Perhaps you've lost a tooth because of an accident or tooth decay, or maybe you chose an extraction instead of a root canal. Getting a dental implant to replace a lost tooth is a great option. But, before you consider implants, it's good to know what they are and what benefits they offer.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root. Once it is topped with a crown, the prosthetic tooth matches the color and shape of your other teeth. Other people will never notice a difference!

What to expect...

If your tooth needs to be removed first, it is extracted. Next, the dental surgeon inserts a titanium rod in place of the root of the extracted tooth. After a few months of allowing the bone tissue to fuse with the implant rod, a healing abutment is inserted, and finally, after a few more months of healing, the prosthetic crown is attached to the implant rod.

What are some of the benefits of dental implants?

Here are some of the benefits of having dental implants:

• Implants are permanent, as opposed to dentures, which have to be replaced every five to 10 years. With proper hygienic care, implants can last a lifetime and only require periodic adjustments.
• Implants don't slip around while you're eating, drinking, talking, yawning, kissing, or coughing. You don't have to be afraid to express yourself because your implants will never fall out or slip! 
• Dental implants match your other teeth in color and they help you retain the natural shape of your face.
• Having dental implants put in does not call for taking anything from the other teeth, unlike bridges, which require grinding down the surrounding teeth in order to anchor the bridge.
• The best news with dental implants is that you can treat and clean them like any of your other teeth. They do not require being removed for cleaning, and they don't have to sit in a cup overnight.
• Implants preserve the jawbone and decrease the risk of bone loss by stimulating the bone to produce more bone cells.
• With dental implants, you can continue eating your favorite foods—even sticky and crunchy foods—without worrying that the implants will fall out.
• Your dental implants will never get cavities since they are prosthetic teeth. But don't neglect seeing the dentist for regular checkups every six months.

Talk to your dentist about dental implants and the benefits that come with them. If you need an implant, schedule an appointment with a dentist, such as Dental Images, in your area as soon as possible.