As anyone who has ever lost a tooth (or teeth) to injury, disease, or decay will tell you, dental implants can be vitally important not only to keep your radiant smile fully intact but also to safeguard the site of lost teeth, the surrounding gums, the jawbone, and even the patient’s overall health.
Today we are taking a closer look at dental implants, breaking down what exactly they are, how they are beneficial, and how to determine whether they are an appropriate solution for a patient who’s suffered from tooth loss.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post made from titanium that is planted into the jaw at the site of a lost tooth. A dentist puts these posts into the space of the jawbone left by a lost tooth and covers it with a protective material. This allows the posts to fuse into the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
Once the post is in place and secure, an implant-supported dental crown (typically porcelain) is attached to the post as a permanent, fixed replacement for the missing tooth. Once this procedure is complete, a patient can once again enjoy the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Simply put, in terms of durability and natural look and feel, dental implants are widely considered the most effective way to replace missing teeth.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Unfortunately, dental implants aren't right for everyone. A person’s health history plays an important role in determining whether dental implants are an appropriate solution. Typically, good candidates for dental implants include people who are:
- At least 18 years of age
- Have fairly healthy gums
- Have a jawbone structure that can support an implant
- Be prepared to fully commit to taking good care of their gums and oral health following the implant procedure
Dental Implants in Edmond, OK
If you’re in the Edmond area and want to find out if dental implants are right for you, contact dentist Dr. Michael Chandler and the team at Edmond Dental Center to schedule a consultation appointment.
