What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. There are many reason you should consider a dental implant:

• Improved appearance – Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech – With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort – Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating – Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem – Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health – Dental implants don’t require shaving other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability – Implants are very durable and will last many years.
• Convenience – Especially when it replaces an existing wobbling removable denture. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.