As an adult, tooth loss is not a common phenomenon, and oftentimes can be prevented with routine oral care. When you do experience a lost structure through disease or extraction, however, it is important to have it replaced as not doing so could result in further loss and infection. But what happens if it is more than one tooth? Fortunately, your Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist at Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist can help by setting you up for a dental implant procedure, offering solutions that address your tooth loss issues in more ways than one.
Addressing a Single Structure
Losing one or even multiple teeth can affect your smile’s appearance and functionality in a few different ways. Each structure is comprised of two main parts–the crown and the root – that work together to ensure your bite’s function. Both portions are necessary for everyday activities such as biting, chewing, and even enunciation. The root is secured in the jaw bone beneath the gum line, acting as an anchor for your crown so that it can properly absorb the stress and pressure of a typical bite. Without a root and crown, your bite becomes uneven as it has to readjust to accommodate the missing structure.
When you receive a dental implant and restoration, your dentist will strategically place a titanium post in the jaw to function as an artificial root. Once the jaw heals around the post, this will create a tight connection that will allow the new addition to absorb standard bite pressure, thus restoring your mouth’s function. Additionally, a custom restoration will be created and placed to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth, even down to their natural color. For more information about this process, contact our office today.
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth
In addition to replacing a single structure, a dental implant can be utilized to replace multiple missing teeth as well. If there is a prevalent gap in-between teeth due to a group of missing structures, you may look at a dental bridge secured by posts as a solution. The restorations will be custom-created to mimic the natural texture of your smile and fixed in place with implants to secure your smile.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Sometimes, total tooth loss is necessary to prevent your oral health from further deteriorating. When all structures are missing, however, it can become incredibly difficult to speak or eat food at all. As a solution to this, our office can create a custom partial or full denture for you that is also secured by dental implants. Contact our team to learn about the process.
Learn More Today
Contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 to schedule your appointment or learn more about restorative procedures that can help your smile.