Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile, but they may not be right for everyone.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that's implanted into the jawbone following the loss of a tooth. These posts are placed by a dentist in the hole left by the lost tooth, then covered with a protective material and allowed to fuse permanently with the jawbone through osteointegration, which creates an anchoring point for a new tooth.
Once the post is in place and secure, a prosthetic tooth is attached to the post as a permanent, fixed replacement for the missing tooth. Once the procedure is complete, you will once again be able to enjoy the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Simply put, dental implants are the most effective way to replace missing teeth.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Unfortunately, dental implants aren't right for everyone. Your health history plays an important role in determining whether you're a good candidate for dental implants. Typically, good candidates for dental implants are individuals who are at least 18 years of age, have healthy gums, and have a sufficiently strong bone structure in their jaws to support an implant.
After an implant procedure, a patient should be prepared to not only fully commit to taking good care of their gums and oral health, but also to eating a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Even having said all of this, the most crucial factor in determining whether someone is a good candidate for dental implants is their personal medical profile and history, which we can discuss at your dental implant consultation.
Dental Implants in Southpark, NC
If you are in the Southpark, NC area and want to find out if you're a good candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation and examination with dentist Dr. Heather Gentry and the Gentry Dental team. They will determine whether you're a candidate for dental implants and, if so, provide a friendly, detailed explanation of the procedure and next steps.