If you’ve lost a tooth due to an untreated cavity, or otherwise required extraction, it can seriously compromise the function and appearance of your mouth. Beyond simply impairing your ability to chew food, it can mar your smile, and cause you to slur your speech. If the surrounding structure is not restored in a timely manner, it could lead to alignment issues with the surrounding teeth.
In a case like this, the restoration dentists at Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will often recommend replacing the lost tooth with a dental implant.
Sometimes tooth loss, extraction or chronic gum disease can result in a loss of bone structure in the area. If this is the case, your dentist might recommend having a bone graft installed first, to restore enough structure to mount the implant.
The dental implant procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Most people choose to be deeply sedated. This means you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home afterward while the sedative completely wears off.
To install an implant an oral surgeon makes a small incision in your gums. Then a titanium abutment is then screwed into place. Titanium is known for being biologically safe metal that, in time, will fuse to your natural jawbone.
Once everything has healed we can fit the titanium abutment with a standard crown. This will effectively restore the full function and appearance of the lost tooth for many years to come.
If you’ve recently lost a tooth you should call Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s office in Toledo, Ohio at (419) 536-9196 to explore your treatment and restoration options.