It is more appropriate to think of a missing tooth as a space where a tooth used to be.
Beyond aesthetics, a tooth acts as a chewing surface, a place holder for adjacent teeth, support for the bone structure where it is rooted along with many other roles. Without that tooth firmly in its place surrounding teeth can shiftmaking decay more likely, bone loss and damage can occur, the area becomes more apt to periodontal disease and the list goes on.
To avoid the maladies associated with a missing tooth an implant is often the sollution. An implant will take the place or more appropriately fill the space that your missing tooth once held.
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 lost natural teeth and serves as an anchor for replacement teeth. Once the post has settled an artificial tooth is attached to fill the space that was once your missing tooth.:
Nothing looks more natural than an implant (aside from your own teeth)! 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. Another great thing about implants is that in many cases, they last longer than 15 years!
The team at Rosedale Family Dental Centre in Thornhill has extensive experience with dental implants and can help you understand your option.