After losing a tooth, it can be hard to know what to do next to restore a smile. Leaving a gap where that tooth was is often not the best decision because it can lead to more damage to oral health. There are options, including the use of a tooth implant, a permanent structure that can create a strong, healthy artificial tooth. It is important to choose the right solution for your smile. At Lovett Dental Heights, we offer dental implant services to meet most needs.
Why a Tooth Implant Is Better Than a Missing Tooth
Whether it is one of the front teeth or those along the back, leaving a gap in the smile from a missing tooth is often not ideal. Each of the teeth applies pressure and gets support from the teeth around them. When one is missing, it can create problems for maintaining their proper alignment. When this happens, several complications can occur, including:
- Crowding into the opening, which can cause teeth nearby to become weakened and at risk of falling out
- Increased risk of early tooth decay and gum disease development due to poor dental cleaning methods available
- Trouble with chewing and biting is also common especially depending on the location of the tooth
- A person may become self-conscious of the missing tooth and no smile or speak as often as they would otherwise
- Speaking problems can occur, too, depending on the tooth lost
How Does a Single Tooth Implant Fix This?
After a full consultation and X-ray, a dentist may recommend dental implants to fill in the opening. A single tooth implant is one in which a single device is implanted into the jawbone in the opening left by the natural tooth. This becomes permanent as the bone naturally grows around it. Once in place and strong, a tooth crown is placed on top. It is secured in place on an abutment added to the top of the implant. The crown is very natural looking in terms of size, shape, and coloring. It may be hard to tell that the tooth is artificial.
Once in place, the tooth implant offers all of the benefits of a traditional tooth. It creates a strong bite, reduces the risk of teeth shifting, and improves speaking abilities. Most of these teeth can last for years to come.
Are There Risks to Dental Implant Options?
A dental implant specialist, who may also be a cosmetic dentist, works closely with an oral surgeon to handle implants. This is a surgical procedure. For that reason, the dentist will need to ensure the implants are a safe option. To do that, several things are considered:
- Is the gum tissue in the area health and disease and infection-free? If not, periodontal services may help to improve this.
- Is there enough healthy jawbone in the area to support the dental implants? If not, the oral surgeon may improve this through the use of transplanted bone from another area of the body.
- Does the person have any underlying health risks that may put them at risk during a surgical procedure?
In all of these situations, your Lovett Dental Heights team will communicate options with you openly. You will know what to expect and how well this type of treatment can work for your needs and long-term oral health.
Improve Your Smile – Schedule a Consultation with Lovett Dental Heights
When it comes to improving your smile, let the experienced team at Lovett Dental Heights offer help. We can provide help for a tooth implant as well as other restorative procedures you may need using the most innovative solutions available. To get the help you need, call 832-767-2210 or connect with us now online.
