Are you missing something in your smile? Do you want a new tooth? We can replace missing teeth with removable dentures or even dental bridges, but over time your jawbone could continue to break down. Fortunately, we have an advanced treatment option that can help preserve your jawbone tissue. How do dental implants preserve your smile and offer lifelike tooth replacement?
Unfortunately adult tooth loss affects many Americans, and it can cause problems for not only a person’s confidence, but also for his or her ability to speak and chew comfortably. Luckily, there are a number of ways a dentist can help complete a smile after tooth loss, each with benefits and some drawbacks. Understanding each of the options can help you determine the best solution for your smile, whether that be partial or full dentures, dental implants or bridgework.
Partial and Full Dentures Can Complete Smiles
Modern dentures are made to be both comfortable and esthetically pleasing. They are carefully crafted to match your teeth’s natural tone and shape. They should blend right in with your smile. Many dentures can even rest in place without the use of any adhesives, though adhesives can be used to further secure them in place.
Dental Bridges are a good choice when you want a new tooth
A dental bridge is a beautiful and dependable way to complete a smile after tooth loss. Most bridges use crowns, either completely or in conjunction with metal, to hold the restoration in place. Unlike partial dentures, many patients find a bridge a more comfortable and secure form of completing a smile after tooth loss.
Dental Implants Can Increase Confidence
Dental implants are generally considered the most stable and permanent replacement option for natural teeth. As such, they are also the most expensive. For many patients, though, dental implants are the ideal way to deal with the loss of a tooth. Implants use a titanium post to hold a crown, partial denture or dental bridge in place. After the post has been surgically inserted, your gum tissue will grow around the post. This creates a stable base for the cosmetic replacement tooth, which is then secured to the post through an abutment.
When you want a new tooth there are other factors to consider
- A consultation with your dentist can help determine which form of restoration will be most suitable. The treatment plan is based on the location of your missing teeth, and the specifics of your smile as well as your budgetary concerns.
- If you’ve lost a tooth, don’t delay treatment, as leaving a gap can cause alignment issues for your remaining dentition and even your jawbone.
- Be sure to ask about how to care for your restorative treatment long term. Some restorations are more sensitive and require specialty cleaners to preserve them.
Placing and Restoring Your New Tooth
We first choose the optimal area for placement and an oral surgeon will insert the dental implant into the jawbone. The process in which the implant and jawbone and implant bond is called osseointegration. Once that takes place, , we can add an abutment that holds a custom-made dental crown in place. This allows us to restore the tooth and complete your new smile.
Preserving Jawbone Density
The dental implant is made from titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material that bonds with the jawbone and acts as a new tooth root. Which means the jawbone won’t degrade as it normally would. This helps prevent you from developing further tooth loss and an aged appearance. Other benefits of implant dentistry include a lifelike tooth that can last for several years, even decades, with proper care and attention.
Maintaining Your New Tooth
You essentially care for your new artificial tooth just as you would your natural ones. Each day, you should brush twice for two minutes each session. You also need to floss every night before bed to remove food particles trapped between them. We also recommend a dental cleaning every six months. These routine actions help protect your new smile from oral health issues that could impact your new smile. Consider a second opinion to confirm the dental treatment advice your received or if you have any questions about replacing missing teeth.
Come learn why you may want a new tooth
So you lost a natural tooth. We can help you enjoy a full and beautiful smile with implant dentistry. There are many types of replacement teeth available. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling us in Lake Forest, IL, at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.