If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you know how daunting and stressful the experience can be. Not only does it affect the look of your smile, but it can also have an impact on your ability to eat and speak properly. You may also find your cheeks sinking into your face as they lose support, giving you a more aged appearance. Your oral health can worsen as your bite comes out of alignment and you begin moving your jaw in awkward positions to accommodate for the missing gap. Fortunately, there are several options available to help you restore a missing tooth and treat these undesirable symptoms.
Your Cerritos, CA, dentist offers multiple prosthetic treatments for restoring your smile. With the placement of a dental implant, we can secure a restoration directly in your jawbone to provide a functional bite for years to come. You may also prefer a dental bridge for filling the gap left behind by your lost tooth. With either option, you can return quality to your smile and enjoy the benefits that come with a beautiful set of teeth.
When You Lose One Of Your Teeth
Because your bite relies upon the coordination of each of your teeth, losing one can upset the alignment of your entire mouth. An open socket in your mouth allows neighboring teeth to drift out of place toward the new hole. As your teeth drift, they no longer match properly with teeth on the opposite row, which imbalances the application of the force of your bite. As certain teeth take more force than others, they begin to erode more quickly, leading to a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Because gum disease is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults, an untreated lost tooth increases your risk for additional loss.
Placing A Dental Implant
We can return your bite’s alignment with the placement of a dental implant. By inserting a titanium post directly into your jawbone, we allow your oral tissues to fuse and permanently hold it in place. After recovering from your procedure, we can place a dental crown that restores your tooth above the gumline.
Wearing A Dental Bridge
Dental bridges provide a less invasive alternative to dental implants that restore your missing teeth. By anchoring your bridge to crowns placed on the ends of neighboring teeth, your new prosthodontic restoration prevents dental drift and returns the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth.
Speak With Your Cerritos, CA, Dentist About Replacing Your Missing Tooth!
Dental implants and bridges can restore your missing teeth to return your smile and a comfortable bite. For more information on these treatments, contact your Cerritos, CA, dentist at 562-584-4082. We serve patients from all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, and Buena Park.
