Sciota, Pennsylvania
Losing a tooth can change the way you look, but it can also change the way you chew, speak and feel about yourself. A missing tooth should promptly be replaced to avoid serious oral health issues, including:
- Shifting teeth to fill the space left by a missing tooth can cause misalignment and bite problems, resulting in uneven wear on teeth and difficulty chewing.
- The jawbone that once held the missing tooth in place begins to deteriorate because it is no longer being stimulated by a tooth root; this leads to further bone and tooth loss, changing the structure of your face.
- Gaps in your smile left by a missing tooth create spaces where food and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Today, our implant dentist in Sciota is exploring the many reasons that you should replace a missing tooth with dental implants. Not only is it best for your oral health, but it will also transform your smile … and your self-confidence.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. They look, feel and function incredibly similar to natural teeth. Implants consist of a small titanium post that our Sciota cosmetic dentist surgically inserts in the jawbone to serve as a tooth root. The post fuses to the jawbone and becomes a permanent part of the bone structure in a process called osseointegration. This provides a sturdy foundation for a prosthetic — a crown, bridge or denture — later in the implant process.
How will dental implants improve my smile?
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You’ll look like yourself again
Implants are custom-made by our Sciota dentist’s office to match your other, natural teeth in color, shape and size. People will most likely never be able to tell the difference between your prosthetic tooth and your natural teeth.
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You’ll be able to eat and speak comfortably
While dentures are common replacement teeth, they’re notorious for slipping and even falling out during eating or speaking. Implants, on the other hand, are securely anchored to the jawbone, which means they won’t shift or slip when you eat, speak or laugh, saving you lots of potential embarrassment.
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You’ll preserve your jawbone
Solutions for missing teeth, like dentures, may replace teeth, but they don’t stimulate and, thus, preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the body begins to reabsorb the jawbone that once held the tooth in place because it is no longer being stimulated and, therefore, is no longer of use. This causes the jaw to shrink and lose density, leading to a sunken appearance and premature aging in the facial structure. Dental implants, on the other hand, stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving your facial structure.
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You’ll feel better about yourself
Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment and may stop you from smiling or speaking with confidence. Dental implants fill the gaps left by missing teeth with a beautiful, natural-looking tooth, giving you a seamless and radiant smile.
Dental implants in Sciota, PA
Dental implants are a lifelong solution for missing teeth — a worthwhile investment in your smile and overall oral health. If you have questions about implants or would like to schedule an exam, contact Chestnuthill Dental at (570) 865-7929, or reach out to us online today.
