Tooth loss not only leaves behind embarrassing gaps in your smile, but could also weaken your smile to cause further tooth loss and even an older appearance. But with dental implants, we can fill these gaps and keep your facial structure intact too! In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about smile preservation and tooth replacement with dental implants.
The Causes and Risks of Tooth Loss
First, why do we sometimes lose our natural teeth? Factors like advanced tooth decay or infection could be responsible, as could an injury to the face or jaw. The most common issue is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. When we lose our teeth, obviously this can impact how we eat, how clearly we speak, and could lead to complications like misalignment, TMJ disorder, and bruxism (teeth grinding). But your jawbone could weaken too, as the body will stop sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to the areas around the lost roots. Without these nutrients, the bone breaks down to cause further tooth loss and an older appearance! But with implant dentistry, we can address the missing teeth and preserve your smile.
Dental Implants and Jawbone Preservation
Dental implants are posts made from biocompatible titanium. They are surgically inserted into the jaw, set at specific angles, positions, and depths to support new teeth and stimulate the growth of jawbone structure. The body accepts them as new roots and begins sending doses of nutrients to the jaw as before, so your smile and facial structure remains intact and your new teeth have the potential to last for decades to come, possibly a lifetime! We can then move on to the part of your new tooth or smile that people see.
Completing Your New Teeth
For an individual missing tooth, our team can attach an abutment to the post that extends above the gum line. Our team then attaches a crown to it to complete the new tooth, one that is custom-made to ensure a proper fit and a lifelike appearance. For more severe cases of tooth loss, our team can offer bridges or even dentures supported with multiple posts, so you can obtain a full smile again and enjoy your favorite dishes, while also keeping your youthful facial structures intact.
If you have any questions about how we replace missing teeth with dental implants, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a full and long-lasting smile!
Learn More About Tooth Replacement Options
Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, want to offer a full smile and preserve your youthful facial structure too. When you have one or more missing teeth, reach out to our team today by calling 913-901-8585.
