Missing a tooth may be something you've learned to live with over time. You may not have even considered replacing it because you 
don't notice its absence in your everyday life. However, missing even one tooth can have disastrous results for the rest of your smile. Dr. Michael Vanover, your implant dentist in Orange Park, Florida, has provided some information about dental implants, which can take the place of a natural tooth and keep your dental health intact at the same time.
What are dental implants?
Although dental implants make a big impact in terms of your appearance and dental health, their presence isn't easily detected. That's because they're so lifelike and well-placed that it's almost impossible to tell that you have one! The dental implant starts with the placement of a metal post, which is surgically fixed in your jaw. Over a period of months, the jawbone fuses with the post, making it a permanent structure on which to attach the rest of the implant. The visible portion - called the crown - is attached to the post by an abutment and is carefully crafted from translucent porcelain to look just like a natural tooth.
Why do I need dental implants?
Although you may no longer notice the loss of one tooth, especially if it's not easily visible, its absence is significant. That's because each tooth relies on the one next to it for stability; they stay firmly in the right place when they have a "neighbor" next to them. So when you're missing one or more tooth, the ones you have left no longer have that support they need to remain stable, and they begin to gradually shift out of place. This can lead to major problems, including more tooth loss if something isn't done to arrest the process. Dental implants from your Orange Park dentist replace natural teeth from root to crown, reinstating the structure that each tooth needs to be able to perform properly.
If this article has given you some reasons to consider dental implants, here at Vanover Dentistry of Orange Park, we would love to talk with you! Contact our Award-Winning office in Orange Park, Florida to schedule a consultation today! We can take care of all your Dental Implant, Family Dental, and Cosmetic Dental needs all in one place.