The loss of one of your teeth can be quite upsetting. Whether caused by physical trauma, severe decay, or disease, the new gap in your smile can cause a significant change in your appearance. But besides the esthetic effects, losing a tooth comes with real problems for your oral health if not treated promptly. Everyday activities like eating and speaking can become more difficult as you navigate your open socket. You may develop soreness and pain in your jaw as you shift it awkwardly to complete your bite. Without the support of the missing tooth, remaining neighbors can drift out of their proper position. This bite misalignment can create wear and tear as certain teeth take a disproportionate amount of your bite than intended. As you lose your protective enamel layer, you become more susceptible to disease and decay. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent these complications by placing a prosthetic tooth to return your bite and steady its alignment.
At your Ankeny, IA dental practice, we understand the frustration of an incomplete smile. This is why we offer treatments such as dental implants to return both the esthetic and functional components of your full set of teeth. With a few visits to our office, we can evaluate the extent of your loss, create a custom replacement, and install it in your mouth. With the right approach through restorative dentistry, losing a tooth does not have to leave a permanent mark!
When You Lose One Of Your Teeth
Losing even a single tooth can create serious consequences for the health of your mouth. This is because each one of your teeth works in cooperation with one another to form your smile and operate your bite. As soon as one goes missing, the support that holds the others in place is now gone. Because your teeth can begin to move, your bite misaligns and does not meet evenly. You will discover an increase in dental discoloration as the accelerated wear of your enamel reveals the darker dentin layer below. If your teeth become cracked or chipped, it can be due to taking a larger amount of your bite than intended.
Placing A Dental Implant
To replace your missing tooth, we could place a dental implant. By inserting a post directly into your jaw, we mimic the function of your tooth’s root. Due to its biocompatible nature, your oral tissues fuse to your post as your heal, securing it for years to come. An abutment at the end of your implant post allows for the attachment of a prosthetic above the gumline. To complete the return of a single missing tooth, we suggest placing a dental crown that returns the original appearance of your lost tooth.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Restoring Your Lost Teeth!
You can regain your smile after tooth loss. By placing a dental implant, we can recreate your smile and return the function of your bite. For more information on receiving a dental prosthetic, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist, at (515)207-6182.
