We know you want to get that missing tooth replaced. Why wouldn’t you? With so many options in tooth replacement, there’s no reason to have an embarrassing gap between your teeth, not to mention the dental problems missing teeth can cause. And with so much progress in dental implant technology, implants have now become a standard procedure among many dental practices.

One of the best things to come along in dentistry, implants are an amazing advancement in dental technology. The most stable of all missing tooth restorations, dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone, securing your fake tooth and preventing it from moving.

Following Protocol

With so much changing in the dental industry, it’s understandable that you want to know more about implants. After all, you need a failed restoration like you need another hole in the head! But the fact is, dental technology has provided us with the means to completely and permanently replace our teeth, and implants have proven to be extremely successful.

During the dental implant procedure, your dentist, prosthodontist or oral surgeon drills a hole into the jawbone, and the implant is screwed into place -- all in one appointment! It sounds painful, but it isn’t. Many undergo the dental implant procedure with just local anesthetic, and like any dental surgery, usually experience only some discomfort as the implant heals. Most patients are surprised at just how easy the procedure is!

Dental implant technology has developed over the years, providing an effective and permanent restoration for missing teeth. Implants don’t just screw into your jawbone like drywall! Implants actually stay in place through osseointegration, a process where the implant fuses to the bone over a three to six month period. Once the implant has fully healed, your dentist attaches a porcelain crown on top of the implant for a natural-looking restoration.

An Easy Decision

Considering these permanent restorations look and feel like real teeth, it’s easy to see why implants would be your first choice for tooth replacement. Many patients find implants to be a more appealing option than other restorations. Implants improve appearance, help with chewing and provide a stable, lasting restoration for years to come.

You may be surprised when you learn what a great investment implants are. When well-cared for, a dental implant can last a lifetime -- and they don’t require adjustments or sticky pastes to hold them in place. Unlike a dental bridge, implants won’t affect adjacent teeth, and they help prevent the wear and tear on your jawbone that missing teeth or removable dentures can cause. In fact, many of your peers are now choosing to replace their old dental appliances with implants, and the results are incomparable.

So Many Choices!

Dental implant technology offers more than just a single implant. If you’re missing a few teeth and can’t afford several single implants at once, you have other options. Implants can also be used to anchor a bridge or dentures into place. If you need to have all of your teeth replaced, implant-supported dentures are ideal, providing more stability than traditional dentures and costing less than a complete set of single implants.

Now that you’re interested in getting implants, you have some requirements to meet. Just like any surgery, the dental implant procedure will be more successful if you are healthy. That means practicing excellent oral hygiene, eating well and not smoking. Patients must also maintain a significant amount of jaw bone to support implants. Discuss your pre-existing medical conditions with your dental office -- they’ll decide if you qualify as a candidate for implants and discuss the best plan for your missing tooth replacement.

Make a Commitment

One more advantage to having implants is you can take care of them just like you take care of your real teeth. Gone are the days of soaking dentures and removing appliances for cleaning. You can brush, floss and keep up your regular dental visits every six months, just like you used to!

This is an exciting time for dental technology -- so if you’re looking to replace missing teeth, there’s no time like the present. Contact your dentist to discuss implants today, and do more than bridge the gap to a beautiful smile!

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