Until recently, there were only limited options for tooth replacement if you lost a permanent tooth. Bridges and dentures have long been the established method of restoring your smile, but they require a lot of maintenance without offering the same functionality as natural teeth.
Now, dentists are readily able to perform dental implant procedures.
Dental implants are a modern solution for tooth loss that preserve your oral health and maintain the feel and function of normal teeth. Dr. John Gotwalt is a leading implant and cosmetic dentist in Lititz, PA with over 40 years experience.
1. Implants last a lifetime
Because they are surgically implanted in the jawbone, dental implants never need to be removed for cleaning and can last for the rest of your life with proper care. The false tooth attached to the implant, called the crown, may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, but the implant itself lasts decades. You will still need to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to make sure your implant is still stable and functioning correctly.
2. Dental implants keep your jawbone healthy
While replacing missing teeth may seem like only a cosmetic concern, having a gap in the jawbone can actually cause the bone to recede. This could potentially risk the neighboring teeth or the jawbone structure itself, and could cause a shrunken appearance of the mouth or more complicated dental problems. Dental implants serve as the root of the missing tooth, which promotes the growth or new healthy bone tissue.
3. Implants protect healthy teeth
In addition to keeping the jawbone healthy, dental implants help the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. Dental bridges, which are an older method of tooth replacement, involve grinding the surrounding teeth to serve as an anchor for the bridge.
Implants are placed directly in the gap and do not need to be anchored by other teeth. This means that the only teeth that are affected are the ones that need to be replaced. Implants also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into empty spaces which can potentially destabilize your bite and lead to uneven wear on your teeth.
4. Implants feel and function like natural teeth
Dental implants allow you to eat and brush your teeth just as you would with your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options such as bridges and removable dentures require specialized cleaning and are less comfortable than implants. Unlike dentures, dental implants can be cleaned just like your natural teeth with a toothbrush and floss and do not require any additional care.
Dental Implants in Lititz, PA
Implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. Dr. Gotwalt’s practice in Lititz is focused on the long term maintenance of a comfortable, functional smile for our patients. Call 717-220-4651 to schedule your consultation or contact us online to start restoring your smile and confidence today.