What Dental Implants Could Do for You

Do you have gaps in your smile? If you are missing teeth, dental implants could complete your smile. Dr. Joshua Montgomery, your Springfield, MO, dentist provides cosmetic and restorative treatments, including dental implants.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are placed during minor oral surgery. Your dentist embeds a screw-shaped post into the jaw bone to replace the roots of your missing natural tooth. As it heals over several weeks, the bone will fuse with the post, making it a permanent tooth replacement. You will wear a temporary crown while your custom crown is being made. Your permanent crown will be attached in a final visit, and you will leave with your brand-new tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have many benefits, including:

• Dental implant crowns are made of light-reflective materials that perfectly match your tooth enamel and blend in with the rest of your smile
• Taking care of your implants is easy because all you have to do is brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once the way you usually do
• Dental implants will not be susceptible to decay and could last a lifetime with the proper care
• Dental implants are versatile and can be used to replace one or many missing teeth. Your Springfield, MO, dentist can also use them with other treatments like implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

To be considered for dental implants, your general and oral health have to be able to support the treatment. Any problems with your gums or cavities in your teeth need to be cared for by your dentist before you get dental implants. Your dentist will also need to see if you have the proper bone density before placing an implant. Unfortunately, bone loss accompanies tooth loss, so you may need to get a bone graft before considering implants if this is the case. You also can’t get implants if you are a current smoker because smoking will interfere with the healing process. You have to quit smoking before getting dental implants.

To find out what dental implants can do for your smile, contact your Springfield, MO, dentist, Dr. Montgomery. Call (417) 883-2111 to schedule an appointment today.