Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Many adults think dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth, and they might be right. When you lose your teeth as a result of a traumatic injury, decay, or an illness, it can hurt your self-esteem. Strong, durable, and aesthetically attractive, dental implants help restore the simple confidence that comes with having natural teeth.

A dental implant is a metal post, often made out of titanium, that a dentist surgically implants into your upper or lower jawbone. This is essentially the root of a new tooth. It's similar in shape to an everyday screw. Once the post has been installed and your mouth has fully healed, a process that generally takes a few months, Dr. Opperman will mount a custom-made crown (replacement tooth) onto the metal post. Because the implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide firm support for artificial teeth and don't shift around the mouth like some removable dentures.

These metal posts also help bridges, dentures, and crowns stay firmly fastened to your jaw.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

In addition to feeling, functioning, and looking like natural teeth, dental implants offer the following advantages:

• Are permanent and can last a lifetime
• Offer a cost-effective solution to replacing a missing tooth
• Help retain your natural face shape and smile
• Ensure the health of your jawbone
• Help maintain the integrity of surrounding natural teeth
• Help you talk casually and without worry
• Don't fall out of your mouth
• Are strong and durable for chewing foods you love
• Aren't vulnerable to cavities with an implanted crown
• Offer a time-tested, predictable result for tooth repair

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Whether you're missing one tooth or multiple teeth, you may be an excellent dental implant candidate. Your jaw needs to be finished growing, and your gums must be healthy. Dental implants are not appropriate for kids, as their mouths have not finished growing. However, implants are an exceptional solution for adults.

You may also be a good candidate for implants if you're fed up with uncomfortable dentures, or it's time to replace a bridge or partial dentures. Men or women wanting a permanent, lifelong solution to ongoing dental work may be exceptional dental implant candidates. Get all your questions about dental implants answered during a consultation with Dr. Opperman. Implant treatment might be right for you.

Ready to take the first step toward a more comfortable, confident smile? Call Joshua R. Opperman, DMD Family Dentistry or schedule an appointment online.