Even with good oral health practices like regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, tooth loss can occur. The good news is if you lose a tooth to decay, gum disease, or an injury, you can get an implant, which looks just like your natural tooth. Kaneohe, HI, dentist, Thad Kawakami-Wong, AA Windward Dental Group offers advice on getting dental implants.

Understanding Implants

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth root. When you lose a tooth, the root is often damaged. An implant replaces the root with a synthetic root, usually made of titanium to which a replacement tooth can be attached.

The dentist places the implant into the socket in the jawbone, which is left by the root that has been damaged. The jawbone will heal around the implant, securing it into place. Then, a connector is attached to the implant, and the replacement tooth is attached to the connector.

The Benefits Of Implants

Before teeth implants were widely available, missing teeth were replaced by bridges or dentures. In some cases, healthy teeth were extracted in order to accommodate the replacement apparatus. Bridges and dentures were removable, and sometimes did not fit properly or were painful.

Implants can replace a single tooth, and the dentist matches the replacement tooth to your existing teeth, making it indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Implants are permanent and as comfortable as natural teeth.

Thad Kawakami-Wong DDS has had a private practice in Kaneohe since 1981. He and the professional staff at AA Windward Dental Group will create a customized dental plan for you, and make your implant or other dental procedure as comfortable as possible. They provide denture implants, teeth whitening, and more. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 247-4118, or visit the AA Windward Dental Group website.