When natural teeth are missing, the bone that once supported and surrounded those roots starts to deteriorate. This is called bone resorption. When bone resorption occurs, it causes the face to collapse into the mouth. The entire facial structure is compromised, and drastic changes in appearance occur; the lips fold in and the lower face shrivels up to create a witch-like chin and deep contours around the mouth creating widow lines and wrinkles,  which add to the look of premature aging. The more missing teeth, the quicker and more severe the bone loss. For those missing all their natural teeth, bone loss can become so severe that soon it can become difficult to wear removable devices such as partials and dentures due to the lack of bone left to support them.

That’s why it’s so vital to replace the tooth root with a dental implant and not just the visible part of the tooth (the crown). Dental implants are embedded in the bone, and thus, preserve the bone. The bone forms a bond to the implants and functions as natural tooth roots – providing a solid and permanent foundation for biting and chewing.

Teeth restored with dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth. You brush, floss and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, same as you would to care for a natural tooth.