Dental Implants

​There are many reasons someone may need a dental implant. These are just a few.

• Periodontal disease
• Missing teeth congenitally
• Decay
• Injury

Dental implants are placed in jaw to replace a person’s natural root. A crown would be placed at a later date to replace the “crown” or top portion of the tooth. A dental implant will fuse to your bone and become permanent.
The great thing about dental implants are that they feel and act like a natural tooth. You will brush and floss them the same way and they are not removable.
Implants are a fantastic way to hold a denture in place. In the past, a denture would move around the mouth while a person ate. This is especially true on the lower arch, since we tend to lose bone when teeth are not present because the bone can disappear. Getting an implant retained denture can give a person the chance of eating more naturally. This will improve digestion and nutrition.
Speech is usually improved as well. If you are missing teeth or have dentures, speech can be affected. Placing implants for a denture can keep dentures in place and help tongue move in correct position and prevent lisp. It can also help someone with front teeth missing pronunciation correctly.
Implants can be placed in most areas of mouth. If you have had some bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary. The procedure to place implants is less painful than a tooth extraction and healing is generally quick.
Dental care after an implant will need to continue. You will still need to see a dentist to have implants checked and cleaned. Special tools for cleaning is necessary, plaque and calculus will build up on implants, just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will also check the bone level around implant and verify everything is healthy.
Your dentist will evaluate your situation and address your needs. A conversation will take place on whether an implant is an option for you. Please ask questions and determine your dental goal. A patient must be compliant with oral hygiene to make sure an implant lasts a lifetime.
Implants are a great option for those patients missing teeth. Ask your dentist today about implants.