The Importance of Dental Implants

The Importance of Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, the smile gap affects more than your personal appearance. Your self-confidence, how well you bite and chew dental implantsand the strength and size of your jaw bone rapidly decrease. Your St. Louis, MO dentists, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and Dr. Jodi Johnson, offer tooth replacement options which restore your oral function and your self-image. They place state-of-the-art dental implants--today's most natural-looking, feeling and functioning prosthetic teeth. How do implants work, and could they restore your smile?

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a completely artificial tooth made up of a titanium metal root, a metal alloy extension post and a custom-made porcelain crown. An implant may be placed singly or used in multiples to replace teeth lost to oral trauma (such as a blow to the face), deep decay and infection, or advanced gum disease. Using simple oral examination and digital imaging, your dentist in St. Louis, MO can tell if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Candidates for dental implants possess:

  • Adequately dense jaw bone
  • Good oral health (no active gum disease or extensive decay)

How does a dental implant work?

During a simple, in-office procedure, Dr. Johnson places the implant device right into the patient's jaw. During the next several weeks to months, the jaw bone adheres to the implant through a process called "osseointegration." Osseointegration is the reason why dental implants are so secure and last so long. In fact, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that dental implants remain in place for a lifetime when properly cared for with regular at-home and in-office oral hygiene. This group of expert dentists indicates that other tooth replacement options have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and can not strengthen the jaw bone because they only set on top of the gums.

Additionally, dental implants possess great versatility. Dr. Johnson can use them to support full or partial dentures or fixed bridge work. During a personal consultation, the dentist and patient can decide what option is right for his or her particular situation.

Learn more

You could achieve a vibrant, long-lasting smile through dental implants. If you wish to explore these amazing tooth replacements, please contact the office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Johnson. The professional team will be happy to answer all your questions. Please call (314) 427-7400 today.

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