Many people who have missing teeth opt for dentures, bridge work, or implants. However, often times dentures don't feel secure, bridge work goes bad, or it just does not look and feel natural. Some people have difficulty chewing with dentures or bridge work. So what can you do? Dental implants are a great option for people missing one or more teeth that would like to smile, speak and eat again with the comfort and confidence of natural teeth. So, let's take a look at how dental implants work by reviewing some frequently asked questions and answers.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw. This root then holds a tooth or bridge in place. The root is made of titanium, and is secured to your jaw by being screwed in. Then as your mouth heals, the bone will attach to the titanium posts, and essentially they will act as though they are part of the jaw itself.

Why would you want a dental implant over another option?
Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth, but of course, you probably want more than just my word for it, so here are some examples of how:
    Esthetic: It is important when you replace missing teeth that you like the way the replacement looks. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! What could be better esthetically? Unless you tell them, no one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
    Less bone loss or gum recession: Because of the fact that the titanium posts of your dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
    Tooth-saving: One of the biggest benefits is that implants stand alone, so in other words dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does. In bridge work neighboring teeth are altered to support the replacement, this is not the case with dental implants. So, basically you not only get a replacement tooth, but you also get a more long-term benefit to your oral health.
    Confidence: Missing teeth can be a big blow to your confidence, however, dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat as you did with your natural teeth. You do not have to worry about them being secure, wobbling, etc.
    Clean: With implants you are not taking anything out of your mouth, so you can forget about the worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues. You get ease, comfort, and cleanliness.
    Reliable: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable, especially if you take the time to adequately recover, and if you maintain proper oral hygiene the chances are even better.

Who gets dental implants?
Dental implants are really the most ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. They are not for people who have lost or are losing all of their teeth, but you can speak with your dentist about your unique situation.

How will I feel after I have a dental implant?
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You will have some recovery time, you may need to take some pain killers, and you will want to practice impeccable oral hygiene, but you will love the results!

What can dental implants do for me?
    Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
    Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
    Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
    Vastly improve the quality of life for the many people who suffer from the problems associated with missing teeth.