If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant and crown can be used as a replacement. The implant restoration replaces both the missing tooth and the root. This option is preferred over other tooth-replacement options because it looks and functions like a natural tooth, and it achieves that without compromising the health of the remaining teeth.
After a tooth is lost, the bone in the area is no longer receiving stimulation from the tooth’s root and gradually, the bone starts to deteriorate. It is possible to halt further bone breakdown by placing an implant to replace the lost tooth and restore the lost stimulation. This is especially crucial for the front set of teeth, where bone resorption is most likely to be noticed.
Also, the gap left by the missing tooth can allow nearby teeth to move or shift. When the teeth are out of alignment, the bite is affected negatively in a condition known as malocclusion. This can alter how the person chews, and affects the surrounding muscles and joints, causing issues such as recurrent headaches. It is harder to clean misaligned teeth, predisposing them to the risk of decay and gum disease. Dental implants can prevent healthy teeth from moving into the gap and provide stability for the bite while reducing excess pressure on remaining teeth.
The implant procedure involves the surgical insertion of a small titanium screw into the jawbone where the tooth was lost. Over three to five months, the implant and the bone will fuse to create a solid anchor for the tooth prosthesis. During this process (called osseointegration) the dentist will place a temporary tooth crown over the implant site until the final crown is placed.
After osseointegration is complete, the next process is often to uncover the implant and connect the abutment if it was not placed initially. The abutment will be the link between the implant post and the dental crown. The gum will be left to heal for some time after this process. Finally, the dentist will fabricate a porcelain dental crown for the patient, which will be fixed over the abutment. After cementing the crown permanently in place, the patient will have a restored dentition and all dental functions.
A missing tooth can affect oral health and self-confidence. The teeth should not be treated as single units, but as a team working together in harmony. Dental issues occur when the teeth are disjointed.
A dental implant can give you a natural-looking dental restoration that will fit in with the rest of the teeth. It is the only replacement option that does not only replace the crown, but also the root. This makes it the perfect choice to preserve jawbone volume and maintain oral health. If you are looking to replace a lost tooth, contact our office to book a consultation appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Houston, TX.
The introduction of dental implants has provided a solution to tooth replacement that goes beyond mere function to address the core of personal well-being. Loss of teeth has an impact on a lot more than just dental health — it impacts chewing, talking ability, and confidence. This is where dental implants come into play as…
Dental implants are among the most popular missing teeth replacement options available in general dentistry. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace missing teeth and their roots, which means they preserve bone tissues in the jaw. Bone tissue loss typically takes place when teeth fall out due to the bone tissues not getting the…
If someone is missing teeth, one of the options for replacing them is dental implants. According to the CDC, one in five adults over 65 have severe tooth loss. Tooth loss may occur due to untreated cavities, gingivitis, and oral trauma. There are numerous benefits to getting implants, although it is not necessarily an option…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.A dental bone graft procedure…
Considering Invisalign®? Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many types of teeth straightening options. Clear aligners are offered by a number of brands, with Invisalign® being the most popular. However, individuals who are considering teeth straightening may also consider braces, which are known to be the standard method for correcting crooked teeth, crowded…
