If you lose a tooth due to an infection, whether it falls out or if we need to extract it, then you have a gap in your smile. Without treatment, this could lead to major complications with your oral health. But we can help! In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about how we replace as missing tooth with a dental implant.
The Causes of Tooth Loss
We often offer endodontic treatment, such as a root canal or an apicoectomy, to treat infected teeth and keep your smile intact. But sometimes, when we see a patient and the infection has progressed too far, the tooth needs to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection. The tooth could also be lost to infection or injury already. When a gap is left behind by a missing tooth, this can lead to complications with the appearance, health, and function of your smile. To preserve your bite and prevent further tooth loss, we can replace your lost tooth with a dental implant!
The Impact of a Missing Tooth
What dangers will a missing tooth cause? Well, the body will notice the lost root and in response will suspend the flow of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone around the lost root. Without these nutrients, the jaw begins to erode, losing mass and density. This complication causes further tooth loss and eventually, could lead to an aged appearance. Missing teeth can also cause nearby teeth to drift to create misalignment, and could lead to a higher risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). But with dental implants, we can help preserve the jaw and keep your smile intact!
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant portion is a small post made from biocompatible titanium. Screw-like in appearance, this is surgically inserted into your jaw and bonds with the area like a natural root. The body resumes the flow of nutrients to preserve your jawbone and allow the new posts to stay in place for decades to come, possibly a lifetime with proper care and attention. We then attach an abutment to it so we can secure a crown, which completes the visible portion of your new tooth and provides a durable chewing surface. We also shade the crown to blend with your smile and offer a lifelike appearance.
If you have any questions about replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant, then contact our team today to learn more and get started!
Do You Have a Lost Tooth?
Our team wants to address a missing or extracted tooth by placing one or more replacement teeth. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
