Is tooth loss affecting your quality of life? The most obvious problem is the gap in your smile, but other effects are subtle. Likewise, you avoid nutritious foods like fresh fruits and veggies because chewing them hurts. It also affects your speech when you try to form certain words. And worst of all, you’re too self-conscious to share your smile with others. Dental implants may be the solution to your smile, tooth and jaw issues.
You don’t have to live this way! Dental implants have helped many of our Hershey, PA patients. They’ve made the transition to a healthy, well-functioning smile that they can’t wait to show off.
Dental implants aren’t new. But patients who are just discovering them can use a little help to understand what they are. Likewise, they need to know the benefits they offer.
What Is a Dental Implant?
At their most basic, dental implants are a foundation upon which a single tooth or multiple missing teeth can be built. A tiny titanium screw placed in your jaw acts as an artificial root to support a replacement tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Immediately after losing a tooth, jawbone in the area starts to shrink. Dental bridges and dentures work well. However, they sit on top of your jaw and don’t do anything to prevent this bone loss.
Because a dental implant is placed in your jawbone, it stimulates healthy bone regeneration to prevent the bone loss that changes your facial appearance and can lead to further tooth loss.
What’s the Process for Getting Dental Implants?
The first step is for your dental implants dentist in Hershey, PA to surgically position the titanium screw in your jaw. Afterwards, the implant is left to heal for several months while it fuses with surrounding jawbone and tissue. After this process is complete, your dentist will add a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant to restore function, comfort, and appearance.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with enough dense bone in their jaw to support the implant are candidates. Dr. Wes Davis is an experienced dental implants dentist who can handle the entire process—from the placement of your implant to the final restoration—here at our comfortable Hershey, PA dental office.
Schedule an appointment today with Hershey Family Dentistry.