A beautiful smile can go a long way in boosting your self-confidence, but a missing tooth can mar your gorgeous grin. Dental implants are a great way to restore both missing teeth and your self-esteem. They also have important benefits for your health. Read on as the experts of Enterprise Dental Associates in Alabama explain this technology and how it can improve your wellbeing.

A dental implant can replace a tooth that has been lost due to a traumatic accident or severe decay. To install the implant, your dentist will first affix a very small titanium rod to your jaw. This is fused to the bone and serves as a replacement tooth root. A fake tooth—the dental implant—is then affixed to this tiny post.

It’s important to address tooth loss as soon as possible; left untreated, it can lead to a slew of other oral health issues. Normally, for instance, the jawbone underneath each tooth experiences a certain amount of pressure on a daily basis thanks to the act of chewing. When a tooth goes missing, this pressure is lacking. The bone can deteriorate as a result, leading to additional tooth loss.

Additionally, the pocket left behind by a lost tooth is a perfect spot for bacteria to set up camp. This increases your odds of cavities, decay, and gum disease. Finally, there are practical issues, as a missing tooth can impact your ability to eat or speak normally.

If you’re missing a tooth, don’t delay: See a dentist to determine if a dental implant is an appropriate solution for you. For assistance in the Coffee County, AL, area, look to Enterprise Dental Associates. Family dentistry professionals Dr. Larry Howell and Dr. Jill Spurlin have more than 37 years of experience. You can learn more about their dedicated team and their services on their website. To request an appointment, call (334) 347-9564.