Dental Implants in Platte City, MO

Severe decay, dental trauma, or periodontal disease can result in tooth loss or have other negative effects on your oral health. Fortunately, dental implants may be an option for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to dental issues. If you’re self-conscious or struggling to eat or speak due to missing teeth, our team at Westfall Dentist will be happy to discuss whether or not dental implants are a good option for you!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are an effective long-term option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Dental implants consist of the implant body and abutment that may also include an abutment fixation screw to secure an artificial tooth, bridge, or denture. The restorative treatment requires a surgical procedure as the dental implant is secured into the jaw.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Patients must be approved for dental implants to reduce the risk of implant failure as much as possible. If you are interested in having one or more implants placed, we will evaluate your jawbone to determine if there is enough healthy tissue to support an implant. Bone graft procedures can also be performed to strengthen the patient’s jawbone before implants are placed, if necessary. Patients should be in general good health and be nonsmokers or willing to quit smoking for a few months as well. Our team would be happy to examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

How do I care for dental implants?

Dental implants can provide long-lasting results with proper at-home care and regular dental visits. Just like natural teeth, it’s important to brush and floss around the implants at least twice a day. Regular dental visits to ensure the health and proper function of the implants and your remaining natural teeth will also be essential in the longevity of your implants. With any restoration, it is best to avoid chewing on hard or crunchy items that have the potential to cause damage to your teeth.