Losing a tooth doesn't have to have a permanent impact on your smile. Thanks to dental implants, you can replace your tooth and improve your smile. Dr. W. Timothy Brooks, your Huntsville, AL dentist, explains why dental implants are an excellent replacement solution.

Dental implants replace your entire tooth

If you've considered bridges or dentures, you know that those tooth replacement options only sit on top of your gums. Dental implants actually replace your entire tooth, from the root to the crown. The implant itself takes the place of your roots and fuses to your jawbone. A crown, or artificial tooth, added to the top of the implant, not only restores your appearance, but gives you the ability to bite and chew. Replacing the entire tooth offers several important benefits, including:

• Biting Ability: It takes a tremendous amount of force to bite into a hard apple or a nut. In fact, you can only bite hard foods if your teeth are firmly imbedded in your jaw. Since your implants bond to your jawbone, they provide the strength and stability you need to eat any type of food without a problem.
• Ease of Cleaning: There are no special solutions or procedures needed to clean dental implants. You'll just brush and floss as you normally do, although your dentist may recommend that you use an interdental brush to remove plaque from the area around the implant.
• Value: Bridges and dentures, like most things, eventually wear out and must be replaced. If you receive a bridge when you are fairly young, you may have to replace it four or five times during your life. Since dental implants bond to your jawbone, they can last your entire life. Before you make a decision, compare the lifetime costs of each tooth replacement option.

How does the implant process work?

The implant process starts with a minor oral surgical procedure that creates an opening in your jaw. After your dentist places the implant inside, it will take up to six months for bonding to occur. In some cases, you may receive a crown immediately, but in others, it's best to wait until bonding is complete. Although the dental implant process does take a little while, the results are well worth the wait.

Restore your smile with dental implants! Call Dr. Brooks, your Huntsville, AL dentist, at (256) 883-8008 to schedule a consultation to discuss implants.