Single Tooth Replacement Parker, CO
Losing a single tooth might not seem like a very big deal, especially if your tooth cannot be seen when you smile. After all, what difference does one tooth make? The truth is, it makes a big difference. Losing even one tooth can result in several problems with every aspect of your life. Replacing a missing tooth is essential. If you are missing a single tooth, Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center, we can provide you with the single tooth replacement.
The Effects of a Missing Tooth
Whether you lose a tooth near the front of your mouth or the back, the consequences go beyond appearance. A missing tooth affects how well you can bite and chew, which can impact your digestion. Food can get trapped in the empty space, increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease. Your speech may also be affected, potentially leaving you with a lisp. Tooth loss can also lead to bone loss in the jaw. As the bone weakens, the adjacent teeth can begin to shift out of alignment, throwing off how your teeth come together. When this happens, you may be at greater risk for tooth damage, bruxism, and TMJ disorder.
Traditional Bridges
One of the most common treatments for replacing a single tooth is a bridge. There are a few types available, including cantilever bridges, Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges, and fixed bridges. A fixed bridge is the most common and is frequently made from porcelain. It consists of a replacement tooth, called a pontic, that fills in the gap left by your missing tooth. On either side of the pontic are crowns that fit over the neighboring teeth, known as abutment teeth, to hold the bridge in place.
A bridge restores the function of your missing tooth, fills in your smile, and helps prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting. However, it cannot stop bone loss in the jaw. Because of this, bridges typically need to be replaced every several years to accommodate changes in the bone.
Single Tooth Implants
A single tooth implant is a long-lasting option for replacing a missing tooth. This treatment uses a small titanium post to support a ceramic crown. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone, and as you heal, the bone gradually fuses to it through a natural process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the post essentially becomes part of the jaw and provides a strong, secure foundation for your replacement tooth.
Beyond restoring the function of your missing tooth and the appearance of your smile, the implant post stimulates the jawbone the same way a natural tooth root does. This helps prevent future bone loss and can slow or stop current bone loss, keeping your jaw strong and healthy. This makes an implant a long-term, often permanent, solution. A single tooth implant is more expensive than a traditional bridge, but the benefits it provides are significantly greater.
Even if the gap from your missing tooth is not visible, that does not mean treatment should wait. For more information on single tooth replacement, or to schedule your appointment, call Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center at 720-549-8864 today.