If you have missing teeth, you can regain your smile with dental implants. Implants replace your entire tooth, including the root, giving you a perfect, low-maintenance smile and helping you maintain your jawbone health.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are different from many other forms of tooth replacement because it replaces the whole tooth, including the root. Options like dentures and bridges only replace the tooth’s visible portion. With a replacement root, implants remain stationary in your mouth as you eat, talk, and chew. They look and feel completely natural and help you maintain not only your smile, but also your jawbone.
Implants are placed in a surgical procedure. The root is made of titanium and is set directly in the tooth socket. Over time, the jawbone bonds to the titanium so the tooth remains in place. This also means your jaw is stimulated to continue growing. Without a root in the tooth socket, the bone atrophies over time. This is why, after years of missing teeth, the face begins to change shape, appearing shrunken as the top and bottom jaws move closer together.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for tooth replacement. However, if you have certain issues that could make it difficult for the implants to heal, they might not be the best choice for you. You might not be an ideal candidate for implants if you:
- Are a smoker
- Have gum disease
- Are taking certain osteoporosis medications
- Have diabetes
- Have an autoimmune disorder
- Lack sufficient bone mass in your jaw
Before deciding on implants, consult with an implant dentist. Some issues can be treated ahead of time, such as gum disease, and if you lack bone mass, you might require bone grafts or a sinus lift before implants can be placed. It’s also possible to use a smaller number of implants to anchor a removable denture. This procedure takes advantage of the thicker areas of bone and sometimes can be accomplished without grafting.
Our team is ready to help you discover your options for a brand new smile. Contact us today!