Good oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing, are the best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, you can also incorporate other healthy habits into your daily life to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are a great option for restoring your smile because they look and function just like natural teeth and also save your teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth from shifting.

Why Are Implants a Good Tooth Replacement Option?

Dental implants are small titanium screws placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth and support bridges or dentures. The implant fuses with the jawbone and acts as a natural tooth root, providing a sturdy foundation for the restoration. This treatment option is often recommended when regular bridges and dentures are not an option. Many patients choose implants instead of other treatment options because of the improved comfort and function they provide.

Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak correctly, and they can also compromise the appearance of the smile. While dentures are a common solution for missing teeth, they do not always offer the same stability as dental implants. Dental implants are metal posts surgically inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone fuses to the implant posts through a process called osseointegration, providing unrivaled stability and strength. Once the posts are secured within the jaw, patients can choose to attach dental crowns or dentures to them to complete the restoration process. This restores both the strength and function of individual teeth while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the smile. Additionally, the dental implant posts stimulate natural growth in the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss for a healthier smile overall.

Dental implant restorations provide patients with the most natural-looking results and can last a lifetime with proper care. Even patients who already have full dentures can benefit from the placement of a few implants for added stability. With the dental implant procedure, you can expect minimal discomfort and shorter recovery time than with other options. However, it is important to continue to practice good oral hygiene after the procedure to help your restoration last as long as possible.

At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St., Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260.