Tooth loss occurs for various reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, age or injury. And this can have a negative effect on an individual's self-esteem and confidence. For several years, the only treatments available to restore a patient's smile were dentures and bridges. These procedures were and are still effective, but they fail to mimic the normal state of your natural teeth as effectively as dental implants. With dental implants, you can obtain a beautiful, natural-looking smile that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Dental implants are becoming the clear choice to other tooth restoring dental procedures, but not everyone is a candidate. Schedule an appointment with your cosmetic or implant dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

What are Dental Implants?

The dental implants used by most cosmetic dentists today are root-form implants. They function as substitute tooth roots, used to replace the natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where one, some or all teeth are missing, preserving the bone that would otherwise deteriorate. Acting as anchors, the implants are affixed directly into the jawbone and the artificial replacement is placed on top. This stabilizes the artificial teeth, making the treatment permanent, and ultimately providing the security and usability of your natural teeth.

Implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone while under anesthesia. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. Follow-up appointments with your implant dentist will be necessary to monitor your implants and the overall healing process.

The Dental Implant Advantage

There are several advantages of dental implants over other restorative dental procedures. Implants restore a patient's teeth as closely as possible to their natural state. Plus, unlike removable dentures that can be embarrassing and inconvenient, implants are permanently set in place in your mouth, eliminating the need for pesky adhesives that keep dentures in place. With proper care and routine dental check ups, implants can last a lifetime.

Anchors that secure dental implants in place are integrated into the jaw, making dental implants more stable than most other restorative dental techniques. And the stability and permanence of the implants help prevent bone loss and gum recession. Currently, dental implants are the only dental treatment option that preserve bone and maintain facial structures.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Patients considering dental implants must have good health, proper bone density to support the implant, healthy gums and a commitment to good dental health and routine dental visits. And people who smoke and drink regularly are typically not ideal candidates. Your implant dentist can help you determine if dental implants are right for you.

Dental implants can dramatically enhance the appearance and overall health of your teeth. You'll achieve a radiant, natural-looking smile- enjoying the beauty and performance of your natural teeth once again!




Sean Hartment writes for the leading Aurora cosmetic dentist, Midwest Dental Associates. When patients need cosmetic dental care, they turn to this implant dentist in Aurora for advanced dental care they can trust.