Missing a Tooth?
You are not alone. Over 60% of people aged 35-45 are missing one or more teeth
If you've lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury, cavities, or gum disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.
An implant is a synthetic tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium or zirconia: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal or ceramic that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth (crown) is then screwed into the implant. The tooth is permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist. Implant crowns are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.
The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.
Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges
Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don't directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last many decades.
Post-Treatment Care
Consider your replacement teeth to be very similar as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.
