When you’re missing a tooth it’s easy to feel self-conscious. However, you’re far from alone — 120 million people in the United States have lost at least one of their teeth. Fortunately, you have options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants.

At Healthy Dental Expressions in Lake Worth, Florida, Dr. Henry Suarez and our highly skilled team offer a wide range of services from general and preventive dentistry care and emergency procedures to cosmetic treatments and orthodontia. We’re community-focused, provide personalized care, and use state-of-the-art equipment and procedures.

Causes of tooth loss

Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including decay and gum disease. Suffering from an injury or cancer can also result in this dental issue for some people. Even simple everyday wear can cause the loss of a tooth. 

For many years, bridges and dentures were the only treatment available. Today, however, there is an option that is becoming the gold standard: a dental implant.

About dental implants

A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the missing tooth’s root and serves as a foundation for a small connecting device that attaches the artificial tooth to the implant.

If several teeth are missing, we use a dental implant bridge to connect the artificial teeth to the implants as well as one another. This keeps them together as a unit.

What sets dental implants apart from other tooth replacement options is their connection to your jawbone. That’s better for your overall dental health because it helps prevent bone loss. And implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

Why implants are a superior tooth replacement option

Dental implants can restore your beautiful smile and your self-confidence. The artificial tooth, or crown, that’s attached to the implant is crafted to look virtually identical to your surrounding natural teeth. They’re also firmly attached so you don’t have to worry about slurred speech or slippage as can sometimes occur with ill-fitting dentures.

Dental implants have health benefits, too. In addition to looking realistic, they perform the same as regular teeth. There are no eating restrictions, so you can follow a healthy diet with ease.

They also help protect your oral health. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath can degrade over time. This can result in the movement of other nearby teeth — and you could be at risk of losing those teeth, too. Dental implants keep everything in place. 

Implants are comfortable, durable, and convenient. They also have a rate of success of up to 98%. With proper care like regular flossing and brushing, they often last a lifetime.

Understanding the dental implant procedure

All of our dental implants are customized to meet our patients’ needs. We begin by taking X-rays of your mouth to select the best placement location. We also determine the strength of your jawbone. In some cases, a bone graft might be necessary before completing the implant procedure.

Next, we surgically place the implant, which fuses with your jawbone over several months. The final step is attaching the abutment and artificial tooth or teeth.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth and you’re tired of a gap-toothed smile, call Healthy Dental Expressions at 561-235-3839 today or click “Book online” anytime to schedule an appointment to learn if dental implants are right for you.

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