Mind the Gap!     Are you hesitant to show your teeth when you smile? Is your smile missing something? Maybe even a full tooth! Many people, for one reason or another, have lost a tooth. Reasons range from poor dental hygiene to any variety of accidents. Whatever the reason for the missing tooth we can repair your smile and replace your tooth with a dental implant. 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 a lost natural tooth and serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth. An artificial tooth is then attached to the post. Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth - in fact, no one other than you and your dentist will be able to tell the difference. Who are dental implants for? Dental implants are appropriate for almost anyone who is currently missing teeth or is at risk of losing teeth. What are the benefits of Dental Implants? Nothing looks more natural than an implant! In many situations, dental implants give back a patient's confidence in their smile. Improved aesthetics, the ability to eat comfortably and a clean, healthy oral environment are some of the other noticeable benefits. Another great thing about implants is that in many cases, they last longer than 15 years! They will never decay, never require root canals and they preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging. There are many different types of dental implants available. At our office we have extensive experience in dental implants and would be pleased to discuss the benefits of implant prosthetics with you. Feel free to call us for a consultation or ask about dental implants on your next visit.