When you have a single missing tooth, you may assume you need a dental bridge to avoid the complications of tooth loss. But we can help with an advanced and lifelike option, one that lasts far longer than a bridge. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons will discuss treating tooth loss with a dental implant and crown.
The Cause of a Missing Tooth
How do we lose our natural teeth? This could be due to an untreated cavity or infection, one that requires extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the smile. A tooth could also be knocked out due to injury, or severe damage that cannot be treated could require extraction. But the most common cause is periodontitis. The late stage of gum disease, this destroys the tissues that connect the teeth and gums. When we examine your smile, we will look for signs of underlying oral health issues like gum disease, as treatment to manage it may be necessary before we can move forward with tooth replacement.
The Possible Impacts
A missing tooth could not only leave an embarrassing gap behind, but could cause the surrounding teeth to gradually drift from position, causing dental misalignment and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease as a result. A lost tooth could impact how you eat, and could strain the bite balance so you’re more likely to develop painful disorders like TMD or even bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). Which is why even a single missing tooth needs to be replaced, and we can help with advanced and lifelike implant dentistry.
Dental Implants and Crowns
For a single missing tooth, you need a dental implant and crown. The implant portion is a biocompatible titanium post, one that looks like a screw. We plan and guide the placement into the jaw with digital technology, selecting the perfect angle and position to support a new tooth. The body will accept the post as a new root, which prevents the gradual breakdown of jawbone tissue that follows tooth loss, so you don’t lose additional teeth. This also enables your new tooth to last for decades! We then connect an abutment so we can attach the crown. Custom-made for your smile, the crown will look natural and absorb daily forces and pressures!
If you have any questions, then give our team a call today.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Missing Teeth?
We offer a secure, durable, and lifelike solution for the gap in your smile. To learn more about addressing the loss of one or more of your teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.