Tooth loss as an adult can be painful and embarrassing. Plus, a lost tooth can lead to bite problems, crooked teeth, and worse. But there is some good news for this bad situation: our Honolulu dentists are trained to replace missing teeth with dental implants, a modern and durable replacement option that gives you back your smile in terms of both health and appearance. Keep reading to hear more about it and then be sure to call us at 808-797-3680 to request your restorative dentistry consultation ASAP!
Can Dental Implants Really Fix Missing Teeth?
Let’s start at the beginning. What is a dental implant? It’s the nearest you can get to regrowing a tooth that’s been lost for whatever reason.
Your dental implant will entail three interconnected components:
- The replacement crown: This will look, feel, and act like one of your natural teeth. It’s designed to replicate the one that is no longer there.
- The artificial root: Remember, your natural teeth have roots that extend into your jawbone, which is why your replacement includes an artificial root (this is the actual implant). This will be surgically inserted into your jawbone to serve as an anchor.
- The abutment: This is a small piece that connects your replacement crown to the artificial root. This way, you can replace the crown again later (if it ever gets damaged) without re-doing the root.
So, how does the procedure work? It starts with an oral surgery to place the root in your jawbone. Then you wait a little until the site is healed. Soon thereafter, you come back in and get the replacement tooth and abutment connected to the root.
That’s all there is to it!
How Can Dental Implants Change Your Life?
It goes without saying that dental implants can improve your smile. They fill in that embarrassing gap with a natural-looking replacement tooth. But the benefits of dental implants can carry over into other aspects of your life as well.
For example, it’s difficult to chew with enough strength to eat the foods you used to love when you’re missing a tooth. And depending on which tooth was lost, you could even have some trouble pronouncing words clearly.
However, once you have that natural-looking replacement tooth firmly in that gap, your smile looks great again. That means you can feel much more confidence in your appearance but also in your ability to chew and talk.
When Can I Begin My Journey?
We are ready when you are! We hope you have been inspired to call our Honolulu, HI dental office today at 808-797-3680 or contact us online to request your dental implants consultation appointment at Downtown Dental Group. We’ll tell you all about your options (All-on-4, mini implants, etc.) and answer all of your questions when you are here for your initial appointment.