimulate surrounding tissues when you bite and chew.

Using A Dental Bridge To Close A Space In Your Smile

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that we can put in place without performing oral surgery. It remains in position thanks to a pair of dental crowns that are located at the ends. In between the crowns is the pontic, or replacement tooth, which will occupy the empty space in your smile. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth. This is a stable arrangement, one that lets you return to a normal dental function. It also provides important support for your smile, as the appliance can match your enamel to provide cosmetic benefits.

Start Discussing The Benefits Of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants hold prosthetic appliances in place without disrupting neighboring teeth. Implants are carefully set directly in your jawbone. In addition to holding restorations, they actually help stabilize neighboring teeth roots, and they provide stimulation that will keep your jawbone protected against deterioration!

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Replacing Your Lost Tooth

A lost tooth is not a problem that you want to ignore! Fortunately, your Ankeny, IA dentist can help. To find out more about how we can support you, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.