No one wants to think about losing a tooth or needing a dental implant. However, it’s important to have a game plan in the event you ever lose a tooth. While some teeth are lost to cavities, others may be lost to accidents. For example, some patients may lose teeth due to sports injuries, car accidents, or even unexpected falls. Regardless of your circumstances, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our dental implant dentist in Hobart, IN, to explore your tooth replacement options.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about dental implant treatment and why it’s often your #1 choice in the event of an accident.
How Accidents Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Accidents can cause serious damage to your teeth in multiple ways. High-impact collisions—such as getting hit in the mouth during contact sports, falling off a bike, or experiencing a car crash—can lead to cracked, knocked-out, or severely damaged teeth.
While some injuries can be repaired with fillings, crowns, or root canals, teeth that are fully dislodged or fractured beyond repair often need to be replaced.
Ignoring a missing tooth can lead to more significant oral health issues, including:
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Shifting of surrounding teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Speech problems
- Aesthetic concerns that impact self-confidence
This is why seeking timely treatment, such as dental implants, is crucial.
Why Dental Implants Are Your #1 Choice
If you’ve lost a tooth due to an accident, you might wonder what your best replacement options are. While dentures and bridges are available, dental implant treatment offers the most natural and long-lasting solution.
Here’s why:
- Permanent and Durable – Implants fuse with your jawbone, providing unmatched stability and longevity compared to other tooth replacement options.
- Prevents Bone Loss – Unlike bridges or dentures, implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing deterioration over time.
- Natural Look and Feel – Implants mimic natural teeth in appearance and function, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
- Protects Surrounding Teeth – Traditional bridges require adjacent teeth to be filed down for support, whereas implants are independent and don’t affect nearby teeth.
The dental implant procedure is an excellent choice because it can last a lifetime with proper care.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
If you’ve recently lost a tooth in an accident, you may be wondering how soon you can get a dental implant. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation and Evaluation – Our dentist will assess your injury, take X-rays, and determine if you need any additional procedures, such as bone grafting.
- Implant Placement – A titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as the artificial tooth root.
- Healing Period – Over a few months, the fuses with the bone, creating a strong foundation for your new tooth.
- Crown Placement – Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant, completing your smile restoration.
The entire ensures that your new tooth looks, feels, and functions just like a natural one.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation
Are you ready to take the next step and restore your smile after tooth loss? Dr. Leonard Ostrowski III is proud to serve as your local and trusted dental implant dentist in Hobart, IN. To schedule a dental implant consultation, please call Ridgewood Dental at (219) 947-2922. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you soon.
