If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you may be wondering what services are available to replace it. Tooth loss takes a toll on your personal appearance and can erode confidence, but the harm is more than cosmetic or psychological. When left untreated, a missing tooth can alter the function and alignment of your bite. Whether due to physical injury, severe decay, or gum disease, losing a tooth can cause others to become loose and shift out of their proper place. Receiving appropriate care to replace a missing tooth can stop the progression of harm while restoring your appearance as well.
Placing a dental implant allows your Ankeny, IA dentist to maintain the health of your jaw and return your ability to comfortably bite. To allow for the placement of a restoration above your gumline, we insert a titanium post directly into your jawbone. A restoration, such as a dental crown, imitates the look of a normal tooth inside your mouth. This standard for replacing teeth serves your long-term oral health while returning pride in your smile!
Dental Implants Provide Critical Support
The placement of a dental implant is an important step towards reducing the frustration of tooth loss. Because this problem affects both the function and appearance of your smile, an implant helps return your ability to bite while allowing us to mimic a natural tooth. Whenever you lose a tooth, you lose the stimulation of your jawbone provided by your tooth’s roots. This signal normally tells the brain to provide important nutrients for the continued health of the bone, but when the roots are lost, the signal stops. Your bone can begin to deteriorate and lead to further tooth loss as the bone loses density to hold the rest of your teeth. By inserting a titanium post into the bone, we can attach a dental crown above your gumline that restores your ability to bite. The restoration then transfers the bite of your force into the implant and restores the signal to your brain that the bone is in use.
Dental Bridges Return Your Smile
A dental bridge can also return the appearance of a natural tooth after experiencing loss. By placing two crowns on either side of your gap, we can attach a prosthetic that sits firmly in between. This can prevent shifting of teeth and allow you to properly bite.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist And Discuss Options For Replacing A Lost Tooth!
Losing a tooth impacts your ability to normally bite and can reduce your confidence in your appearance. Restorations such as dental implants and bridges can restore the form and function of your smile. For more information on tooth replacement, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist at 515-207-6182. We also serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and any other surrounding community!
