From the Office

Stop hiding your smile — a state-of-the-art dental implant can restore a glorious grin that you are excited to show off, and it’s a smart move for your dental health, too.

While dental bridges and dentures are effective methods of tooth replacement, dental implants are the only solution that provides a permanent replacement tooth root — and they are also the strongest, most durable option. A titanium tooth root is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and a crown or “false tooth” is attached to the root for a complete tooth restoration.

The dental crown is crafted from composite ceramic material that is color-matched to your natural teeth. Not only does your dental implant recreate the missing tooth structure in its entirety, it also looks very natural when it is finished. In fact, people who meet you after you receive an implant may never know you once had a missing tooth!

As we discussed in our previous blog How Missing Teeth Can Harm Your Dental Health, deciding on a dental implant has many benefits to the health of your entire smile. It prevents jawbone loss, shifting of teeth, and bite imbalance, and can even improve speaking and chewing. Dental implants are also a wise option to stabilize and support dentures, thanks to the solid foundation they provide.

I recommend dental implants as a comprehensive dentistry procedure that addresses both form and function extremely well. For examples of the difference a dental implant can make, please browse our smile gallery.

For a more in-depth discussion of dental implants and their powerful role as a smile makeover solution, please schedule an appointment at my Boulder comprehensive dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Missing teeth are — literally — nothing to laugh about. Not only do noticeable gaps in your smile affect your self-confidence and keep you from smiling, they also may prove detrimental to your dental health, causing an uneven bite and allowing teeth to shift.

At my state-of-the-art dental practice in Boulder, Colorado, we suggest two highly effective methods for closing those missing teeth gaps: dental implants and dental bridges. The option that is best for you will depend on several factors, including the condition of neighboring teeth, your budget, and the health of your underlying jawbone.

Dental Implants for Long-Term Security

A dental implant is the preferred method of tooth replacement for many reasons. Firstly, it is a solution that will last a lifetime, and it’s the closest thing to a natural tooth modern dentistry can provide. Implants consist of a titanium tooth root that is implanted into the jawbone that is attached to a false tooth, also known as the dental crown. These false teeth are designed from safe, biocompatible material to look, feel, and function just like normal teeth. Despite the many benefits, due to the time involvement and cost of dental implants, many patients choose dental bridges as an alternative.

Dental Bridges for Convenient Tooth Replacement

Dental bridges are a permanent fixture, but since they are not attached to the jawbone, they will most likely need replacing at some point. A dental bridge involves three fixtures, two crowns on either side of a false tooth. These crowns will be bonded to neighboring teeth, allowing the replacement tooth to sit firmly between. In some cases involving multiple missing teeth in a row, patients may choose a dental implant to fill one space, and then use the implant as one of the supportive teeth for a dental bridge.

Whether you choose a dental implant or a dental bridge, you’ll find the benefits of tooth replacement to be very positive. Filling gaps can restore your smile, improve chewing ability, help maintain facial harmony, prevent tooth shifting, and maintain a healthy bite.

Long after your procedure, my dental team and I will regularly check your bridge or implant during your dental wellness visits to ensure full functionality and a natural appearance.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist to explain all of your options for tooth replacement, please consider us for this and all of your smile health needs. Feel free to contact my Boulder, Colorado dental office for a one-on-one consultation.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Every tooth in your mouth has a specific purpose, from your front teeth to your back molars. It is remarkable how your daily life can be affected when one tooth becomes chipped or a toothache develops due to a cavity. You may find yourself biting down differently, perhaps with less pressure, or chewing your food only on one side of the mouth. If just one damaged tooth can upset your natural bite balance, imagine how much potential harm a missing tooth can do.

Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions

On the rare occasion that a decaying or damaged tooth is unable to be saved with a dental crown, root canal, or other tooth restoration, you will be strongly encouraged to replace the extracted tooth. At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we offer three options for tooth replacement — dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Dental implants are the most realistic, highest quality option, but the best treatment for you will depend on your current situation.

Tooth Replacement Benefits

A new false tooth provides much more than a cosmetic improvement. One missing tooth can lead to chewing, speaking, and neuromuscular problems. Tooth replacement ensures that you are able to maintain a balanced bite and to chew and speak normally.

Another negative of missing teeth is the lack of support. A replacement tooth provides needed structure for the teeth around it and prevents them from shifting out of place.

Finally, many people who experience tooth loss face the risk of degeneration of the jaw bone. Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant prevents bone loss because the titanium tooth root is attached to the actual bone.

If you are wondering how much of a difference a false tooth can make, take a look at some of our tooth replacement results in our smile gallery.

Your Complete Smile

If you have not been in to visit a dentist lately, it is a good idea to schedule a dental wellness appointment to help prevent tooth loss and let us review what you should know about periodontal disease. If you have one or more missing teeth and you want to talk about a replacement solution, feel free to contact my Boulder comprehensive dental center any time.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry