At Excel Dental, patients near Springfield, MO who are interested in obtaining tooth replacements are urged to ask our team about one of the most popular options: dental implants. Dental implants can replace one or more teeth within the smile in a permanent manner. These restorations look and function just like natural teeth do. Our teeth implants dentist in Ozark can help patients learn more about these restorations, find out if they are candidates, and discuss the process of placing and restoring dental implants.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a restoration used to replace missing teeth. They are versatile, allowing individuals to replace one or several teeth at a time. This is because dental implants can be restored over the top with crowns, bridges, or dentures—whichever the patient desires! The implant itself is made of titanium, a metal used in many types of implants throughout the body in the medical field. Most importantly, titanium is biocompatible with the body and is safe to use. Placed into the jaw during oral surgery, the tooth implant looks like a tiny hardware screw. It stimulates the process of bone growth, known as “osseointegration,”. Osseointegration allows the implant to sit firmly in the jawbone and provide a proper foundation for restoration.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Patients who might want to consider dental implants are those:

  • with one or more teeth to replace
  • who have a healthy smile free from periodontal disease and tooth decay
  • who have sufficient jawbone to ensure the successful placement of the implant

To determine candidacy, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation with 2017 Springfield Business Journal’s Healthcare Champion, Dr. Tracy Davis. This includes a series of X-rays, which allow the team to examine images of the jaw bone to decide if the placement of the implant will be successful. If patients do not have enough bone to ensure the implant will stay in place, alternative options may available. In some instances, patients might be able to undergo bone grafting to rebuild the jawbone. This will allow the dentist to prepare it for the placement of an implant later on.

Why choose dental implants?

There are many reasons why a patient might consider the placement of a dental implant versus alternative restorations such as bridges and dentures. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. In due time, they also become one with the bone which maintains the best in stability and strength. Consequently, they are costlier than alternatives, but they provide the best in function and longevity. In fact, most patients think of the cost of an implant to be a great investment in the future of their smiles! Dental implants are easy to care for. They also provide a versatile option for many individuals faced with different tooth loss or extraction situations.

Request a visit with Dr. Tracy Davis

The team at Excel Dental provides the best possible care and attention for new and current patients in the area. If you are in need of replacing missing teeth and want to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, connect with our staff by calling (417) 581-3600. Presently, our office is at 1701 W James River Road in Ozark, MO. Above all, we will help you meet your dental needs with today’s amazing, revolutionary solutions available in the field of restorative dentistry. We always accept new and existing patients into our practice at Excel Dental.