Many celebrities have undergone cosmetic dentistry procedures, leaving them with beautiful, radiant smiles. A few have even spoken of the benefits of dental implants, praising them for saving their smiles after an injury left them with a few cracked teeth. Christie Brinkley has had two molars replaced with implants, but did you know that implants could restore many more teeth than that?

What are Dental Implants?

Used to replace missing or damaged teeth, dental implants are small, cylindrical posts made of titanium. These posts are surgically placed in the jawbone and eventually fuse to the bone as the surgery site heals. After the healing process is complete, a dentist can place a permanent tooth prosthetic like a crown or bridge on top the implant and bonded with a resin.

Though they are prosthetics, dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. They can be utilized to replace just one missing tooth, but are also effective in replacing multiple teeth. Implants can even support dentures, which means that, if needed, they could restore an entire set of teeth.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

You might be a good candidate for this type of cosmetic dentistry if:

• You are a non-smoker
• You are missing one or more teeth due to injury or decay
• You have sufficient bone density in the jaw to support implantation
• You are in good health, free from conditions like cancer, alcoholism
• You do not have or are at risk for periodontal disease

To be sure if dental implants are right for you, you’ll need to first talk with your dentist. They can perform any initial exams or procedures necessary to ensure that your jawbone can support an implant.

Once it has been determined that your dentist will also need to take an impression of your teeth that will be used to form the crowns or bridges to be placed on your implants. A lab technician will work alongside your dentist to design a prosthetic that will fit perfectly so that you can live, laugh, talk, and eat comfortably for the rest of your life.

To schedule a consultation with a world-class dentist to discuss whether or not you may be a good candidate for dental implants, or to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, call the professionals at (718) 225-0515 today!