If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want replacements that are as natural as possible. If dentures don't work for you, you may consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, implants are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.

The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth thus causing a change in the bite. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems.

The loss of a tooth also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In most cases, when even one tooth is lost, the remaining teeth suffer and are more likely to be lost as well.

One remedy for this problem would be an implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.

You are a good candidate for implants if you have jawbone ridges that are in good shape and healthy oral tissues. When the implant device is inserted into the jaw, a chemical and mechanical bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows into the implant. With implants, you get a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better than!) your original teeth.

If you have any questions about missing teeth and possible implant treatment, please call our office.

The above photo also includes the use of a good example of replacing old fillings with tooth-colored fillings. Additionally, as you can see, dental implants can substantially improve the beauty of your teeth.