When you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, you may have a difficult time chewing. You may also feel embarrassed about your smile. With dental implants, your smile and self-confidence can be restored.

Who May Need Dental Implants?

You may need to have a dental implant if one or more of your teeth are missing. There are some qualification requirements for the procedure. You should have good overall oral and medical health. Your jaw should be done growing, which happens around age 16 in females 18 in males.

How Dental Implants Work

The dentist will place a titanium post into your jaw. During the healing process, your body grows new bone cells, and the implant becomes integrated with your jaw. As this happens, you may need to have a soft-foods diet. A temporary crown is placed onto your jaw. Once your jaw is healed, which takes around six months, a permanent crown is secured to the post. This crown is customized for you in a dental lab and made to look like a natural tooth.

Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

Missing a tooth may cause you to have trouble chewing. Nearby teeth could shift out of place. Your jawbone can change shape when teeth are not there to hold it in place. The implant restores full functionality to your mouth. If your missing tooth was in the front of your mouth, getting an implant could give a big boost to your smile and your self-confidence. Dental implants are long-term restorations and are safe and effective. It is possible to get several posts implanted as anchors instead of getting crowns for a bridge or getting dentures. Implants act as normal teeth and don’t require the maintenance that dentures or crowns do.

Barbara Mallonee, DDS, is a wise choice when you need dental implants. Call today to set up your appointment.