Address Your Missing Teeth
A single missing tooth in the front of the mouth can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Missing teeth in the back of the mouth may not cause pain, but they will be contributing to bone loss. We recommend dental implant treatment to replace a single missing tooth because we have had such great results with this procedure. Cosmetic dentist Nicholas Rallis, DDS works closely with Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis, an experienced periodontist and implant specialist, to rebuild smiles with a very natural-looking result. Schedule your dental implant consultation today!
Why Dental Implants Work
When it comes to replacing a single missing tooth, patients have the option to get a dental bridge or a dental implant. A bridge does help to correct the bite by filling in the space where the tooth is missing but it is attached above the gums. This means the bone where the tooth is now missing does not have anything to support or stimulate it. Over time, you will see a gradual loss of bone tissue beneath the bridge.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are secured into the actual jaw bone. The base of the implant stimulates the bone so the risk for bone loss is reduced. In addition, the dental implant looks and functions like your real tooth.
What are the Risks of a Missing Tooth?
Aside from looking aesthetically unfavorable, a missing tooth can create a number of concerns for your oral and general health. Since there is nothing to occupy the empty space within your dental arches, an untreated missing tooth may cause surrounding teeth to shift and become misaligned. This can disrupt your bite and even lead to changes in your facial structure. For this reason, it is essential to replace a missing tooth sooner rather than later in order to minimize the extent to which nearby teeth migrate out of position.
Furthermore, missing teeth often debilitate chewing function, increasing the risks of gingivitis, tooth infections, high blood pressure, and heart disease. While the concerns presented by missing teeth can be far-reaching, Dr. Rallis and Dr. Chondrogiannis are well-versed in determining the best replacement solution and can develop a treatment plan personalized for your unique needs. Innovations in cosmetic dentistry now offer extremely natural-looking tooth restorations that can be indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth, enhancing your smile while preserving your oral wellness in the process.
How Do I Choose Between a Dental Implant and Dental Bridge?
When placed by an experienced dentist, a dental implant and a dental bridge can both serve as effective tooth replacements. Dental implants are typically considered the gold standard for treating a missing tooth, as they include the benefit of having an artificial tooth root that can retain bone volume, as well as provide a more secure restoration. While our team and most other dentists agree that an implant is a more ideal treatment choice, there are many patients who favor a dental bridge for a variety of reasons. The dental bridge procedure can be less invasive when compared to dental implants, and jawbone density is not required to support the prosthesis. If you lack the requisite bone structure to anchor a dental implant and do not wish to undergo bone grafting treatment, dental bridges can be an excellent way to restore your smile and bite. Ultimately, Dr. Rallis and Dr. Chondrogiannis will help you decide which option is best for your treatment goals and unique needs.
Permanent Solution for Restoring Your Smile
Dental implants are a permanent solution for restoring your smile. We can restore your smile in just a few visits and you can enjoy that new smile for years to come. Dr. Rallis and Dr. Chondrogiannis have extensive experience replacing missing teeth and use only the highest quality materials.
Get that missing tooth replaced quickly and enjoy the compliments from your new smile! Schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Rallis today.
