Have you been thinking about replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant? The Ellijay, GA, dentists at East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry share a few benefits you'll want to consider when making your decision.

Improved appearance

The loss of even one tooth can have a huge impact on your appearance. In fact, the change in the way you look may make you feel less confident when interacting with other people. Adding dental implants fills in the gaps in your smile, restoring both your teeth and your self-esteem.

No more chewing difficulties

Eating often becomes harder after tooth loss. Food gets stuck in the gap in your smile no matter how carefully you chew. If you've lost one or more molars, eating hard foods can become very difficult, particularly if you've lost back teeth on both sides of your mouth. The loss of multiple teeth can have a detrimental effect on your health if you stop eating nutritious foods because you can't chew them.

If you've lost all of your teeth, implant-supported dentures may offer a better option than dentures. Dentures rest on your gums, while dental implants fuse to your jawbone. The small titanium implants fill the space once occupied by your tooth roots and begin to bond to your jawbone. These substitute roots will eventually support artificial teeth called crowns once bonding is complete. Because implants are anchored in your mouth, rather than simply resting against your gums, they provide exceptional biting power. Unfortunately, a significant amount of biting power is lost when you wear traditional full dentures.

No worries about your jawbone

Your jawbone weakens and shrinks after you lose teeth. A receding jawbone can cause eventual loosening of other teeth and may even change your appearance. Your jawbone supports facial muscles in the lower half of your face. As it recedes, your cheeks can take on a hollow, sunken appearance. Your new dental implants will help you avoid bone loss by providing the pressure your jawbone needs to remain strong. During your examination in our Ellijay office, we'll evaluate the depth of your jawbone. If the bone has become shallow, we may recommend bone grafts to restore it to full height before your implant procedure.

Don't let tooth loss change your smile forever. Call Ellijay, GA, dentists at East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (706) 635-2218 to schedule an appointment.