A missing tooth or teeth does more than just have an effect on the appearance of your smile: it can have a tremendous impact on your oral and overall health, as well. The roots of a tooth not only hold it in place, but also provide vital signals to the bone tissue in your jaw, keeping it strong and healthy. When you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation causes your jawbone to begin to deteriorate. As this atrophy continues, it can cause a whole host of issues as your surrounding teeth begin to shift. Left untreated, as your teeth shift further, your face will begin to appear sunken and aged beyond your years. Additional tooth loss will result if enough bone loss occurs, which only exacerbates further atrophy and tooth loss.

Fortunately, the titanium or ceramic posts of dental implants function as bionic tooth roots, providing the necessary signals to stop further bone loss and keep your jawbone healthy and strong. Dental implants from our Beaufort, SC, dentistry practice can restore both your appearance and your health. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or an entire dental arch, our dentist Dr. David Babb can help.