When you lose one of your teeth, you may be unaware of how many ways it can affect your day-to-day life. The new gap in your smile can be quite shocking to see in the mirror. Besides feelings of embarrassment, you may feel significant pain when speaking or attempting to enjoy a meal. Without proper treatment, the loss of a tooth can cause misalignment of your bite and wear and tear on the remaining teeth that begin to shift. But did you know that dental loss threatens the stability of your jaw as well? Whether from physical injury or disease, a missing tooth removes the signal to your nervous system that your jawbone is in use. For this reason, your Cerritos, CA, dentist can provide restoration in the form of a dental implant. This prosthetic can enhance your biting ability, return the appearance of your smile, and support the health of your jaw all in a single solution! Remember that early treatment of a lost tooth can help prevent additional complications, so do not delay seeking your replacement.
The Effects Of Tooth Loss
Losing a single tooth can disrupt the entire function of your bite because each one works in concert to support its neighbors. If gum disease causes a tooth to become loose and fall out, or a traumatic event knocks one from your mouth, its match on the opposite row of teeth loses its biting partner. This can force you to adopt a soft diet and potentially miss out on enjoying your favorite foods. Your alignment is further threatened by dental drift as teeth move into the area occupied by your open socket. As your jaw shifts in an awkward position to account for your new dentition, the enamel of your teeth wears away as they take disproportionate force from the application of your bite. This can leave you susceptible to future cavity development and periodontal infection as the protective surface layer dissolves.
Placing A Dental Implant
To return the function of your bite and restore your smile, your dentist can insert a dental implant post directly into the bone of your jaw. Over the following weeks, as you heal, your oral tissues fuse to the post to secure it in place for years to come. An abutment at the end of the post allows for the placement of a dental crown or other appropriate prosthetics to complete your bite. In combination, the crown transfers the force of your bite through the post to stimulate your jawbone. This signals your brain that the bone is in use and thus the body sends important nutrients for maintaining bone density.
Talk To Your Cerritos, CA, Dentist About Replacing Your Missing Tooth!
Losing a tooth does not have to leave a permanent hole in your smile. A dental implant can restore your appearance and provide valuable benefits for your oral health. For more information on this treatment, contact your Cerritos, CA, dentist at 562-584-4082. We serve patients from all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, and Buena Park.
