Failing teeth present a number of challenges--pain, infection, poor personal appearance, and more. If you need extractions to improve your oral health, consider tooth replacement with dental implants from your dentists, Dr. Joseph Zeigler and Dr. Nina Zeigler. They do the entire implant process right at their St. Louis, MO, office. Here's more.

Dental implants look, feel, and function naturally.

The secret to their success is the compatibility of titanium, the main component of the implant screw, and human bone. They adhere to each other perfectly, giving the post and crown a firm foundation which does not shift or degrade.

In fact, the process of osseointegration is cumulative. The more you use your new tooth, the more you exercise and strengthen it. Bone and gum tissue improve in health and size, a wonderful benefit after tooth loss.

Dental implants are long-lasting

Your dental implant procedure--from initial evaluation and surgery at Dr. Zeigler's office to final restoration with a porcelain crown--takes a few months. This time investment pays off with an implant which succeeds and stays in place for life. Perio-implant Advisory reports a near-perfect success and retention rate. Good oral hygiene and a no-tobacco lifestyle are must-haves to avoid a destructive infection called peri-implantitis.

Dental implants accomplish many purposes

Implants can replace one, two, several, or even all your teeth. They improve both smile and facial appearance--and self-confidence--and mimic natural biting and chewing accurately.

Plus, when you replace a tooth with a dental implant, remaining natural teeth stay in their places. There's no tooth drift, weakening, or hyper-eruption of teeth on the opposing arch.

Finally, dental implants clean up easily. Brush, floss, and get cleanings and check-ups to maintain healthy implant sites.

Do you qualify for dental implants?

If you are a healthy teen or adult, you probably can receive dental implants. Children must wait until their jaws and dentition are fully developed.

Dr. Zeigler will examine your mouth and take special 3D X-rays to look at your underlying jaw bone and the position of your sinuses. If you have adequate healthy bone in the alveolar ridge of your jaw, you're a good candidate. Insufficient bone or improper sinus position may require special placement techniques, bone grating or a sinus lift to ensure success.

Additionally, individuals should be patient about the whole process. Osseointegration, the bonding process between implant and bone, takes several months. Also, if you are a smoker, quit now to increase your chances of implant site health and device longevity. Quitting tobacco can be a hidden benefit to receiving dental implants.

Enjoy your smile

You can with dental implants from your friends at Joseph & Nina Ziegler, DMDs, in St. Louis, MO. These caring dentists achieve excellent patient outcomes. Call us to learn more: (314) 872-7590.