If you have missing or severely damaged teeth, it may have been a while since anyone has seen your smile. Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious, and uncomfortable in social situations, or at work. You may have trouble speaking and eating, and missing teeth can make you look older than you actually are.
One very popular option for filling in the gaps in your smile are dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can slip and make some people feel uncomfortable, implants are permanent tooth replacements that are mounted on titanium posts that have been implanted in your jawbone. The jawbone grows around the posts, fusing them to the bone which helps keep them in place. That keeps your teeth from moving out of alignment.
While implants are very popular, they may not be for everyone. You gums and jaws must be healthy and strong enough to support the implants and there are certain medications, diseases and medical conditions that might mean you are not a good implant candidate. If you smoke or use drugs, or cannot commit to taking good care of your teeth and gums, especially around the implant site, your dentist may suggest another restoration option. You will need to have a serious discussion with your dentist about your medical conditions, medications and lifestyle before moving ahead with dental implants.
If you are interested in getting dental implants to restore your smile, you can make an appointment to see Dr. Scott Fellows at Fellows and Smink Dental Associates in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. You can reach our office at 570-622-0331.