The unexpected has occured. Because of an injury, gum disease, or extensive decay, you lost a tooth. Losing a tooth is a big deal. A gap in your smile can make eating and speaking awkward and uncomfortable. The nearby teeth may begin to drift into the newly created space, messing up your bite. Besides this, smiling with a lost tooth can be embarrassing! To replace a missing tooth, our dentist may recommend a dental implant.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces not just the visible part of the tooth, but the tooth root. This is so important because replacing tooth roots helps to preserve and protect the jawbone. A dental implant is made up of a titanium implant post, a dental restoration, and an abutment.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
You can have a dental implant placement placed if you have enough healthy jawbone structure, if your gums are healthy, and if you have good overall health. For those who have lost jawbone structure, bone grafting can be performed so that a dental implant can be placed. So in reality, most everyone is a candidate for dental implants.
How do I take care of my dental implant?
You may be surprised to learn that dental implants don’t require special care. Just care for your dental implants the same way that you do the rest of your teeth. This includes brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once daily. Make sure to schedule and keep your regular dental appointments.
For more information about dental implants in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and to schedule a visit with our dentist, Dr. Jeffery Carver, feel free to contact Quail Ridge Dental.