Dentistry is one of the fields that have been advancing over the past decades. Despite these developments, teeth loss is a common problem, impacting millions of Americans. Fortunately, today you can benefit from dental implants. 

Can dental implants fix your smile? They could be one of the best alternatives for anyone looking to enhance their smile because they are more natural, secure, and comfortable than bridges and dentures. Read this quick guide to uncover helpful insights.

Understanding Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth and don't know what you can do about it? If yes, you have no need to worry. Dental implants can handle most oral health issues, such as replacing a missing tooth. A dental expert fixes the implant into the jawbone, where it acts as a tooth root. 

It can take several months for your jawbone to bond with the implant. The result is that your smile becomes brighter, and you won't need to hide it anymore. Are dental implants worth the investment? Here are some reasons you may want to consider them:

• Convenience 
• Durability
• Enhances oral health
• Enhances comfort
• Improves speech

Who Can Be the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?

While everyone has their personalized oral needs, if your health can support oral surgery or dental extraction, you may qualify as a candidate for dental implants. It would help if you also had healthy gums because they are critical for holding your implant in place. 

Note that dental implants require you to commit to excellent dental hygiene. You also should adhere to your dental professional's instructions, including honoring all visit requirements. 

Some patients may need a specialized evaluation. These may include individuals struggling with cardiovascular diseases, diabetics, and heavy smokers. The bottom line is that you should consult an experienced dental professional for recommendations. 

Preventive Care for Dental Implants

If you don't want your dental implants to fail, preventive care is necessary. Most failures are preventable, and all you need to do is follow the required practices. These may include:

• Flossing and brushing your dental implants daily
• Quitting smoking
• Regular visits to your dental expert for a checkup
• Avoid teeth-damaging habits, such as eating candy and ice
• You may want to consider a mouth guard 
• Consume more calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Supplements or foods rich in calcium can help. These may include cheese, oranges, broccoli, yogurt, and milk.

Conclusion

It would be best if you had a bright smile to excel in your day-to-day activities. If you're battling severe oral health problems, one of the best ways to restore your look is getting dental implants. Contact a dental office like Parkview Dental to learn more.