What are Dental Implants?

Do you feel self-conscious about a missing tooth? After a tooth extraction, it's not unusual to be concerned about your smile. Luckily, a dental implant offers a long-term tooth replacement option. Dr. Paul D. Vander Kelen and Dr. Adam M. Pasono, your Green Bay, WI, dentists, answer a few questions about implants.

What are dental implants?

Unlike bridges and dentures, implants don't just cover the gap in your mouth after a tooth extraction, but actually replace your missing tooth. The implant is made of titanium and looks just like a small screw. Titanium is an excellent material for implants because itintegrates easily to the surrounding bone. After the implant is placed in your jaw, it will take about three to six months for integration totake place. When satisfied that your implant has fully integrated with the surrounding bone, your Green Bay dentist will add a small connecting piece that will support a porcelain crown. The crown replaces the part of your tooth that sits above the gum line.

Why should I get an implant?

Dental implants offer several important benefits:

• They make it possible to bite and chew normally.
• They stimulate your jawbone just like your teeth roots do. (Loss of stimulation can eventually cause your jawbone to recede and grow weaker, which can contribute to facial sagging.)
• They are more comfortable than bridges or dentures.
• They look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Aren't dental implants expensive?

At first glance, dental implants might seem like the most expensive tooth replacement option. However when your compare the lifetime cost of implants versus those of bridges and dentures, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Your dental implant will probably last your entire life, while bridges and dentures will need to be replaced periodically. Since costs only increase, you might pay substantially more for bridges and dentures over the long-run.

Are you interested in learning if a dental implant is a good choice for you? Call Dr. Paul D. Vander Kelen and Dr. Adam M. Pasono at Green Bay Family Dentistry, your Green Bay, WI, dentists, at (920) 432-8492and make an appointment today. Dental implants can change the way you feel about your smile!