The loss of any tooth can seriously impair the function of your mouth when chewing and grinding food. This is especially true when a large molar is lost. Many of the teeth in your mouth can be replaced with a dental bridge. However, since there is no corresponding back tooth, a bridge cannot be used to replace a missing rear molar.
In a case like this, your dentist, Dr. Anthony Shaia, will often recommend having a dental implant installed in the back of your mouth. A dental implant in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, is a titanium abutment that is screwed into a channel that is made in the bone. Then, it is mounted with a dental crown made from gold or base metal alloys, which are both strong and durable materials.
Before installing the implant, we will need to assess the remaining bone structure in the back of your mouth. Sometimes when a tooth is lost, it takes some of the surrounding bone tissues with it. If this is the case for you, you might need to receive a bone graft before mounting the dental implant.
To install the titanium abutment, we will make an incision in your gums. Then, a small hole will be drilled directly into the bone. The titanium abutment will be screwed into place and a temporary dental crown will be cemented over the top to protect it.
In time, the titanium implant will integrate with the surrounding bone tissues in a process known as osseointegration. Once this occurs, your dentist can fit you for a dental crown that will replace the molar for many years to come.
If you have lost a molar, you should call Shaia Dental Care at 440-884-9898 to explore your restoration options.