When you have a missing tooth, this could leave an embarrassing gap in your smile and leave the rest of your smile at risk. But your Santa Rosa, CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can help replace the missing tooth and keep your jaw intact with a dental implant and crown, so you enjoy lifelike and long-lasting results.
The Risks Of Even One Missing Tooth
What could a single missing tooth mean for your smile? When you lose a tooth, this gap could cause nearby teeth to drift from position, which then leads to misalignment. Poor alignment not only changes the appearance of your smile, but leaves you more vulnerable to issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Your body will also stop sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to the jaw around the root, which causes a breakdown linked to further tooth loss. You may also feel embarrassed about your appearance, and could avoid social interactions. But we can help you smile with confidence again by addressing your missing tooth with a dental implant and crown.
The Dental Implant Placement Process
The dental implant portion is what secures your new tooth in place. This is essentially a new root and is accepted by the body as such. When we insert this into your jaw, the post will bond with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. Once in place, this can remain there for decades to come, possibly a lifetime, so you can enjoy a full smile and a replacement option that functions like a natural tooth. While this addresses the nee root portion of your tooth, what about the part people see? For that, we will attach a custom-made dental crown.
Placing Your Custom Crown
The crown will be custom-made to ensure it not only fits comfortably, but that it provides a balanced bite. The materials we use, such as ceramic, can be shaded to blend with the rest of your smile. The material is also durable enough to absorb daily bite forces and pressures just as a natural tooth does. When the post is in place, we will connect an abutment to it and then attach a custom-made dental restoration. The restoration will allow you to smile with confidence and enjoy your favorite meals again.
If you have any questions about dental implants and crowns, then contact our team today to learn more. You don’t have to live with an unsightly gap in your smile, we can help!
Ask Our Team About Tooth Replacement with Implant Dentistry
We can handle minor tooth loss to keep your smile intact. To schedule an appointment with your Santa Rosa, CA, dentists, call our office today at 707-545-4625.