Missing teeth not only create unsightly gaps in your smile—they can also cause pain or discomfort, and can even contribute to long-term dental health problems. Whether you’re embarrassed by a missing tooth, avoiding your favorite foods because they’re difficult to chew, or concerned about the likelihood of other teeth shifting to fill the space, dental implants might be the best solution for you. Here at our practice, Dr. Mark Kleive utilizes state-of-the-art ORTHOPHOS XG Cone Beam X-Ray technology for dental implant planning. This innovative imaging system creates a precise and clear view of your teeth, gums, and jaw structure, allowing Dr. Kleive to replace missing teeth with the most comfortable fit and natural appearance possible.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically attached to the jawbone to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are a smart solution for missing teeth due to injury or periodontal disease, and they make it easy to speak, eat, smile, and sleep without pain or discomfort.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Why is it important to replace missing teeth? Even if you’re not yet noticing any gum or tooth problems, filling a gap in your mouth is essential to your long-term dental health. Even “invisible” gaps at the back of your mouth can create problems as other teeth shift to fill the space.

Many people don’t realize that missing teeth should be replaced as quickly as possible to prevent tooth misalignment, tooth decay, gum disease, and painful chewing. That’s why we offer thorough patient education about dental implants and the kinds of problems they can solve and prevent.

A Permanent Solution

A dental implant is a long-lasting solution that acts as a durable support for a replacement tooth or bridge. If cared for properly, your dental implant could last for the rest of your life, preventing dental health problems such as:

• Shifting tooth alignment
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Gum shrinkage
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Slipping bridges or fussy dentures

Implants are one of the most durable and reliable repairs for missing teeth offered by modern dentistry.

FAQs

What’s the advantage of a dental implant over other types of tooth replacements?

Unlike bridges and other tooth replacements, dental implants are permanent, and are installed directly into the jawbone. This means they rely on the jawbone itself to hold the new tooth root in place, unlike other tooth replacements that put undue stress on the surrounding teeth. Implants protect the gums and jaw bone from shrinkage, and they’re just as easy to care for as your normal teeth. As a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution, dental implants can save you lots of money—and time in the dentist’s chair—by preventing the need for future dental work.

The gap from my missing tooth is hardly noticeable. Do I really have to replace it?

It’s important to replace missing teeth, whether or not they’re very visible. If a gap is left unfilled, the surrounding teeth will move into the space, creating problems with tooth alignment that can lead to decay, gum disease, difficulty chewing, and even jaw problems. Filling a gap now will save you money, discomfort and frustration down the line.

How long will my dental implants last?

Dental implants are permanent, and require no special care once they have been installed. The artificial tooth attached to the implant may become damaged if it sustains trauma, but the implant itself solidly fuses to the jawbone and will never need to be replaced.

Please contact us by phone or email to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kleive and learn more about dental implants and other options. Dr. Kleive’s practice is located in the town of Black Mountain and serves the Asheville, North Carolina area.