Tooth loss is a frustrating experience that can have health and lifestyle ramifications for you. When you lose a tooth, you have to change what you eat. You may avoid smiling because you don’t want to show off your missing tooth. The missing tooth can also cause problems for your remaining teeth as they shift into the empty space. The best way to treat individual tooth loss is with a dental implant. Implants recreate the structure and appearance of your original tooth. Plus, they stand on their own, so they don’t require the modification of your remaining teeth.

Dental Implants Use Your Jaw Bone for Structure, Like a Natural Tooth

Your natural teeth are rooted into your jaw bone. This is what gives them their strength and stability. When you completely lose a tooth, recreating that structure is vital. A dental implant is surgically placed in your jaw bone, giving it maximum strength and stability. A dental bridge — another prosthetic option — uses the surrounding teeth as a support for your dental prosthetic. This means that the prosthetic doesn’t have the same functional capability, and it may require your dentist to adjust your existing teeth to support the bridge.

Dental Implants Recreate the Appearance of Your Original Tooth

Of course function is vital for your prosthetic tooth. If you can’t use your tooth to chew and eat, it isn’t doing you much good. You also want your prosthetic to look like the rest of your teeth. Your dental implant will be topped with a dental crown, which is fabricated using measurements of your actual teeth. This crown recreates the naturalistic appearance of your original tooth, so you can feel confident smiling in social settings once again.

For Comprehensive Tooth Loss Recovery, Trust Cedar Dental

Coping with tooth loss is never easy. You need a partner to help get your teeth back to their best. Cedar Dental is here during tough times. The friendly staff can start you on the road to recovery with a dental implant. To learn more about prosthetic options, contact Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA at 319-364-7108.