Every dental patient aims to keep their smile forever, but some circumstances such as: a blow to the mouth, gum disease, or untreated abscess necessitate extraction. If you've experienced tooth loss, you know how your oral function, self-confidence, and facial structure has changed. However, there's still hope with dental implants from your Marion, AR, dentist. Dr. Wayne Cook successfully restores smiles with modern prosthetics, and you'll love the results.

What a Dental Implant Can Do

A dental implant is comprised of a titanium screw (placed into the jaw bone bone by your Marion, AR, dentist), a metal alloy extension post and customized crown, recreates a natural tooth so perfectly. Patients say they cannot tell their implants from their natural teeth. Additionally, multiple implants can support fixed bridges and dentures to repair more extensive tooth loss.

How do dental implants accomplish all this? Implants and human bone bond together through a process known to scientists and to dentists as osseointegration. When Dr. Cook puts an implant into an empty tooth socket, the underlying bone immediately adheres to the implant, and over the next several weeks, osseointegration increases, strengthening the bond and the biting and chewing ability of the implant.

Who can get a Dental Implant?

Millions of older teens and adults in the United States have received dental implants, says the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Obviously, many people qualify for the procedure which is a simple in-office surgery. Even people who need bridges or dentures may receive implants to anchor their artificial teeth.

To determine your candidacy, Dr. Cook will examine your remaining teeth, gums and most importantly, your jaw bone. Jaw bone size and density must be adequately sized to receive dental implants and to bear the extensive forces created by biting and chewing.

Caring for Dental Implants

Is it complicated? No, caring for dental implants is no harder than brushing and flossing your natural teeth. Remember, you should get routine check-ups and cleanings every six months with Dr. Cook and his team.

Finally, if you use any form of tobacco, cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, be sure to pursue a program to quit. Tobacco poisons implant sites and often creates conditions which lead to implant removal.

Find Out More 

Enjoy a beautiful, functional smile that lasts with dental implants from your Marion, AR, dentists at Dr. Wayne Cook's office. For your personalized consultation, call (870) 739-8799 today!