When you have a single missing tooth, a bridge isn’t your only replacement option. Instead, we have a durable and realistic option with dental implants and crowns. These can provide a lifelike option for an individual missing tooth, one that can last for decades to come. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons discuss tooth replacement.
The Impact of a Single Lost Tooth
When you lose even one tooth, this could mean trouble for your oral health. For example, the gap left behind could cause surrounding teeth to drift from position, leading to misalignment. This could also cause you to feel embarrassed about your appearance. The body will respond to your tooth loss by suspending or diverting the flow of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue breaks down and erodes. This means the risk of further tooth loss down the road!
Receiving Dental Implants
Dental implants don’t need crowns or clasps to stay in place. Instead, we use digital technology to carefully plan the position of a biocompatible titanium post, and guide it into place at the right angle and position to support a restoration. The implant post will bond with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, which means it can last as long as a natural root, decades to come or even a lifetime. Once we place it and the area heals, which could take a few weeks or months, we will connect an abutment that extends above the gum line. Now your smile is ready for the dental crown portion.
Custom-Made Dental Restoration
The dental crown is the part people see when you smile, which is why we custom-make them from materials like ceramic, which are very durable and strong, but can be shaded to blend with the rest of your smile seamlessly. We want you to feel proud to show off your new smile, and to eat your favorite foods again. With proper care and attention, you could avoid further tooth loss and ensure your new one is ready to last for many years to come.
If you have any questions about dental implants and crowns, or about addressing more severe cases of tooth loss, then contact our team today to learn more. We’re ready to help you smile with confidence, and avoid the prematurely aged appearance and other complications that follow untreated tooth loss.
Ready to Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a full smile again with implant technology. To learn more about addressing your individual missing teeth with an advanced replacement option, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.