Dental Implants: What are Dental Implants?

Illness, injury and aging can lead to the loss of one or more of your tooth. Leaving these spaces open are not only a cosmetic issue, but can also cause problems. It affects your bite, your teeth can shift and junky food particles can get caught in the open area. If you think your only option is dentures or partials, think again. Dental implants are a permanent alternative to dentures and partials.

If you are a good candidate, your dentist will install a metal titanium rod into your gum and down into the jawbone. Anchors are in place to help hold the rod in place and then hold the tooth once it is placed. Once the rod is installed, it takes a couple of months to heal and let the jawbone grow around the rod.

A custom crown is made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth so no one has to know that it is a "fake" tooth. This prosthetic tooth fits over the screw and becomes a permanent part of the mouth.

The prosthetic is as durable as your natural ones and requires the same care as your natural ones. Continue to brush, rinse and floss as usual and get your 6 month cleanings. Even if you have several missing teeth, you can still opt for dental implants instead of dentures. A major benefit to choosing them is that they are easier to care for. You don't take them out for soaking or cleaning. You treat them just like regular ones.

This procedure works for pretty much anyone who has missing tooth. Even if there are pre-existing conditions, your dentist can still make it work. Even if you have an existing health conditions, lost your teeth to periodontal disease, have loss of bone in the jaw, smoke or previously wore partials or dentures, you can still benefit from this permanent solution. The only real contraindication is for children. This is because their bones are still growing. However, if there is concern about shifting teeth and orthodontic issues, they may be used in kids.

When your smile is compromised with missing tooth, your confidence and self-esteem is affected. You stop smiling and people can misread your personality. They may assume you are just cold and aloof when in fact, you are just embarrassed. Getting dental implants can help restore your confidence and make you want to smile again.

If you don't already have a fabulous dentist who can perform this procedure, you want to make sure you find the right one. Verify that he is board-certified and licensed to perform a dental implant procedure. When you meet him for a free consultation, ask about his experience performing the procedure.