One of the most serious threats to any structure is damage to its foundation. Take your tooth, for instance. If its crown, or top part, cracks, then your tooth can typically be repaired by placing a dental crown over it. If the tooth’s root, or foundation, is cracked, then the tooth will have to be extracted and exchanged with a replacement tooth. Likewise, if a tooth is completely lost, then its replacement should include a sturdy foundation for it to last and function as well as a healthy tooth. If you’ve lost a tooth to damage or disease, then your dentist can help custom-craft a replacement that realistically mimics your natural teeth for optimal results.
Laying a Good Foundation
Although it normally can’t be seen, the root is a vital part of a healthy tooth. Embedded within your jawbone, your teeth’s roots offer incredible stability for your teeth to absorb the pressures of biting and chewing. Your jawbone also supplies your teeth with necessary minerals through their roots. The only option for replacing a lost tooth root is a dental implant—a biocompatible titanium root device that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone. Your jawbone will fuse to the implant’s titanium surface as it heals, holding the device in place as securely as it grasps your healthy teeth roots. After 4-6 months, once your jawbone has healed, we can attach a lifelike dental crown to the implant to complete your tooth replacement.
Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery
As the only visible part of your replacement tooth, the dental crown that tops the implant will be crafted from lifelike dental porcelain, which is tinted to match the color and shade of your natural teeth. The semi-translucent porcelain, or ceramic, is also layered to reflect light to the same degree as your tooth’s enamel. Since your smile’s look is as important as its function, we strive to ensure that your entire replacement tooth is designed to imitate the appearance of your healthy teeth, as well as their strength and stability.
