If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you should know that this condition does not only affect your appearance. Left untreated, a missing tooth degrades the quality of your bite and can lead to further problems with your oral health. To avoid your increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and losing additional teeth, learn more about prosthetic replacements to restore your smile. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA dentist discusses treating tooth loss by placing dental bridges and implants.
Missing Teeth Are No Laughing Matter
Because every one of your teeth works in concert to provide a healthy bite, losing a single tooth can cause serious trouble. You may find yourself straining your jaw as you shift its position to account for the missing gap in your smile. Missing teeth can lead to feelings of embarrassment as you avoid showing your smile to others. As neighboring teeth lose support, they begin to drift into your socket and cause misalignment. Because the force of your bite no longer distributes evenly, certain teeth wear away rapidly, leading to a higher chance of decay and disease. To prevent these complications and return your full grin, discuss prosthetic replacement options with the team at Woodland Hills Dental Arts!
Evaluating The Health Of Your Bite
Deciding on a prosthetic treatment depends upon the condition your bite is in. To better understand the extent of your loss, we perform a full examination and let you know your available options. If we decide a dental bridge is appropriate, we will place crowns on the teeth surrounding your gap to connect and hold your bridge. Made from strong dental ceramic, your new bridge will prevent dental drift and return your bite in this area. With proper care, your prosthetic can last many years before requiring a replacement.
Dental Implants Stimulate Your Jawbone
If we determine your jaw is healthy enough to support a dental implant, we can place a titanium post directly into your bone through the open socket. This implant post can mimic your tooth’s roots and transfer the force of your bite into the jaw for needed stimulation. By signaling the body that the bone is in use, you maintain the density you would otherwise lose with a missing tooth.
Speak With Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist About Tooth Replacement
Dr. Arjang Naminik, Dr. Ken Hirsch, and Dr. Moeiz Koshki provide all of our patients with comprehensive dental health care in a warm, welcoming environment. We can help treat your missing tooth with a lifelike prosthetic. To learn more about replacing your tooth, schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.