If you are going to be having a tooth extracted then you will want to learn about your options for having it replaced so you don't have to go around toothless. Dental implants can be a great option for tooth replacement, as long as you are a good candidate for an implant. If you are facing a tooth extraction then you should read the information here to determine whether or not a dental implant is right for you and what you can expect if you decide to go through with getting one put in.

What it takes to be a good candidate

In order for you to be a good candidate for a dental implant your jawbone needs to have good bone density. Your gums and the surrounding teeth also need to be healthy. If you don't meet these requirements due to low bone density, gum disease or other dental issues, the dentist may be able to work with you to correct the problem. Once you go through treatment, you may then be a prime candidate and can move forward with having an implant put in.

Dental implants are permanently affixed

An implant has a post that goes into your gum and gets permanently fused to the jawbone. This process is the first step and once the fusion is done, you will have a healing period before you move on to the next step. Next, an attachment will be affixed to the fused post that will extend out of your gum. A cap will be put on the end of it so you don't cut yourself on the end of the post. Again, you will be sent home to heal from this process. After healing again, you will go back in and have the crown attached to the end of the post.

What it is like to have an implant

Once you have the dental implant put in place, it will look and feel just like your natural tooth. You will be able to eat and speak just as you did with your natural tooth. If you went without a tooth in that spot for a while then it may feel weird to suddenly have a tooth, but it should only take a few days for you to get over this and it will feel natural.

Now that you understand more about dental implants, you will see why they can be a great choice for you to go with to replace a missing tooth. Contact a dentist, like Periodontal Specialists, for more information.