Losing a tooth can be a scary, unsure time for people. If it’s not replaced soon, your other teeth can begin to shift and weaken due to uneven distribution of pressure from your bite. You need to act quickly to prevent long term damage to the remaining teeth. A dental implant is a great way you can replace a tooth. Not only can it fill the missing space where your old tooth was with a brand new, natural-looking dental crown, but it can also replace the function and bite of the lost tooth.
A dental implant mimics the supportive root structure of a natural tooth by first placing a titanium post into the jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible and fuses to the jawbone as the implant heals. Once it heals, a crown is formed that closely resembles the color and shape of your natural teeth. This allows your bite to function just as it did before the loss of your old tooth, preventing further damage to your teeth and jaw.
To avoid the loss of more teeth, be proactive with brushing and flossing, along with regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Scheduling these visits at least every 6 months will allow your dentist to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, and other issues from causing the loss of more teeth. Contact your dentist today and see if a dental implant is the right thing for you.