In childhood, losing a tooth is almost a rite of passage. Wide smiles with gaps where the tooth used to be and a visit from the tooth fairy make the experience fun and adorable.
In adulthood, a missing tooth is not something most patients want to remember. It can make patients feel self-conscious when they smile, it can affect how words sound when they speak, and the types of foods they can eat. They want it fixed, they want it fixed quickly, and they want it to last.
Dr. Terry Vines, of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry in Redlands, CA, offers solutions for missing teeth. Whether your tooth loss was due to trauma to the mouth, such as an accident, a fall, not catching the soccer ball your child threw to you; or due to oral health reasons like a cavity that went undetected, tooth decay, or gum disease, Dr. Vines can help you find a permanent fix to make your smile feel complete again.
Dental implants are a popular option for many patients. This device is surgically implanted into the patient’s jawbone. Because it is made of titanium, the body accepts the object quickly without rejection or allergic reaction. A post, or abutment, is set into the implant and then a cosmetic restoration, usually a crown, is secured to the post.
The procedure will take several visits to Dr. Vines’ office, but the result is a completely natural look with no harm done to the surrounding teeth. The implant, once the procedure is complete, can be used to bite, chew, and speak just like a natural tooth. Additionally, an implant requires the same at home oral health care that you’re probably used to practicing. Daily brushing and flossing, seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups, and avoiding damaging habits are all it takes to keep your implant intact, your smile beautiful and your mouth healthy.
Do want to improve the appearance of your smile with an implant? Are you concerned about a weak or loose tooth? If you think an implant could be for you and want to meet with Dr. Vines to have your questions answered or develop a treatment plan, call the friendly team at Pure Gold Professionals Dentistry.