Thanks to modern dental technology, there are several options available for people who have lost permanent teeth. Bridges and removable dentures used to be the only way to restore your smile to its natural appearance, but they require maintenance and don’t give you the same functionality as natural teeth.
Dental implants are a modern, long-term solution for tooth loss that preserves your oral health and gives you the same feel and function as normal teeth. Dr. Zachary Sisler is a leading implant and cosmetic dentist in Shippensburg, PA who has many years of experience helping patients restore their smile.
1. Implants last a lifetime
Dental implants last a lifetime because they are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The false tooth attached to the metal implant, called the crown, may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, but the piece that is implanted lasts a very long time. Implants still require annual check-ups just like your regular teeth.
2. Dental implants keep your jawbone healthy
Missing teeth can actually cause the underlying jawbone to recede. This could potentially risk the neighboring teeth or the jawbone structure itself, and can cause a sunken or lopsided appearance to the face or even more complicated dental problems.
Dental implants take the place of the missing tooth’s root, which keeps the surrounding tissues healthy and in the right place. Your surrounding teeth stay healthy and you have a cosmetic solution for the missing tooth.
3. Implants protect healthy teeth
Dental bridges, which are an older method of tooth replacement, involve grinding down the surrounding teeth to anchor the bridge and cover the gap between the existing teeth. Implants only affect the missing teeth so there is no need to grind down surrounding teeth. The only teeth affected are the ones that need to be replaced.
4. Implants feel and function like natural teeth
With implants, you can eat and brush your teeth just as you would with your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options, like bridges or removable dentures, are less comfortable and require specialized cleaning. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, dental implants can be cleaned by brushing and flossing just as you would your natural teeth.
Dental Implants in Shippensburg, PA
Implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. Dr. Sisler and his team are focused on the long term maintenance of a comfortable, functional smile that provides confidence and the best possible quality of life. Schedule your comprehensive consultation online to start restoring your smile and confidence today.