A brighter smile can help you feel more confident, but choosing the right whitening treatment is key to achieving results you’ll love. Professional teeth whitening generally includes two convenient options: in-office whitening and custom take-home trays. Both can effectively brighten your smile, but the right choice often depends on your goals, schedule, and personal preferences.

Who Is a Good Candidate for In-Office Whitening?

In-office teeth whitening may be ideal if you want noticeable results in a short amount of time. During your appointment, your dental team applies a professional-strength whitening solution while carefully protecting your gums and other soft tissues. Depending on the whitening system used, treatment can often be completed during a single visit.

This option can be especially convenient if you have an upcoming wedding, vacation, reunion, job interview, or other special event. It may also appeal to patients who would prefer to have the whitening process completed by their dental team rather than manage treatments at home.

Because whitening is performed in a controlled setting, your dentist can monitor your comfort throughout the appointment. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity, be sure to discuss it with your dentist beforehand so treatment can be personalized to your needs.

Who May Prefer Take-Home Whitening Trays?

Professional take-home whitening is a great choice for patients who prefer the flexibility of brightening their smile on their own schedule. Unlike many over-the-counter products, professional take-home systems typically include trays designed to fit your teeth and whitening gel provided by your dental office.

Your dentist will give you instructions for how often and how long to wear the trays. Results develop gradually, allowing you to whiten your teeth from the comfort of home.

Take-home trays may be especially appealing if you are not in a hurry to achieve your desired shade or prefer a more gradual whitening process. They can also make it convenient to touch up your smile periodically, according to your dentist’s recommendations.

What Should You Consider Before Whitening?

Professional whitening works best on certain types of tooth discoloration. Stains associated with coffee, tea, dark-colored foods, tobacco, and natural aging often respond well. However, crowns, veneers, fillings, and other dental restorations will not whiten like natural tooth enamel.

Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and gums before treatment to determine whether whitening is appropriate. Addressing concerns such as cavities, gum problems, or significant sensitivity first can help make your whitening experience safer and more comfortable.

Find the Whitening Option That Fits Your Smile

There isn’t one whitening method that is right for everyone. In-office treatment offers speed and professional convenience, while take-home trays provide flexibility and gradual results. Both options offer the benefit of professional guidance.

If you’re ready for a brighter smile, schedule a consultation with our dental team. We can discuss your goals, evaluate your smile, and recommend a whitening approach designed around your individual needs.

When most people hear the words “root canal,” they often feel nervous. Fortunately, modern dentistry has transformed this common procedure into a comfortable, efficient treatment that can often be completed in just one visit. Same-day root canal therapy helps save damaged teeth, relieve pain, and get patients back to their normal routines faster than ever before.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. Deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work can allow bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner pulp, causing pain and sensitivity.

During root canal treatment, your dentist removes the infected tissue, carefully cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection. In many cases, a dental crown is placed to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.

Faster Treatment, Less Time Away From Your Day

One of the biggest advantages of modern same-day root canal treatment is convenience. Advances in dental technology allow many root canals to be completed in a single appointment, eliminating the need for multiple visits.

For busy families, working professionals, and anyone with a packed schedule, same-day treatment means less time away from work, school, or other responsibilities. Patients can often address their dental issues and move forward with confidence after just one visit.

Comfortable Care With Modern Technology

Many people are surprised to learn that a root canal is often no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling. Modern techniques, advanced imaging, and improved anesthetics have made the procedure significantly more comfortable than it was in the past.

Digital diagnostics help dentists accurately identify the problem, while modern instruments enable more precise treatment. As a result, patients experience less discomfort during and after the procedure and can enjoy a smoother recovery.

Immediate Relief From Tooth Pain

A damaged or infected tooth can cause persistent pain that affects eating, sleeping, and daily activities. Same-day root canal treatment addresses the source of the problem quickly, helping relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening.

By treating the tooth promptly, patients can avoid prolonged pain and reduce the risk of more extensive dental issues in the future.

Save Your Natural Tooth

Whenever possible, preserving a natural tooth is the best option for long-term oral health. Root canal therapy allows patients to keep their original tooth rather than having it extracted.

Saving a natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function, supports surrounding teeth, and preserves the natural appearance of your smile. It can also help avoid the need for more complex restorative treatments later on.

A Healthier Smile Starts Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait to seek care. Modern same-day root canal treatment is a safe, effective solution that can relieve discomfort, protect your oral health, and save your natural tooth. Your dental team is here to provide compassionate care and help you enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile for years to come.

For many patients, the thought of a long or complex dental procedure can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or simply the idea of sitting in the chair for an extended period of time, these concerns are very common. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions designed to help patients feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout their treatment. One of the most effective options available today is IV sedation.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a safe and reliable method dentists use to help patients relax during dental procedures. Administered through a small IV line in the arm or hand, the medication works quickly to create a deeply relaxed state while allowing patients to remain responsive and able to follow simple instructions. Many people describe the experience as feeling peaceful, drowsy, and completely at ease.

IV Sedation Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of IV sedation is its effectiveness for more complex or lengthy dental treatments. Procedures such as dental implants, multiple extractions, full-mouth restorations, or advanced periodontal treatments can take longer than a typical dental visit. IV sedation helps patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure, minimizing stress and making the experience much more manageable.

Another benefit is that IV sedation often makes time pass very quickly. Patients typically remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward, which can be especially helpful for individuals with dental anxiety. Instead of focusing on the sights, sounds, and sensations of treatment, patients can relax while their dental team completes the necessary work.

IV sedation also allows dentists to adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure. Because the medication is delivered directly through an IV, the dentist can carefully monitor the patient’s comfort and make small adjustments as needed. This level of control helps ensure both safety and optimal relaxation throughout the appointment.

Ideal for Anxiety

For patients who tend to feel anxious in the dental chair, IV sedation can make an incredible difference. Dental anxiety prevents many people from getting the care they need, which can lead to more serious oral health issues over time. With sedation dentistry, patients can receive essential treatments in a calm, stress-free environment.

Another advantage is that IV sedation can allow multiple procedures to be completed in a single visit. Instead of spreading treatment across several appointments, patients can have more work done at once while remaining comfortable. This can save time and reduce the number of trips to the dental office.

Of course, patient safety is always the top priority. IV sedation is administered by trained dental professionals who closely monitor vital signs throughout the procedure. Before treatment, the dental team will review your medical history and discuss whether IV sedation is the right option for you.

If you’ve been putting off dental treatment due to anxiety or concerns about discomfort, IV sedation may be the solution you’ve been looking for. By providing deep relaxation and enhanced comfort, this advanced sedation option helps make even the most complex dental procedures feel easier and more manageable, allowing you to focus on achieving a healthier, more confident smile.

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When you need a dental crown, inlay, onlay, or veneer, convenience and comfort matter. Traditionally, restoring a damaged tooth required multiple appointments, temporary crowns, and a wait of several weeks while an off-site lab created the final restoration. Thanks to modern technology, that process has undergone significant improvements. CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, enables our team to design, create, and place high-quality restorations in a single visit. Montana Dental Arts has been using CEREC technology for over 15 years.

How CEREC Works

CEREC uses advanced digital scanning and 3D imaging to capture highly accurate images of your tooth. Instead of relying on messy impression materials, your dentist uses a small handheld scanner to create a precise digital model of the affected area. That model is then used to design a custom restoration right in the office.

Once the design is ready, the information is sent to an on-site milling machine that carves your restoration from a block of durable, tooth-colored ceramic. Moments later, the final piece is polished, adjusted, and permanently bonded to your tooth—all during the same appointment.

The Convenience Patients Love

One of the most significant advantages of CEREC is the time savings it offers. Because everything is completed in a single visit, you avoid the inconvenience of scheduling multiple appointments or taking additional time away from work and family. If needed, this also allows patients to draw benefits from our options to manage anxiety.

CEREC also eliminates the need for temporary crowns, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable or come loose before your final restoration is ready. With CEREC, you leave your appointment with your long-term restoration already in place.

High-Quality, Natural-Looking Results

CEREC restorations are crafted from strong ceramic materials that are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are metal-free, biocompatible, and crafted with remarkable precision. Because the restoration is digitally designed, we can create a highly customized fit that supports long-term comfort and function.

A Better Overall Experience

Patients appreciate that CEREC technology makes the treatment process smoother and far more efficient. There’s no waiting, no temporary restorations, and no need to return for a second appointment. Instead, you enjoy a comfortable and streamlined experience, along with a beautiful, long-lasting result.

If you’ve been told you need a crown or other restoration, ask our team about CEREC. You may be able to enjoy a healthier smile in just one visit!

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At Montana Dental Arts, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, radiant smile. While most people associate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with heartburn, chest pain, acid reflux, or digestive issues, this common condition can also take a toll on your oral health. 

Let’s explore how GERD impacts your teeth, share dietary and environmental factors to avoid, and offer functional medicine recommendations to manage and protect your smile.

How GERD Affects Your Teeth

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, sometimes reaching the mouth. This acid is highly corrosive and can harm your teeth in several ways:

• Enamel Erosion: Tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, is vulnerable to acid. Repeated exposure to stomach acid weakens and erodes enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.
• Increased Tooth Sensitivity: As enamel wears away, the dentin layer beneath becomes exposed, leading to discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
• Discoloration and Thinning: Eroded enamel can cause teeth to appear yellow or translucent, especially at the edges.
• Higher Cavity Risk: Weakened enamel provides less protection against bacteria, increasing the likelihood of cavities.
• Gum Irritation: Acid reflux can irritate the gums, contributing to inflammation or discomfort.

If left unmanaged, GERD-related dental damage can lead to costly treatments like fillings, crowns, or even tooth loss. Regular dental checkups at Montana Dental Arts can help detect early signs of acid erosion, but addressing GERD is key to protecting your teeth.

Dietary and Environmental Factors to Avoid

Certain foods, habits, and environmental factors can worsen GERD, increasing acid exposure to your teeth. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Dietary Triggers

• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, sodas, and vinegar-based foods can exacerbate reflux and harm enamel.
• Spicy or Fatty Foods: Spicy dishes, fried foods, and high-fat meals slow digestion, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and alcohol relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to escape the stomach.
• Chocolate and Peppermint: These can also weaken the LES, triggering reflux.
• Large Meals: Overeating puts pressure on the stomach, pushing acid upward.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

• Eating Before Bed: Lying down soon after eating allows acid to flow back into the esophagus. Avoid meals two to three hours before bedtime.
• Stress: High stress levels increase cortisol, impair digestion, and worsen GERD symptoms.
• Tight Clothing: Belts or tight waistbands increase abdominal pressure, promoting reflux.
• Smoking: Tobacco weakens the LES and delays stomach emptying, aggravating GERD.
• Poor Posture: Slouching after meals can compress the stomach, encouraging acid reflux.

Minimizing these triggers can reduce GERD episodes and protect your teeth from acid exposure.

Medical Recommendations to Improve GERD

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to GERD, addressing root causes like poor digestion, gut imbalances, or inflammation. Below are evidence-based strategies to manage GERD and safeguard your oral health:

Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

• Focus on Whole and Alkaline Foods: Choose foods like leafy greens, lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish, wild game), healthy fats (e.g., avocados, olive oil), low-glycemic fruits (e.g., berries), bananas, melons, and almonds.
• Try Smaller Meals: Eating smaller, frequent meals reduces stomach pressure and prevents acid reflux.
• Test for Food Sensitivities: Gluten, dairy, or soy may trigger inflammation. Consider an elimination diet for four to six weeks or consult a functional medicine practitioner for IgG testing.

Support Gut Health

• Probiotics: Take a high-quality probiotic to balance gut microbiota, which can reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
• L-Glutamine: Supplement daily to repair the esophageal and stomach lining.
• Zinc Carnosine: Take daily to strengthen mucosal barriers and minimize irritation.
• Test for Imbalances: Work with a practitioner to check for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or H. pylori infection, which can contribute to GERD. Herbal antimicrobials like mastic gum or berberine may be recommended.

Address Low Stomach Acid

• Contrary to common belief, GERD can result from too little stomach acid, leading to poor digestion and reflux. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend the following:
  • Betaine HCl: With meals (under supervision) to improve digestion.
  • Digestive Enzymes: Take with meals to support food breakdown and reduce reflux risk.

Protect the Esophagus

• Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): Before meals, to soothe and coat the esophageal lining.
• Slippery Elm or Marshmallow Root: Add to water or tea to create a protective barrier against acid.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Use daily (low-anthraquinone) to calm inflammation.

Optimize Lifestyle

• Elevate Your Bed: Raise the head of your bed six to eight inches to prevent nighttime reflux.
• Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or diaphragmatic breathing to lower cortisol and improve LES function.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day to dilute stomach acid and support digestion.
• Chew Thoroughly: Slow, mindful chewing enhances saliva production, neutralizing acid and protecting enamel.

Monitor and Collaborate

• Work with a functional medicine practitioner to tailor these recommendations based on lab tests (e.g., stool analysis and pH monitoring).
• Schedule regular dental visits at Montana Dental Arts to monitor enamel erosion and address oral health concerns.
• If symptoms persist, consult a gastroenterologist to rule out complications like Barrett’s esophagus or hiatal hernia.

Protect Your Smile From the Effects of GERD

GERD doesn’t have to compromise your oral health. By avoiding dietary and environmental triggers and embracing functional medicine strategies, you can manage GERD effectively and preserve your smile. 

At Montana Dental Arts, we’re here to support you with comprehensive dental care and personalized advice. Contact us today to discuss how GERD may affect your teeth and learn about protective measures like fluoride, nanohydroxyapatites, or dental sealants. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and strong!

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Moderate Sedation in Missoula, MT

Dental procedures encompass a broad spectrum of treatments, ranging from routine cleanings and X-rays to more complex procedures like extractions, root canals, and surgeries. Unfortunately, many patients grapple with anxiety leading up to and during these procedures, which can hinder proper oral care and exacerbate dental issues. Sedation emerges as a viable solution to alleviate this anxiety, offering patients a more comfortable experience.

Understanding Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation, also referred to as conscious sedation or IV sedation, strikes a delicate balance where patients remain comfortable and anxiety-free while still being able to respond to verbal cues. Unlike minimal sedation, which may not fully calm a patient, or deep sedation, which renders them nearly unconscious, moderate sedation provides a middle ground. Patients are able to relax yet stay conscious enough to cooperate during the procedure.

Administration and Benefits

Moderate sedation can be administered through various methods, including oral and intravenous, depending on factors such as the patient’s needs, the procedure complexity, and the dentist’s preference. The primary advantage of this sedation method lies in its ability to alleviate anxiety, enabling patients to undergo essential dental procedures without overwhelming fear. Additionally, with patients calm and cooperative, dentists can work more efficiently, often completing multiple procedures in a single appointment.

Safety and Considerations

Patients stay closely monitored to ensure safety, with medical professionals promptly detecting any adverse reactions. While some patients may fear the idea of being “put to sleep,” it’s crucial to note that with moderate sedation, patients remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure. Like any medical intervention, moderate sedation carries potential risks and side effects, but these can be minimized through thorough medical history review and patient preparation.

Patient Experience and Dentist Preference

Although moderate sedation is generally safe and beneficial for most patients, it’s essential to assess suitability based on individual health factors. Patients often report a more positive dental experience and express less apprehension about future appointments. Many dentists prefer utilizing this effective tool to manage patient anxiety and facilitate smoother dental procedures.

In conclusion, moderate sedation stands out as an effective middle ground that ensures patient comfort and cooperation while also benefiting dental professionals by enhancing procedural efficiency. As dentistry continues to evolve, moderate sedation is likely to become more mainstream, providing relief to numerous anxious patients and serving as a valuable tool in comprehensive dental care.

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Dentures are a normal, everyday part of life for many people all over the world. In fact, we know they’ve been in use for thousands of years! The oldest record of denture use dates back to 700 BC in Northern Italy, and they were used throughout the years of the roman empire. So, if we’ve talked with you about dentures or you suspect you will need them, know that you’re not alone! Men and women have been wearing dentures through some of the most momentous events in history.

Did you know there are many different types of dentures? No matter how you lost your teeth, there’s a set of dentures that can help you look and feel normal again. The cosmetic benefits of dentures are obvious, but they also can help people eat and speak, which is why they’ve been so popular for so much of the world’s history. Here are some examples of the different types of dentures you and your dentist might decide to use, depending on your individual situation:

Full Dentures

When you hear the word “dentures”, you probably think of these. Full dentures are used to help a patient who’s lost most or all of their teeth. This type of denture needs to be custom-molded to your gums, so we may need to remove existing teeth if some are still left in place in your mouth. After your dentures are properly fitted, an adhesive is used to hold them in place over the course of each day. You’ll take them out and clean them every night.

Partial Dentures

Not every case of missing teeth is extreme enough to require a whole new set of dentures. When only certain portions of your teeth are missing, we may evaluate them together and consider a set of partial dentures. These not only help your teeth look natural but also keep your remaining teeth from slowly drifting out of place and becoming crooked. Partial dentures are made of (1) a pink artificial root that matches the color of your gums, (2) false teeth to replace the missing ones, and (3) sometimes a clip or wire to hold everything in place.

Implant Supported Dentures

If you want your new smile to have a more solid foundation, you might consider implant-supported dentures. This style of denture includes four implants — titanium posts that fuse to your jawbone — which allow you to snap the dentures in and easily take them out for cleaning. The process of fitting and preparing implant-supported dentures is more involved than fitting a set of traditional dentures, but the result is very convenient. This type of denture does not require the use of adhesive. 

Our Goal is Your Beautiful Smile

We can help you find the right type of dentures for you, no matter what your situation. Modern dentures are more comfortable, convenient, and realistic than ever before — the result of more than two thousand years of innovation! If you believe dentures might be a right fit for you, give us a call at 406-728-6068 We’ll be happy to talk with you about the different types of dentures and what the fitting will entail, so we can get your smile to look the way you want it to.

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Clear aligners revolutionized the way people look at orthodontic treatment. The clear aligner system from SureSmile® made it possible for people to discreetly improve their smiles. While SureSmile® allows people to love the appearance of their smile and avoids many of the discomforts of braces throughout the process, there should be more to consider when choosing orthodontic treatment. You should consider which treatment option will best treat your individual situation. While you should speak with your dentist before making your final decision, we have included issues that SureSmile® clear aligners can effectively treat.

Crooked Teeth

SureSmile® is very effective at treating crooked teeth. Clear aligners offer a great solution for people to align their teeth and love their smiles.

Overbite & Underbite

SureSmile® can be used to treat both an overbite and an underbite. An overbite is when the top front teeth extend beyond the bottom of your bottom front teeth. An underbite is when the lower jaw rests in front of the top jaw when the mouth is closed. SureSmile® can be used to move either the top or bottom teeth into the right place so that they align properly with the mouth closed.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when teeth don’t line up properly with the mouth closed. This could be the top teeth in the back of your mouth resting inside your bottom teeth or could be one or more of your top front teeth resting behind your bottom front teeth. SureSmile® can move teeth into the proper positions and treat a crossbite.

Gaps in Teeth & Crowded Teeth

These opposite issues can both be treated by SureSmile®. Gaps in teeth occur when there are large spaces between teeth. Crowded teeth happen when there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth, often causing them to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth can make it easy for food to get stuck or plaque to build up, and should be addressed to keep optimal oral health.

Limitations of SureSmile®

While SureSmile® is an excellent option for many orthodontic issues, it does have its limitations. There are times when it may be best to go with braces. For severe orthodontic issues and intrusion and extrusion, braces often offer the force that is needed. It’s also important to note that SureSmile® continues to get better and better. We can now treat more complex orthodontic situations than we could even a few years ago. If you think SureSmile® is the right treatment option for you, contact our Missoula office at 406-728-6068.

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

One of the hottest topics in dentistry today is the use of dental implants. Implants have certainly revolutionized the field of replacement teeth. If you are considering tooth implants for missing teeth, you need to know the facts. There are pros and cons of dental implants that are carefully weighed by your dentist before surgery can be scheduled.

Research continually shows that dental implants are the best long-term solution to replace missing teeth. However, like any type of surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Cons of Dental Implants

No procedure is right for everyone, including dental implants. While there are some risks associated with dental implants, they are relatively mild. The disadvantages include:

You have to meet a set of requirements

In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria. As the procedure involves anchoring the implant to your jaw bone, if you’ve experienced significant bone loss as a result of losing teeth, there may not be enough for the dental implant to be successful. You also have to be in good health so your jawbone can fully recover.

The cost of the procedure

While dental implants are the best long-term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost-effective. However, dental implants are well worth the price for the comfort, confidence, and natural feel they give you.

The procedure can be lengthy

Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed. Your dentist will then need to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. Once the anchor has been fitted, you’ll need to wait several months while it heals and the surrounding bone grows. The final stage of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

While there are some drawbacks to dental implants, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

They look and feel like natural teeth

Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth. Implants also won’t feel any different from your regular teeth. Since the implants are anchored to your jaw, they’ll feel just as strong as your regular teeth too.

You can eat and chew with ease

Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you can eat what you want! Whether you fancy crunchy snacks, chewy foods, or hot or cold drinks, you can eat and drink without concern — just remember not to overdo the sugary treats.

Dental implants can last a lifetime

Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.

They’re easy to take care of

You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and a healthy diet.

They prevent bone loss

Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.

You can see that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. Dental implants have been proven to be a great option for people who suffer from tooth loss. We always want to make our patients look and feel great, and dental implants are a great way to do that. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call!