If you are living with tooth loss, then you already know how disruptive this problem can be. You may find yourself avoiding certain foods, or hiding your smile when you’re out in public.
Tooth loss is undoubtedly troubling, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. There are treatments available to help you rebuild and repair your smile so that you can smile confidently again. The most state-of-the-art replacement tooth available today is called the dental implant. Keep reading to learn more from our Toluca Lake dental implant dentists.
A dental implant is a stand-alone replacement tooth, that mimics the structure of a natural tooth. What does this mean? Well, essentially, dental implants are unique because they replace the tooth root as well as the visible crown of the tooth.
Every dental implant is held in place with a small titanium screw. This screw fills the space where the natural tooth root used to sit. Over time, through a process called osseointegration, this root is able to actually bond with the surrounding bone tissue.
The titanium root is then capped with a custom-crafted restoration. There is an additional small piece, called an abutment, that holds the restoration to the titanium root. The abutment is essential for ensuring a good fit, while also allowing enough “give” and flexibility between the root and crown so that it doesn’t snap or fracture under pressure.
When all of these components are put together, they produce a replacement tooth that looks natural, stays in place permanently, and actually helps to support the patient’s overall oral health. That is why dental implants are so popular among dental patients of all ages.
Treating tooth loss in a timely manner can help you avoid a host of additional oral health problems down the road. So, please reach out to our Toluca Lake dental implant dentists for additional information and to schedule a personal consultation!