Although a tooth’s crown is the only part that can be seen, the entire structure contains other elements, including roots. When a tooth is extracted following an injury or cannot be saved from advanced decay, both the crown and the root are lost.
Ideally, patients should choose a tooth replacement that replicates the entire tooth’s structure. When the time comes to replace a missing permanent tooth, patients benefit from working with an implant dentist to get dental implants.
Dental implants are screw-like structures that are made of titanium. They are designed to fill in for the root of the patient’s missing tooth. The implants are topped with abutments, which in turn anchor the prosthetic crown in place.
Because the dental implant serves as a root that secures a crown, the entire tooth structure is replaced.
The implant dentist surgically places the device in the jawbone. The titanium has properties that allow it to fuse with bone material, so in the weeks following the procedure, it will osseointegrate with the jaw and become a permanent fixture in the bone.
People may not give much thought to the roots of their teeth, but that portion is essential to ongoing stability in the jawbone and the surrounding teeth.
When a tooth’s root is no longer present, the jawbone will begin to erode. That bone loss may jeopardize the other teeth. If several (or all) teeth are missing, the resorption will also lead to a change in the jawbone’s shape, which can prematurely age your appearance.
Because dental implants are root-like, the replacement tooth will also feel and work more like a biological tooth. Dental implants require minimal dietary restrictions, and patients can maintain a standard oral hygiene routine.
Not only does the dental implant replicate the entire tooth structure, it is the only tooth replacement method to do so. Alternatives like bridges or partial and full dentures only fill in for the portion of the tooth that is visible beyond the gums.
Patients who have experienced tooth loss are well-served by a replacement that fills in for the missing tooth as a whole. If you face tooth replacement, contact the office of Dr. Brad Crump, serving Park Cities and the surrounding areas, to see if dental implants are a good option for you. Call 214-443-0876 and schedule your professional consultation.