You can lose confidence in more than just your smile after you lose a tooth. It can quickly become apparent that your ability to bite and chew will be compromised by the absence of a tooth. If you try to bite down in the area where a smile gap is present, you can have a harder time working your way through your food, and you can potentially loosen the teeth at either side of your gap. Working to avoid that space at all times can lead to more wear and tear on your remaining teeth while also putting stress on your jaw joints and muscles. Fortunately, the right dental prosthetic can actually help you return to a natural bite function. At our Sheridan, WY dentist’s office, we can talk with you about replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant-held prosthetic appliance.
The Effects Of Tooth Loss Can Be Difficult To Ignore
Even if you have an easy time hiding a gap left by tooth loss when you speak and smile, it can be difficult to ignore your loss whenever you bite and chew food. People who have lost just one tooth may develop TMJ disorder because they are trying to avoid biting down with the teeth around a smile gap. This can lead to tension that makes jaw movement difficult while also causing you to suffer headaches, facial pain, and other problems. Over time, you may experience more problems with the health of your remaining teeth that have to do more work, and you can be vulnerable to losing teeth that are next to a gap, as they lack the support they used to enjoy.
How Dental Implants Hold Prosthetic Appliances
A dental implant will hold a prosthetic tooth in place and keep it securely held against your jawbone. Like the roots supporting your natural teeth, an implant is embedded into your jawbone. After this placement occurs, the bone will actually fuse with the post to provide remarkable support. Once you are sufficiently healed from placement, your dentist will affix a dental crown or other appliance to complete your smile!
Does Prosthetic Dental Work Always Require Implants?
A dental bridge can be put in place without a dental implant. The bridge includes a pair of dental crowns that are placed on the teeth at either side of your smile gap. When that placement occurs, you can trust the bridge to stay stable whenever you bite and chew food!
Talk To Your Sheridan, WY Dentist About Restoring Your Full Smile
Our dental office in Sheridan, WY is prepared to help patients who have experienced tooth loss. With a restoration held by an implant, you can once again smile, bite, and chew with confidence! To find out more about our services, contact Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY by calling 307-672-7567.
