If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you may be wondering what options are available for its replacement. Left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to a variety of potential complications. This is why it is so important to investigate how restorations can return the function and look of a full smile. The placement of a dental implant can offer sturdy support to your jaw for decades! An implant allows for the placement of a restoration above your gumline that can imitate the appearance of a natural tooth. Your Rochester, MN dentist can evaluate the severity of your tooth loss and determine if this or another solution can help you regain your smile.
How Losing A Tooth Threatens Your Oral Health
Whenever you lose a tooth, you become susceptible to harms that are possibly quite serious. A gap in your smile can impact your ability to speak comfortably and cause problems at mealtime. It may limit the types of food you select as you gingerly eat around the missing area. Left untreated, your bite can become misaligned as surrounding teeth become loose and shift into the open gap. Misalignment can cause uneven wear and tear on teeth that take more stress from your bite than normal, which can cause problems with decay and periodontal disease.
Tooth loss can also contribute to the loss of density in your jawbone. Because the roots of your teeth transfer the force of your bite into your bone, they signal your brain that the jaw is in use. When you lose a tooth, you lose this signal, and your brain stops sending proper nutrients to maintain bone density. Deterioration can lead to further dental loss and create an aged appearance as your cheeks sink in. Fortunately, a dental implant can restore this vital signal while returning your ability to bite and help you maintain jaw health.
Placing Your Dental Implant
We will examine the state of your mouth and determine if a dental implant is suitable to restore your lost tooth. If you are a viable candidate, we will insert a titanium post directly into your jawbone. As you heal from its placement, the tissues of your mouth fuse to the post and begin to aid in restoring mass to your jaw. An abutment at the end of the post allows for placement of a dental crown above the gumline. This lifelike restoration imitates the appearance of a tooth and transfers the force of your bite directly into the post and then your jaw.
SPEAK WITH YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT RESTORING YOUR MISSING TOOTH
We want to help you restore a lost tooth and prevent future losses using implant dentistry. If you would like to learn more about placing a dental implant, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
