Missing teeth can make someone feel self-conscious about his looks. It can also make some activities like eating, smiling, or talking, feel awkward or even uncomfortable. Today, however, a dental implant procedure can provide replacement tooth or teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth! If a patient of yours comes in inquiring about dental implants, make sure that you provide sufficient information so that he or she can make an informed decision.

Here are some of the questions that your patient would want to be answered:

What is a dental implant?

It is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in your mouth. It is made of titanium and bone-like ceramic materials compatible with your jaw. Implants are designed so they would fuse with your bone and would be able to support a bridge, crown, or even a full denture.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Here are some of the advantages of implants that make them so popular:

• Implants do not shift or slip. It gives you stability and security similar to your natural teeth.
• Implants preserve jawbone and maintain the contour of your face by preventing the shifting of nearby teeth, too.
• Implants do not need the support of neighbouring teeth so no tooth structure will be lost.
• Implants are cleaned just like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, they don’t have to be taken out for cleaning or soaking.
• Implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth as they allow you to talk and eat with ease.

Am I a Good Candidate for Implants?

If you have healthy gums and you also have enough bone to support implants, you can be an ideal candidate for dental implants. Of course, it is important that you are also in good general health. Chronic illnesses like leukemia and diabetes can affect the healing process.  Also, studies show that smoking may double the risk of losing the implant.

How does one care for an implant?

If you want your implants to last a lifetime, you should follow through with regular visits to your dentist where you can get professional cleanings. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and carefully floss around the implants so your gum tissue will remain healthy.

Getting implants is a big decision that your patient would have to make with your help. Make sure that all of his or her questions are answered and you clearly talk about what is to be expected of this type of restoration.