Do you have missing teeth? If so, you might be looking into different tooth replacement methods that might be available to you. Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. Here are a few facts about dental implants to help you make your decision.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts that are implanted into your jawbone so that different types of prosthetics such as dentures can be attached. They can be used to replace just one tooth or even a whole row of teeth, and are a sturdy, reliable substitute for a missing tooth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The implant bonds with your jawbone over time, imitating the root of a natural tooth. This prevents the jawbone from eroding in that particular area like it normally would without anything there to stimulate it. In addition, dental implants keep your other teeth from shifting to fill the gap and allow you to use your replacement tooth just like you would a natural tooth.
Who Is a Candidate for Implants?
In order to qualify for implants, you need to have enough jawbone for the implant to be embedded. As the jawbone erodes once a tooth is lost, this is a problem for many patients. Fortunately, there are bone implant procedures available to replace lost or worn jawbone. Please note that if you smoke or suffer from gum disease, you might not be eligible for the procedure.
If you have any other questions about dental implants, your dentist would be happy to help. Give A Smile 4 U a call to make an appointment or talk to a dentist today!