Missing teeth don't have to change your smile. Dental implants provided by your Wahiawa, HI, dentist, Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunaga will improve your appearance and your chewing ability.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that bonds to bones. The implant process starts when the tiny posts are added to your jawbone during minor oral surgery. Over the next three to six months, the implants osseointegrate with the surrounding bone, a process that causes them to become firmly attached to your jawbone.

As soon as your new roots are firmly attached, creating crowns, the next phase of the implant process begins. Crowns, restorations that replace the tops of missing teeth, are attached to dental implants with connectors called abutments. Your crowns are made from an impression of your mouth to ensure that they fit the space in your mouth perfectly.

How can dental implants help my smile?

Dental implants offer many benefits, including:

• No More Chewing Difficulties: Losing even one tooth can affect your ability to bite, tear, grind and chew food easily. If you've lost multiple teeth, you may have even begun to limit your diet to soft foods to avoid chewing. Fortunately, dental implants offer excellent biting power and don't budge when you take a bite. Thanks to your new teeth, you'll no longer need to restrict your diet.
• A More Attractive Smile: Feeling confident isn't easy when you have missing teeth. Luckily, dental implants from the Wahiawa, HI, dental office, will fill the gaps in your smile and improve your self-esteem.
• Teeth That Feel Natural: Restorations that only replace the tops of teeth may feel bulky or uncomfortable. Even if the restorations fit perfectly, you may still be very aware of them. Fortunately, that's not an issue with dental implants. Because your new teeth are attached to your jawbone, they feel just like natural teeth.
• A Healthier Smile: Dental implants can also help you avoid cavities. After the loss of one or more teeth, your other teeth begin to shift and overlap. Overlapping areas trap plaque, which can lead to painful cavities. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants prevents shifting and reduces your cavity risk. Implants also provide constant stimulation needed for a healthy jawbone.

Are you interested in finding out if dental implants could help your smile? Call your dentist in Wahiawa, HI, Dr. Arucan-Masunaga, at (808) 622-0001 to schedule your appointment.