Losing a tooth can be an upsetting experience, and it happens more often than you might think. In fact, millions of people across the United States are missing at least one tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. A missing tooth doesn't just affect your oral health and function; it can also impact your appearance, self-esteem, and confidence. That's why at LI Dental Group, LLP, we offer innovative solutions for replacing missing teeth, including traditional fixed bridgework and dental implants.
In the past, a fixed dental bridge was the most popular method for replacing a single missing tooth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth anchored by two dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap left by the missing tooth. While dental bridges remain a reliable and satisfying method for tooth replacement, you may also be a candidate for a single-tooth dental implant.
In contrast to traditional bridgework, a dental implant offers several benefits. Firstly, unlike conventional approaches to care, a dental implant eliminates the need to prepare and crown adjacent teeth. Dental implants are entirely self-supporting. In other words, a single dental implant restored with a crown will be an effective and permanent replacement for a missing tooth.
Besides supporting a single crown, a dental implant offers another important benefit. When a tooth gets extracted or lost, the bone that previously supported it will resorb over time. This shrinkage can eventually compromise the support and cosmetic result for future restorations and even result in facial sagging. However, since a dental implant gets placed directly into the jawbone and behaves the same way as the root of a natural tooth, it provides the ongoing stimulation necessary to preserve bone mass and support facial contours.
Dental implants represent the most versatile solution for replacing missing teeth and the one that comes the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile. In addition to replacing a single missing tooth, dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth up to an entire smile! They provide outstanding support for long-span bridgework and full-arch restoration and even offer added retention and stability to removable dentures.
At the office of LI Dental Group, LLP, we understand that every patient is unique, and so are their dental needs. That's why we take the time to evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and help you choose the most suitable solution for replacing missing teeth. Our dedicated staff will guide you through every step of care, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience from start to finish.
If you're interested in learning more about single-tooth dental implants or any other implant solutions we offer, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We look forward to helping you reclaim your smile and restore your confidence!
