A missing tooth is more than just an aesthetic concern. All too often, an individual missing a tooth in the back of his or her mouth will have an "out-of-site, out-of -mind" mentality. This can be a huge oversight!

• Holding its place with regards to adjacent teeth
• Acting as a chewing surface
• Maintaining the bone structure where it was rooted
• Structural and preventative roles in your overall oral well being

• Allow surrounding teeth to shift
• Create gaps
• Increase the likelihood decay
• Increase the probability of bone loss and damage
• Become more apt to periodontal disease

To avoid the maladies associated with a missing tooth, an implant may be required. An implant will take the place, or more appropriately fill the space, that your missing tooth once held.

A dental implant is a prosthetic post that is placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw (in place of the missing tooth) to function as the 'root'. Once the post has settled, an artificial tooth is attached to fill the space that was once your missing tooth.

A dental implant can give back your confidence, as well as the ability to eat comfortably with a clean, healthy oral environment.

If you are missing a tooth, speak with Dr. Freedman about the benefits of an implant as well as potential alternatives. You don't have to settle for a missing tooth, and with all of the damage it can cause.you shouldn't!