Close the Gaps in Your Smile

You have a lot of options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. Dental implants have become the preferred restoration for both dentists and patients, and Dr. A. Joshua Montgomery, your dentist in Springfield, MO, is no exception! Learn how Dr. Montgomery uses dental implants and the ways they benefit our patients here.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a revolutionary way to replace a missing tooth. Unlike other restorations that only replace the part of the tooth you can see, a dental implant starts from the jawbone up, which replicates the whole structure. Your Springfield dentist starts by making a small space in your jawbone where your missing tooth once was. Although this might sound nerve-wracking, the majority of patients find it to be a very simple procedure. A tiny metal post is placed in the space, where it stays for several months while the jawbone bonds with the implant. Once this process is complete, the rest of the implant can be attached. A tiny metal piece called an abutment connects the post to the crown, which is made from porcelain in a laboratory to match the rest of your teeth.

How can dental implants help me?

Dental implants are the only restoration that replaces the entire anatomy of a tooth. This means that with an implant, you'll be able to chew comfortably and feel confident about smiling and talking again, but the benefits go further than what you can see and feel. The post, acting as a stand-in for a natural tooth's roots, keeps the rest of the implant so stable that your other teeth aren't inclined to shift out of place to try to make up for the loss. The post also gives your jawbone the support it needs to remain healthy; with a tooth missing, the bone would eventually begin to recede and you'd be at risk for losing more. Dental implants from your Springfield dentist don't just improve your dental health now; they're a long-term investment in the health of your teeth.

If you're ready to replace a missing tooth, or teeth, with dental implants, call us today! We'd be happy to set you up with an appointment with Dr. A. Joshua Montgomery!