A missing tooth is a space where a tooth used to be. It is more than just an aesthetic concern. The missing tooth’s purpose was to act as a chewing surface, holding its place with regards to adjacent teeth, maintaining the bone structure where it was rooted, among its other structural and preventative roles. Without that tooth in place, surrounding teeth can shift, causing gaps and making decay more likely. Bone loss and damage can occur. The area can become more apt to periodontal disease. The list goes on.

To avoid bone loss, maintain proper spacing of your teeth and avoid the maladies associated with a missing tooth, a dental implant may be required.

A dental implant is a small prosthetic post that is placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. The post functions as the root portion of the lost natural tooth and serves as an anchor for replacement tooth. Once the post has settled an artificial tooth is attached to fill the space that was once your missing tooth.

A dental implant can restore your confidence in your smile and improve your oral health. Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth. Only you and your dentist will know you have an implant.

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