Dental implants are among the most common remedies for tooth loss. You can lose one or more teeth for various reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, plaque buildup, and gum disease.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in your jawbone to create a solid and permanent foundation for a replacement tooth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants replace both the tooth and the root.

Since dental implants take the form of titanium screws, they can integrate with your bone without being too conspicuous. You can use the implants to replace several teeth or even a single tooth. 

Can Dental Implants Work for You?

If you are healthy enough for an oral surgery procedure or a routine dental extraction, you might be a good fit for a dental implant procedure. In other words, you should have enough bone and healthy gums to hold the implant. More importantly, you must be committed to regular dental visits and good oral hygiene.

However, a dentist may not recommend dental implants if you are a heavy smoker. Cigarette smoke causes significant damage to the surrounding bone and gums in various ways. For instance, it damages salivary glands, leading to mouth dryness, gum disease, and tooth decay. With time, cigarette smoke severely burns oral tissues, weakening the gums and bones that support the implants.

You should also ask your dentist about your eligibility for dental implants if you're diabetic. Typically, diabetes increases the risk of various health issues. For example, the condition can lead to a slower healing rate, preventing the implants from successfully integrating with the jaw bone.

Why Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become the most preferred option for replacing failing or missing teeth. They are gradually replacing dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. Here are three main reasons why you should try them:

• Improved Appearance. Since they are surgically placed in the jawbone, they act, look, and feel like your real teeth.
• Durability. Although the initial cost is slightly high, dental implants can last for a lifetime.
• Success Rate. The success rate depends on the position in the jawbone where the implants are placed, but generally, they have a success rate of up to 95%.

Once the missing teeth have been replaced, you will enjoy many other benefits. For instance, it becomes easier to eat, and your self-esteem significantly improves. More importantly, you will experience improved oral health.

Unlike other solutions, dental implants provide greater teeth retention and stability. If you wish to replace failing or missing teeth, contact a dentist today to see if this option can work for you.