What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a natural-looking, long-lasting, comfortable, and safe alternative to bridgework or dentures for restoring missing teeth. With dental implants, people are rediscovering the ability to laugh and eat comfortably and regaining the self-confidence of having a healthy, beautiful smile. Implants simulate a natural tooth entirely in form and function and ultimately replace the missing tooth’s root. In addition to restoring a natural appearance in the mouth, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration, typically occurring when there are missing teeth.
Why are dental implants important? Bone loss begins the moment you lose a natural tooth. In the first year following the loss of a tooth, your jaw bone can recede almost one-quarter of an inch. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. Tooth replacement with dental implants helps prevent bone loss allowing you to maintain a more youthful appearance.
Different factors determine if a patient is a candidate for implant restorations. Dr. Handley works with only the best surgeons and will work with them as a team to give you the best implant options to replace single or multiple missing teeth.