Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can improve your ability to chew and enjoy food, cause you to smile more and keep your teeth functioning properly.
Without a timely replacement, teeth can start to shift and rotate, causing their alignment to become compromised, in some cases even causing facial collapse.
An implant works best when there is enough bone structure available in the jaw, and especially when the surrounding teeth are not compromised. Otherwise, a bridge might be a better option. This is determined together with your dentist based on structural and financial limitations.
An implant is placed by an oral surgeon or periodontist (gum specialist). Once that heals, an abutment is placed. And finally, the crown is placed by your dentist, allowing you to function as normal.
It is important to keep implants clean with proper brushing and flossing, just like the rest of your teeth!