FAQs About Dental Implants

Dr. Jeff Kim of Ultimate Dental Studio in Port Orange, FL, can help you restore your missing teeth with long-lasting dental implants. Innovative implants offer the latest way to replace teeth lost due to injuries, decay, infections and other dental issues. Do you need a little information about dental implants before you decide which restoration option is right for you? Taking a look at these frequently asked questions may help you make your decision.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are synthetic roots that work just like your natural tooth roots. Implants are made of titanium, a metal capable of bonding to bone. It's the same metal used in hip and knee replacements and other surgical procedures. The implants are placed in your jawbone during minor surgery.

As soon as your dental implant is firmly attached to your jawbone, a process that takes several months, it's paired with a dental crown to restore your tooth. A dental crown is an artificial tooth made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic or resin.

Why is replacing missing teeth so important?

A missing tooth affects more than just your appearance. Chewing and biting become more difficult whether you've lost one tooth or all of them. If you have several missing teeth, you may not be able to chew foods thoroughly.

Your teeth also help support each other. When one tooth is lost, the other teeth may start to shift as they attempt to fill the gap in your smile. Unfortunately, drifting can ruin the alignment of your smile and alter your bite. Replacing your lost tooth as soon as possible can help you avoid these issues.

Am I a good candidate for implants?

Dental implants are an excellent choice for many people. Your dentist will consider the depth of your jawbone. If it's too shallow, bone grafts may help deepen it.

Do dental implants offer any special benefits?

Implants help you keep your jawbone strong by constantly stimulating the bone. (If the bone shrinks after tooth loss, loose teeth and facial sagging can occur.) Dental implants are long-lasting and may last your entire life with proper care.

Restore your smile with dental implants Call your dentist in Port Orange, FL, Dr. Kim of Ultimate Dental Studio, at (386) 322-4867 to schedule your appointment.