If you need to replace a tooth, or more than one tooth, then you know you have more than one option for replacement. There are bridges and dentures, of course, but perhaps the best option is a dental implant. Unlike other tooth replacement choices, dental implants replace the entire tooth from root to crown. In Castle Rock, WA, and the surrounding area, there are many people who have turned to Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental for dental implants that look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
Patients lose teeth for a variety of reasons: severe decay or a failed root canal that necessitates extraction and a hard blow to the face that knocks out a tooth are only a couple of reasons. Regardless of how teeth go missing, it’s important to replace them not only for the sake of appearances, but for your overall oral health, too. One missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, thereby throwing your bite out of alignment. And without a tooth root, the jawbone around the open socket begins to deteriorate, causing facial sagging.
Dental Implants to the Rescue!
In addition to replacing one tooth, dental implants can anchor a bridge to replace several teeth, and they can also hold a denture to make wearing a removable dental prosthetic far more comfortable and stable. When you come to Cowlitz River Dental for a dental implant, Dr. Kennington will first surgically implant a titanium post into the jawbone beneath the open socket. As you heal, the post will fuse with the bone much like a real tooth root. You’ll wear a temporary prosthetic during the healing process and then return to our office to have your permanent crown, bridge or denture secured into place. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, your dental implant can give you a lifetime of happy smiles.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, then call the office of Cowlitz River Dental today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kennington. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as the surrounding communities of Kelso, Longview and Lewis County.
If you’re overdue to see the dentist, then you’re in good company. Millions of Americans avoid the dentist year after year because they’re afraid of dental procedures. The sights and sounds in a dentist’s office—combined with the uncomfortable feeling of someone else’s fingers in your mouth—can be reason enough for some people to ignore their dental health. There is, however, a solution.