Whether you are aware of it or not, your smile faces a variety of oral health threats on a daily basis. From dental decay and infection to other concerns such as chronic teeth-grinding or sleep apnea, your structures endure much more harm from outside factors than they do protection. Indeed, a combination of these circumstances can lead to significant complications down the line if you are not careful, and you may even face the effects of tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist explains why it is important to replace a lost structure, and how a dental implant can benefit your smile.
More Than a Cosmetic Concern
When faced with the possibility of tooth loss, the first thing to cross many individuals’ minds is how it will impact their appearance. After all, a person’s smile is often the first physical attribute one notices about another, and a bright shine can be indicative of heightened self-confidence.
While appearance certainly is noticeable way that tooth loss impacts your smile, it is far from the worst. As a matter of fact, losing as little as one tooth can significantly impact your oral function. This can be in the form of biting, chewing, eating, or even enunciating.
You see, the components of your grin work in conjunction with one another, meaning every part of the figurative machine is necessary to accomplish daily tasks and routines. Contact our front office if you have any questions about this process, or would like to learn more today.
How It Impacts You
Every tooth consists of a root and a crown. The crown is the visible section that helps your break down food items, while the root’s secure connection to the jaw acts as an anchor that allows your crowns to properly absorb the pressure of your bite. Not only this, but the root helps stimulate the jaw so that it can stay strong and continue housing your teeth.
When one or more teeth are gone, there is nothing preventing your jaw from degradation, or gradual weakening and erosion over time. What’s more? Your remaining teeth must strain to accommodate the missing structure(s), inevitably causing strain.
Understanding Your Options
To avoid these and other negative side effects, your dentist will recommend pursuing a dental implant shortly after losing a tooth. This procedure consists of placing a biocompatible titanium post within the jaw to function as an artificial root. Once it has been placed, we can create a custom crown restoration to place on top that closely mimics the shape, texture, and shade of your natural teeth.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 to learn more about the need for replacement teeth, or schedule your next appointment with our team today.