Look Younger with Dental Implants

Do missing teeth make you feel self-conscious about your smile? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our Grand Rapids restorative dentists and discuss the dental implant procedure.

You may be a candidate for dental implant surgery if you have sufficient jawbone density, a strong immune system, and do not smoke or use tobacco products.

Here’s what you need to know about how dental implants can help you look younger than your chronological age.

The Dental Implant Process

First, let’s talk about dental implants, what they are, and how they work. An implant is a prosthetic tooth root made of titanium that supports a dental crown. When you lose a tooth, your body starts to reabsorb the jawbone in that area in a process called osseointegration.

A dental implant mimics the natural stimulation provided by your tooth’s root, keeping your jawbone from becoming reabsorbed and preserving your natural bone structure.

Steps in the Dental Implant Procedure:

1. If needed, you may have a bone grafting procedure performed to ensure that you have enough healthy bone for the implant to take hold.
2. Our dentists will perform the implant surgery, permanently embedding the post in your jaw.
3. It will take a period of several months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone and heal. You may need to come in for a few follow-up appointments to ensure that the healing process is going smoothly.
4. Once you’re fully healed, you can return to our Grand Rapids office to have your permanent dental restoration attached to the post. After that, your new smile is complete!

Reasons to Consider Dental Implants for Missing Teeth:

1. Wanting an Alternative to Dentures

Unlike dentures, a tooth implant has no chance of slipping because it’s fused to your jawbone for permanent stability. This means that you’ll be able to eat, talk, and smile with confidence after the dental implant procedure.

When you wear dentures for decades, the jawbone can start to deteriorate. The ridge your dentures sit on also disappears, which can make wearing dentures difficult or uncomfortable.

2. Avoiding Facial Collapse

People who wear dentures are at risk for facial collapse as they age. If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted or lost one due to another reason, we can help you replace it with a dental implant before you lose bone density in your jaw.

Your body is smart enough to detect when you’re missing a tooth. When this happens, your body starts to dissolve the jawbone so it can better use the minerals elsewhere. Facial collapse not only changes the shape of your face but can make you look older. For example, people who have gone through facial collapse have what look like shriveled or scrunched up faces.

3. Enjoying Better Oral Health

Dental implants affect more than just the appearance of your smile–they also improve oral health. As soon as you lose a tooth, you are at risk for further tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and facial collapse. Fortunately, your dental implant dentist can help you find a solution that works for your smile.

It’s never too late to improve your oral health. If you’ve already lost jawbone tissue, ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for a bone graft.

4. Preventing Further Tooth Loss

Your teeth are held in place by your jawbone, tooth roots, and nearby teeth. When you lose one tooth, the nearby teeth have less support and will tilt toward the open space. Fortunately, a dental implant will help hold nearby teeth in place so you can avoid further tooth loss.

We often recommend dental implants for patients experiencing tooth loss because it helps them avoid jawbone deterioration in the long term. Our dentists can help you explore your tooth replacement options, including dental implant surgery, so you can make the best decision for your smile.

5. Smiling with Confidence

How people respond to you often forms the basis of personal relationships and business partnerships. You owe it to yourself to show the world the best side of you. A smile conveys confidence and optimism, both of which help you look younger. Since dental implants look and function like natural teeth, you won’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods or setting aside time to learn how to speak with dentures.

Change Your Smile For the Better

Our Grand Rapids, MI, dentists work hard to restore your smile by offering dental implants and other tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure, call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969.

This blog post has been updated.

Related Blog Posts

• Am I a Candidate for the Dental Implant Procedure?
• Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
• Dental Implant FAQs