Dental trauma is no fun. Any injury to your teeth or gums, your jawbone or your soft tissues can cause major problems for your mouth and your oral health.
Most dental injuries are the result of some sort of accident, such as a car wreck, a fall, or a sports injury. If the injury is severe enough, it could involve a tooth being knocked out or damaged so much it has to be extracted.
In our experience here at Portrait Dental, if you suffer a blow to the mouth that results in a lost tooth, dental implants can be one of the best options for tooth replacement.
A dental implant is the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that attaches directly to your jawbone and functions as the root of a tooth. Over time, the jawbone grows around the implant and fuses to it, making it stable and strong.
Once the implant has fused into place, an abutment and crown are placed on top to take the place of the actual tooth. Crowns are custom-made for you to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
Because of their strength, durability, and ability to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, implants and crowns are best for replacing a missing tooth. They can be used to replace just one tooth or multiple teeth if necessary.
Not only do implants look just like natural teeth, they function just the same as well, giving you stability and support to enable you to bite, chew, and speak normally after your injury.
The implants also preserve the density and strength of your jawbone; if a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area will begin to deteriorate over time. When an implant is installed, its presence stimulates the jawbone, which helps maintain your facial structure. (If you don’t replace the tooth and your jawbone wears away, your other teeth will shift, and your face will develop a sunken look.)
If you’ve had an injury that has knocked a tooth out, you’re likely worried about your appearance as well. Implants fill in the gaps in your smile as they merge seamlessly with your natural teeth. They also help you maintain your oral health because they require no special car— just continue to brush, floss, and visit your dentist as normal.
If you’ve suffered a dental injury and need help restoring your smile, Dr. Minh Nguyen and our team at Portrait Dental have years of experience in just such cases. To schedule an appointment, call our Katy office at 501-381-1621, or use our online scheduler anytime!
