Implant Information
Crowns and
conventional bridges or dentures may not be your
only options when replacing missing teeth. For some
people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and
feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums
over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the
jawbone and serve as a base for individual
replacement teeth, bridges, or a denture.
Implants offer:
Stability - Because
they fuse to your bone, implants provide very stable
support. Dentures, bridges, or individual teeth
mounted on implants won’t slip or shift in your
mouth- an especially important benefit when eating
and speaking.
Natural feel and
look - Integration of the implants into your jaw
also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural.
Comfort - Some
people also find the secure fit of implant-supported
dentures or bridges more comfortable than
conventional substitutes.
Candidates for
dental implants need to have healthy gums and
adequate bone to support the implant. To maintain
the implants, patients must be in overall good
health and committed to keeping their new smile
healthy with meticulous oral hygiene.
The placement
process may take many months to complete, can
involve more than one dentist, and can be costly.
Some people, though, feel the investment is
worthwhile and find dental implants to be the next
best thing to their natural smile.
A thorough
evaluation by your dentist will help determine
whether you are a good candidate for dental
implants. Ask your dentist whether implants are an
option for restoring your smile.
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