You've heard of dental implants, but do you know what unique benefits they offer? At Johnson Dental, Dr. Todd Johnson places these innovative dental replacements to treat patients' tooth loss. From evaluation to insertion to restoration, he handles all aspects of dental implant care plans right in his Onalaska, WI, office. Read on to learn more.

Tooth loss poses many problems

Each tooth in your mouth performs a specific function. Without each one, your oral landscape changes in appearance, stability, and function. You look different, feel embarrassed, cannot bite/chew properly, and more.

Also, tooth loss causes bone loss. When your dentist extracts a tooth, the gum tissue and jaw bone immediately start to shrink. In fact, a full 25 percent of bone density and size disappear within a year, explains Dear Doctor. The more teeth you lose, the more the bone recedes and the more your oral health fails.

Enter dental implants

The dental implant fully replaces a single tooth, from root to crown. This amazing device is made of:

• A titanium screw which Dr. Johnson places directly into the jaw under the gums
• A metal allow abutment
• A porcelain crown

Through a miraculous, natural action called osseointegration, the bone adheres to the rough surface of the implant screw. While this takes some months to complete, it firmly anchors your new tooth in place. The more you use your new tooth, the better the bond becomes.

In general, healthy teens and adults can undergo dental implant treatments. The most important qualification is jaw bone size as determined by an exam and X-ray screening at our Onalaska office. If you have enough bone, your implant surgery is a go.

Other benefits

• The devices stay in place for decades (according to the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness).
• The procedure success rate is high--up to 95 percent, states the American College of Prosthodontists.
• Oral hygiene involves twice a day brushing and once-daily flossing—just as with your natural teeth.

You'll have good reasons to smile

Dental implants are today's leading tooth replacement option. If you wish to learn how they can help your smile, call Dr. Todd Johnson and his team at Johnson Dental in Onalaska, WI, by dialing (608) 788-3852.