Senior man sitting on a couch smiling

Treating The Impact Of Tooth Loss

Losing one of your teeth can be quite upsetting. If this has recently happened to you, you know the complications extend beyond its effect on your appearance. While a gap in your smile can be unsightly, this oral health problem causes difficulties when performing everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking. Your jaw may become sore as you awkwardly shift it to move around your open socket. Augmenting your diet becomes a priority as you must avoid once favorite foods that now sting your gap if they are too sharp to safely chew. Fortunately, a professional replacement for your missing tooth can return the function of a full bite and treat the discomfort of an open gap.

At your Ankeny, IA dentist, we understand the frustration of losing your tooth. With the placement of a lifelike prosthetic, your missing tooth does not have to leave a permanent mark on your smile. A dental implant can return its natural appearance and return your ability to enjoy a healthy bite.

Tooth Loss Destabilizes Your Smile

Because your bite relies upon each one of your teeth working in concert with one another, a single loss impacts your entire smile. Your remaining teeth begin to shift out of alignment as neighbors drift toward the open gap. Your bite’s force now disproportionately affects certain teeth and can begin to wear them down, further damaging your smile. When other teeth take stress they are not accustomed to, chips and cracks can quickly form. Enamel loss can create a yellow appearance as well as increase your risk for tooth decay. To prevent these symptoms, discuss treating your dental loss with a restorative appliance.

Installing A Dental Implant

To return the beauty of your smile and improve your oral health, we can place a dental implant that mimics a natural tooth. This restoration provides unique benefits for your jawbone by returning the stimulation of your bite. When a tooth is healthy, it transfers force through its root into your bone. This signals the nervous system to direct resources for bone maintenance, but when you lose a tooth, you lose the signal. To prevent your bone from deteriorating, an implant post can tell the body it is in use. An abutment at the end of your post allows us to connect a dental crown to complete your restoration.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Treatment For Your Missing Teeth!

To avoid the complications of losing a tooth and return your complete smile, consider placing a dental implant. For more information on replacing your tooth, schedule an appointment with our Ankeny, IA dentist, at 515-207-6182. We also serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and any other surrounding community!