Dental Implants

Dental Implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. They look and feel so much like natural teeth, patients usually forget they’re not!

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Since the dental implant integrates into the structure of the bone, it prevents the bone loss and gum recession that often accompanies bridgework

and dentures. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants not only create a winning smile, but more importantly have significant functional benefits to overall good health. People with dentures or loose and missing teeth have restricted diets since biting into fresh fruits and vegetables is often not only difficult, but also painful. Dental implants are so secure that the patients don’t even think twice about biting into a crisp apple.

Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss for Americans. Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be a silent disease, but often it does come with warning signs. Warning signs include red swollen bleeding gums and oral malodor. Implants require the same care as natural teeth, a routine cleaning and checkup as well as good home care. Implants are high tech, but now are being placed almost as routinely as a filling. They are the future of dentistry and it is upon us.