Addressing your missing teeth means protecting your smile from loss of jawbone density and even further tooth loss. In order to provide a more lifelike option that lasts longer than traditional bridges or dentures, we may prescribe a dental implant. What benefits will dental implants offer patients in Des Moines, IA, suffering from minor or advanced tooth loss?
The Dangers Missing Teeth Pose
What makes tooth loss so dangerous for your smile? As we mentioned briefly above, the body will take notice of a missing tooth root and in response, stop supplying the jawbone with doses of calcium and phosphorus. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue itself begins to break own. Over time, loss of jawbone density causes additional tooth loss and an aged appearance, including the onset of sunken cheeks and for some, ptotic chins. Tooth loss has also been linked to misalignment, a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. The pressure on the jaw joints due to tooth loss may also mean the onset of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding).
The Dental Implant Difference
Traditional tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures, typically relied on crowns or natural suction to stay in place. However, now we simply insert the dental implant into the jawbone. If you have multiple missing teeth, then we insert several dental implants to secure a denture. Once in place, they bond with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. The body resumes the flow of nutrients and stimulates the growth of jawbone tissues, protecting facial structure and remaining natural teeth.
Restoring Your New Tooth
After the new tooth root and the jawbone bond, we move forward with the restoration process. The restoration addresses the visible portion of your new tooth. For a single tooth, we place a crown. Custom-made from lifelike materials, the crown looks natural and also withstands bite pressure. If you’ve lost several teeth, we then attach a custom-made bridge or denture to the implants, offering a prosthetic that lasts for decades with proper care and attention. Whether you have one or several missing teeth, please talk to our team today. We will examine your smile to see if implant dentistry is the best choice for addressing the gaps in your smile. If so, we will move forward with replacement and help you obtain a full and beautiful new smile. Contact our team today if you have any questions or concerns!
GATEWAY DENTAL GROUP HELPS ENSURE A WHOLE SMILE
We want to provide our patients with dependable and lifelike tooth replacement. Our practice is ready to address lost teeth in Des Moines, IA and help patients enjoy healthier smiles. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (515) 244-9565.