Dental implants have revolutionized modern tooth replacement. Replacing missing teeth, stabilizing remaining teeth and improving the 
quantity and quality of supporting bone, implants act, look and feel real. Your dentists in Ann Arbor, Dr. Wayne Walcott and Dr. Brett Walcott, use these terrific prosthetics to replace missing teeth. Learn if you could restore your smile with dental implants.
When you lose a tooth...
Tooth loss changes the oral landscape--both smile appearance and function. But, did you know that it also degrades your jaw bone and gums? That's right. Even losing one tooth compromises the health, strength and size of supporting hard and soft tissues. Remaining teeth tend to migrate, and dental alignment and facial structure change.
The answer to these dilemmas depends on accurate and expedient tooth replacement. If a dentist can get an artificial root into the empty tooth socket soon after extraction, bone loss is averted, and a smile has a better chance of full restoration.
Replacing teeth
You may be a candidate for today's best tooth replacement: the dental implant. The dental implant resembles a real tooth. It has a titanium root which your Ann Arbor dentist puts right into the jaw, a metal alloy abutment to extend that implant above the gums and a realistic porcelain crown to provide natural biting, chewing and smile appearance. Your candidacy for dental implants depends on how strong your jaw bone is.
Likely you are a good candidate, as verified by exam and special digital scans. The American Dental Association says about five million individuals receive dental implants in the US each and every year.
What's the secret?
In other words, why do dental implants work so well? Osseointegration is key to implant success and longevity. This natural process bonds the jaw bone to the titanium implant. While it takes several weeks of healing to fully integrate the implant and the jaw, you'll be well pleased with the results. Plus, the more you use your implant after the initial healing period, the more durable the new tooth will become. It should last you for the rest of your life!
Caring for dental implants
As the saying goes, it's not rocket science. Caring for your implant as easy as twice a day brushing and once a day flossing. Get your six-month check-ups and professional cleanings at the dental office, too.
Additionally, avoid two detrimental habits:
- Bruxism--that is, clenching or grinding your teeth. Ask Dr. Walcott about a bite guard.
- Smoking because the toxins in tobacco inflame gum tissue and can cause an implant to fail
Find out more
Looking for your best possible smile? Then, arrange your dental implant consultation with Dr. Brett Walcott or Dr. Wayne Wolcott and get all the details. Call the office at (734) 994-3700.