Smile restoration with dental implants in Lawrence

Losing a tooth as a child is an exciting milestone. Parents send pictures of their child with a big gummy smile to friends and family, the tooth fairy visits, and the child smiles a little bigger showing off the gap where his tooth used to be. A lost tooth as an adult can be an entirely different story. Instead of smiling bigger, adult patients have a tendency to hide their smiles or keep their lips closed while grinning. We’d like to believe that our permanent teeth are just that, permanent. However, accidents such as fall or a stray ball at a baseball game, or oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease can cause adults to lose a tooth.

When adults in Lawrence lose a tooth, they have several options to improve their smile. Implants, dentures, and bridge and crown units are all common fixes for a lost tooth. However, patients who are looking for smile restoration with a nearly permanent solution often opt for dental implants.

Essentially a dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The bone is given time to heal and fuse to the metal post. Once it has healed a replacement tooth is created and attached to the bone. With dental implants, patients can enjoy their favorite foods, speak clearly, and laugh with confidence knowing that people are only noticing them, not a gap where their tooth used to be.

While the procedure does involve multiple trips to the dentist’s office and several months of time, it’s a great option for patients who want a long-term solution. Because the post is inserted into the jawbone, it is sturdy and secure. The tooth then fits securely to the post, which doesn’t cause irritation to the gum tissue like dentures can. If cared for properly, the implant and replacement tooth can last for many years. If you’ve recently lost a tooth or need an extraction, it’s important to have it replaced. Not only does it help improve your appearance and give your self-confidence a boost, the tooth replacement provides much needed support to the rest of your teeth and mouth. With a tooth missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place.

Dr. Kelly Miller is committed to helping their patients have the happiest and healthiest of smiles. They work together with the patient to ensure that all treatment plans are customized to the individual’s personal health history, timeline, budget, and lifestyle. If you’re considering dental implants, call the Lawrence Dental Solutions office today to learn more.