All About Dental Implants

Q:  What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth  that is surgically anchored to your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support; they are permanent and stable. With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental Implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. They can also solve many of the problems associated with removable dentures and help a person gain self confidence by knowing that they are fixed in place, and more closely resemble real teeth. Dental implants help to eliminate the gag reflex (a choking feeling associated with some dentures). They make food taste better and speech articulation easier. Implants result in less tissue irritation within the mouth. If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate. If you do not have a dentist, you may call my office to schedule a complimentary 15 minute dental implant consultation.