Whether you’ve lost a tooth in a car accident or knocked it out in an athletic injury, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. This cutting-edge solution to tooth loss provides a sturdy and long-lasting replacement to fill the gap in your grin. Find out how dental implants work and why you might need them in the guide below.

How Dental Implants Work

Before installing an implant, your dentist will likely take X-ray images to confirm you are a good candidate for the procedure. You need a healthy bone structure to support the implant. 

To install an implant, your dentist will first screw a tiny titanium post into the jaw bone, which will serve as a replacement root for the tooth to come. The crown, or the fake tooth, is then affixed to this post. 

Why You Might Need A Dental Implant

If you have lost a tooth for any reason—be it accident, injury, or illness—address this loss. This isn’t just a question of aesthetics: Leaving a hole in your smile can have consequences for your future oral health. 

Normally your jaw receives regular pressure when you chew. But with a tooth gone, the underlying bone deteriorates, which can lead to further dental loss when surrounding teeth lack a sturdy base on which to anchor themselves. In some cases, other teeth may shift to fill the hole left by a lost tooth, so your previously straight smile will become misaligned over time. For these reasons, it’s best to get dental implants sooner rather than later. 

With over 30 years of experience, Stephen R. Ho, DDS, provides state-of-the-art dental implants to residents of Honolulu, HI. Until the end of 2018, he is even offering a special deal for those who need implants. In addition to the general procedures he provides, he is specially certified in cosmetic dentistry procedures. Find out more about his dental implants online and call (808) 949-4288 to schedule an appointment.