Unless you’re a hockey player, a missing tooth is probably not a badge of honor. Your teeth can be lost to disease, decay, trauma (such as in the case of a hockey player), or a number of other reasons, but natural causes is not one of them. Your teeth were meant to last a lifetime, and if one or more of them is lost, they must be replaced to salvage your dental health. As an experienced dentist in Austin, Dr. Van Wicklen knows well the lasting effects of untreated tooth loss, and offers a state-of-the-art solution that closely mimics the entire structure of your natural tooth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is similar in shape to your natural tooth root. The implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone, which accepts and fuses to the biocompatible titanium exterior of the implant. When your mouth heals, the implant will be as securely anchored as your natural tooth roots, and your replacement teeth (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture) can be attached to the sturdy base.
Prosthetic Tooth Root Saves the Day!
While traditional bridges and dentures can fill the gaps in your smile, they do not address the problem of your lost tooth root. A healthy tooth root is embedded in your jawbone, and when you bite or chew, the stimulation alerts your body of their presence. In response, your body sends your jawbone nutrients to support the detected teeth. When a root is lost, there is less stimulation, which means fewer nutrients, the risk of jawbone deterioration, and further tooth loss. Replacing lost roots with dental implants restores the lost stimulation and helps save your dental health.
Preserve Your Smile with Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one or more teeth and would like to know if dental implants are the right choice for you, then contact your Austin dentist. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen by calling 512-448-3131. Located in the 78704 area, we proudly serve the cities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and all surrounding communities.
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