If you need a tooth extracted, should you fill the resulting smile gap? Can't you do without that tooth because, well, you have several others? Honestly, every tooth is an important tooth, and losing even one creates a gap that compromises your gum tissue, jaw bone integrity and the strength of teeth which adjoin the empty space. Don't risk your smile aesthetics and oral function. Instead, talk to Dr. Peter Jost in Eastpointe, MI and serving St. Clair Shores about dental implants. These artificial teeth literally save smiles!

The way your smile should be

It should be complete and healthy. Unfortunately, injury, abscess and extensive decay can force extraction of one or more teeth. In the past, people had two tooth replacement options: the removable prosthetic (full or partial dentures) or fixed bridgework. Today, however, dental implants offer patients the strongest, most natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement option. Dental implants recreate smiles because they reside right in the jaw bone, just as natural teeth do.

The details on dental implants

A dental implant has three parts:

• A titanium cylinder--in essence, an artificial tooth root
• A metal alloy post which extends above the gums
• A porcelain crown which restores the dental implant

For the patient with sufficient bone around the empty socket, Dr. Jost can insert the titanium cylinder during a simple oral surgery performed right at the office. Usually, the procedure is quick and needs nothing more than a local anesthetic.

Then, Dr. Jost opens the gums and places the implant into the jaw and closes the gums with sutures. Then, the patient goes home as the implant begins to bond with the jawbone.

The period of bonding extends for several weeks to months, and it's important not to rush it. During this time, the jaw bone bonds to the implant through what dentists call osseointegration.

The Academy of Osseointegration says that this exceptional bond limits the bone deterioration that happens after tooth loss. In fact, every time an implant patient bites down on his or her artificial tooth, the bone gets stronger and denser, practically guaranteeing the long-term success and retention of this amazing prosthetic.

After osseointegration, the patient returns to the dental office where Dr. Jost re-opens the site and bonds on the extension post and custom-made porcelain crown. To care for this new tooth, Dr. Jost recommends:

• Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing to reduce plaque build-up
• Semi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings
• No smoking

As we all know, smoking harms overall health, but it also degrades implant sites, causing infection and actually burning the soft tissues of the mouth. This infection is called peri-implantitis, and it is the single greatest threat to implant longevity.

Learn more about dental implants in St. Claire Shores and Eastpointe

Fill those smile gaps with today's superior tooth replacement. Contact Dr. Jost's office in Eastpointe, MI and serving St. Clair Shores today to arrange your personal consultation. Call (586) 771-1460.