Whether you are already missing one or more teeth, or have several that have decayed and need to be pulled, you may be wondering what your options are to replace them. Dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement, and the family dentists at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin can explain how they can effective restore your smile.

3 Ways Dental Implants Can Save Your Smile

1. Filling in Gaps

One or more missing teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious of or even embarrassed by your smile. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or an entire row to give you a full smile you can feel confident about. By filling in gaps, you can enjoy greater functionality and the ability to eat your favorite foods once more.

2. Preventing Future Tooth Loss

When even a single tooth is missing, you are at risk for losing more teeth. That gap can allow your teeth to shift out of alignment, which can cause your teeth to loosen. This misalignment can also make your dental care more difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. By replacing any missing teeth with one or more implants, you preserve the health of your remaining teeth.

3. Halting Bone Loss

Within the first year of losing a tooth, 25% of the bone that supported it is also lost. That bone also supports your facial tissues, like your lips and cheeks. As it begins to deteriorate, your lips may curl inward and your cheeks may begin to sag. Since dental implants replace missing tooth roots, they halt bone loss. This ensures you can enjoy a youthful smile for years to come.

If gaps in your smile have you feeling self-conscious, the general dentists at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They can perform a full examination and review your options with you. Visit their website for more information, or give them a call at (608) 783-3341 to schedule a consultation.