When A Tooth Needs Replacing

Many individuals believe that their biggest oral health concerns – decay and infection – can be put to rest by brushing their teeth routinely. While preventive care at home does play a factor, it really only represents a fraction of the standard routine. In fact, a normal dental regimen consists of brushing and flossing at home, attending routine exams and cleanings, and paying close attention to the types of foods and beverages consumed. If any one of these steps is not addressed properly, it could result in serious concerns such as decay, infection, and even tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist will address the negative effects of losing a structure and why it is necessary to have it replaced in a timely manner.

Concerns That Accompany Tooth Loss

When you lose a tooth, you may be afraid of the way it will impact you cosmetically. Indeed, having a noticeable gap in your smile can be disheartening, even causing you to conceal it more than show it off, and causing your confidence to take a hit. The unfortunate truth to this, however, is that this is the least of your worries. Structural and functional problems will begin to arise as well if the structure is not replaced efficiently, causing discomfort and difficulty.

Every tooth is comprised of two main parts – the crown and the root. The root is embedded in the lower jaw with a secure bond that allows the root to function as an anchor and allows your crown to absorb the pressure of your bite. When you attempt to eat and a gap is present, your bite will attempt to accommodate the missing tooth, causing strain, difficulty biting and chewing, and more. To take it a step forward, the section of jaw that no longer contains a root will begin to weaken over time, causing deterioration. When this occurs, extensive restoration and surgery are needed in order to rebuild the bone to a point that it can support an implant.

Restoring Function

When you visit our team for your implant, we will begin by strategically placing a biocompatible post in the jaw to function as an artificial root. Atop this post will be a crown restoration that is secured efficiently. The crown will be hand-crafted from a dental material that allows us to closely mimic the natural appearance of your teeth, from the shape to the texture and even down to its natural shade. After the bone has properly healed around the post, your artificial tooth will be able to properly absorb your bite and restore your smile’s function once again.

Crafting a Custom Smile

A gap in your smile means more than a cosmetic concern, but a structural and functional one as well that will only get worse over time. Contact Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to learn more about the benefits of dental implants or to schedule your visit today.