Missing Teeth Affect More Than Your Smile

Losing a tooth changes far more than your appearance. Missing teeth can affect how you chew, speak, smile, and even how your face ages over time. Without a tooth root to stimulate the jawbone, bone loss begins almost immediately, potentially leading to shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and a sunken facial appearance.

Fortunately, modern dental implants offer one of the most predictable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth.

At Marielaina Perrone, DDS, patients throughout Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Summerlin, and the greater Las Vegas area receive personalized dental implant treatment designed to restore both oral health and confidence.

If you’ve been wondering whether implants are right for you, here are seven signs it may be time to schedule a consultation.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium implant that integrates naturally with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.

Once healing is complete, the implant supports a custom restoration such as:

• A porcelain crown
• A dental bridge
• An implant-supported denture
• A full-arch restoration such as All-on-4®

Because implants become part of the jawbone, they provide exceptional stability while preserving bone that would otherwise be lost after tooth extraction.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million Americans currently have dental implants, with approximately 500,000 implants placed each year.

1. You’re Missing One or More Teeth

Even a single missing tooth can affect:

• chewing efficiency
• speech
• bite alignment
• neighboring teeth
• jawbone health

Replacing missing teeth early helps preserve both function and appearance.

2. You Have a Tooth That Cannot Be Saved

Despite advances in restorative dentistry, some teeth become too damaged by:

• extensive decay
• root fractures
• severe infection
• advanced periodontal disease

When extraction becomes necessary, placing an implant soon afterward often helps preserve bone and simplifies future treatment.

3. You’re Frustrated with Dentures

Traditional dentures can sometimes:

• slip while eating
• affect speech
• create sore spots
• reduce chewing ability
• require adhesives

Implant-supported dentures provide significantly greater stability while improving comfort and confidence.

4. You Want to Protect Your Jawbone

One of the greatest advantages of implants is something patients cannot see.

Dental implants help preserve jawbone by replacing the function of natural tooth roots.

Without stimulation, bone naturally shrinks after tooth loss, contributing to:

• facial collapse
• premature aging
• bite changes
• additional tooth loss

Dental implants are currently the only tooth replacement option that helps maintain bone through normal chewing forces.

5. You Want a Long-Term Tooth Replacement

While bridges and dentures may eventually require replacement, dental implants have demonstrated excellent long-term success.

Clinical studies consistently report survival rates between 95% and 98% when implants are properly planned, placed, and maintained.

With excellent oral hygiene and routine professional care, many implants function successfully for decades.

6. You Want to Eat Comfortably Again

Missing teeth often limit food choices.

Patients frequently avoid:

• steak
• apples
• nuts
• fresh vegetables
• crunchy foods

Implants restore chewing efficiency much closer to natural teeth, allowing many patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods comfortably.

7. You Want a Natural-Looking Smile

Modern implant restorations are individually designed to complement:

• facial features
• neighboring teeth
• bite
• smile symmetry
• natural tooth color

The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions remarkably like a natural tooth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Many healthy adults qualify for implant treatment.

Ideal candidates typically have:

• healthy gums
• adequate jawbone
• good general health
• commitment to excellent oral hygiene

Even patients who have experienced bone loss may still qualify through procedures such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation.

A comprehensive consultation allows Dr. Perrone to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

What to Expect

Treatment generally includes:

Comprehensive Consultation

• Medical review
• Digital imaging
• Treatment planning
• Bone evaluation

Implant Placement

A titanium implant is carefully positioned within the jawbone to provide long-term stability.

Healing

Over several months, the implant naturally integrates with surrounding bone.

Final Restoration

A custom porcelain crown, bridge, or implant-supported restoration is attached to complete your new smile.

Every step is carefully planned to maximize long-term success.

Why Choose Marielaina Perrone, DDS?

Patients choose Dr. Perrone because she combines:

• More than 25 years of clinical experience
• Advanced implant training
• Comprehensive treatment planning
• Personalized patient care
• Conservative philosophy
• Modern diagnostic technology
• Artistic cosmetic dentistry

Every implant treatment is customized to restore both oral health and facial harmony.

The Bottom Line

Dental implants do far more than replace missing teeth.

They preserve jawbone, restore chewing function, improve confidence, protect neighboring teeth, and help maintain youthful facial support.

If you’re living with missing teeth, loose dentures, or a failing tooth, a consultation with Marielaina Perrone, DDS can help determine whether dental implants are the right long-term solution for restoring your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I replace a missing tooth?

Replacing a missing tooth as soon as practical helps preserve jawbone, prevent shifting teeth, and simplify treatment.

How long do dental implants last?

With excellent oral hygiene and routine professional care, dental implants can often last decades and, in many cases, a lifetime.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report less discomfort than expected. Local anesthesia and modern surgical techniques help make implant placement comfortable.

Can I get implants if I’ve lost bone?

Often, yes. Bone grafting or sinus augmentation procedures may allow many patients with bone loss to become implant candidates.

Why choose Marielaina Perrone, DDS?

Dr. Perrone combines more than 25 years of experience with advanced implant dentistry, comprehensive treatment planning, and personalized care to help patients achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.

---

Medically Reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dr. Marielaina Perrone is a cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist serving Henderson, Green Valley, and the greater Las Vegas area. A graduate of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, she has more than 25 years of experience in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation. Through continuing education and evidence-based care, Dr. Perrone provides personalized dental implant solutions designed to restore oral health, facial support, and long-term confidence.

Updated: July 2026