For some people, the biggest threat to their smile includes the effects of grinding their teeth constantly throughout the night. For others, however, the biggest threat involves harmful oral bacteria that cause decay and infection. Indeed, while a healthy dental regimen includes a steady balance of preventive care at home and in-office, falling short of any one of these steps can subject your grin to significant damage down the line and ultimately result in tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX dentist will address what occurs when you lose a tooth and why an implant can be necessary for your oral health.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Having to have a structure removed may be the best course of action if it is significantly damaged or decayed, and what’s the worst that can happen? You just have a gap in your smile, right? Actually, the negative effects that arise from not replacing a tooth can become quite significant very fast. For instance, your teeth serve to help you bite, chew, and even enunciate. What’s more, they serve roles in protecting your smile from harm as well as strengthen your jaw structure. That being said, a gap in your grin can create a myriad of functional and structural problems, whether you are missing one or several.
Improved Function
When you lose even a single tooth, many of your smile’s functions become interrupted and cause problems. Take for example the task of eating when a single tooth is missing. Because your teeth support the pressure of your bite through a secure connection between the root and jaw, your bite will have to readjust in order to accommodate this missing structure. This not only causes difficulties chewing in the short-term, but will inevitably create strain and discomfort as your mouth moves in a manner it is not accustomed. What’s more, the section of bone that no longer contains a root will be unable to perform as it should, thus resulting in deterioration or degradation that poses a complication in receiving dental implants down the line due to lack of support. For more information about this process, contact our team today.
A Full, Complete Smile
For situations such as the ones listed above, dental implant restorations can provide the solution. The process consists of placing a biocompatible titanium post securely into the lower mandible to function as an artificial root. Atop this structure will sit a custom crown restoration that is designed to mimic your natural teeth, even down to the shade. Together, your restoration will help reestablish an even bite and contain the strength to support the pressure once more. Not only this, but you will get to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of a full, lifelike grin.
Learn More Today
For more information about dental implants and the way they help your function, contact Gentle Smile Family Dentistry in Dallas, TX by calling 972-329-7645 to schedule your visit today.
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