The dental implant is today's state-of-the-art tooth replacement method. It consists of a very small titanium post (the actual implant), which is attached to a lifelike dental crown. The crown is the only part of this tooth-replacement system that is visible in your mouth. The implant itself rests beneath your gum line in the bony socket that used to hold your missing tooth. Two, four or more implants can be used to support multiple crowns, or even an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, dental implants are preferred by doctors and patients alike. That's because dental implants are: 1. Most like natural teeth Your natural teeth are anchored securely to your jawbone by their roots. Similarly, implant teeth establish a firm connection with your jawbone. This is achievable because dental implants are crafted from titanium, a metal uniquely capable of bonding with living bone. After a minor procedure in the dental office inserts an implant, it will fuse securely to your bone over several months. Once this fusion is complete, your implant-supported replacement tooth (or teeth) will feel entirely natural. It will also be visually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Implant teeth enable you to eat, speak, and smile with full confidence, as they will not slip or shift like removable dentures often do. 2. The longest-lasting tooth replacements Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss. In contrast, other tooth replacement options, like removable dentures and bridgework, might require replacement or adjustments over time. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them the most cost-effective long-term option for tooth replacement. 3. Able to prevent bone loss You might not be aware, but losing a tooth inevitably leads to bone loss. Bone is living tissue that requires ongoing stimulation to regenerate and remain healthy. For the jawbone, this stimulation is provided by the teeth. When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it starts to resorb or diminish. This can result in a prematurely aged look and can make the jaw more susceptible to fractures if not addressed in time. Dental implants stop this process by integrating with the jawbone and providing stability. No other tooth replacement method offers this benefit. 4. Safe for adjacent natural teeth Dental implants do not impact the health of nearby natural teeth, whereas other tooth-replacement methods can compromise adjacent teeth. For instance, with bridgework, the natural teeth flanking the gap left by a missing tooth must support the dental bridge. This can place stress on those adjacent teeth, making them more prone to decay. Similarly, a partial denture depends on nearby natural teeth for support and may cause them to loosen over time. Dental implants are independent tooth replacements that do not depend on adjacent natural teeth for support. 5. Easy to care for Caring for implant teeth is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You need to brush and floss them daily. However, unlike dentures, you won't need to use special creams or adhesives, nor will you need to soak them overnight. Implants also won't require fillings or root canals, unlike the natural teeth that support bridgework. Although implants cannot decay, they can be affected by gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams is the best way to prevent gum disease and ensure your dental implants last a lifetime, as intended.

Your child won't keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn't mean those tiny pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions. For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place. What's more, your child's primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first six or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it's time. Your Child's First Teeth Your child's 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, there are courses of action to help make your child more comfortable. Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6. Your Child's First Dental Appointment The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by his/her first birthday. Though this may sound early, learning proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, checking for cavities, and watching for developmental problems is extremely important. There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less. Most of all, it's important for your child to have a positive experience at the dental office as he/she will be a regular visitor for years to come. Pediatric Dental Treatments There are a variety of dental treatments offered to prevent tooth decay in children, or to save or repair teeth when necessary. They include: Topical Fluoride — Fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water supplies, a higher concentration can be applied professionally to your child's teeth for maximum protection. Dental Sealants — A plastic coating can be applied at the dental office to prevent cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as “pits and fissures.” These little crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and therefore less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection. Root Canal Treatment — Perhaps you have had a root canal treatment yourself, to save an injured or severely decayed tooth. Well, sometimes children need root canals, too. As mentioned above, baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child's gums. Therefore, saving them from premature loss can help prevent a malocclusion (“mal” – bad; “occlusion” – bite) that requires orthodontic treatment. Bonding — Chips and minor fractures to front teeth — common childhood occurrences — can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins made of plastic and glass can be used on baby teeth as well as permanent teeth and last until the youngster has completed facial growth. Orthodontic Concerns By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment. There are many orthodontic problems that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his/her growth and development. Sports & Your Child's Teeth If your child is active in sports, a custom-made mouthguard is a highly recommended safeguard. According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm when not wearing one of these protective devices. A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your child using a model of his or her teeth. This will offer greater protection than an off-the-shelf model. It's an investment that pays off highly in the form of reduced pain, suffering — and dental expenses down the road!