Dental implants don't just fill the gaps in your smile but also offer a few important oral health benefits. Your Syracuse, NY, dentists, Dr. 
Karen Lawitts can help you replace your missing teeth with innovative implants.
How do dental implants work?
Completely restoring a missing tooth starts with adding a small titanium post called an implant to your jawbone. The implant will soon begin bonding to the bone and will become a substitute tooth root. Your new root will be just as strong as your natural roots, thanks to the unique bone-bonding capability of titanium.
Bonding usually takes about three to six months. After it's complete, your Syracuse dentist will make an impression of your mouth, which will be used to create a dental crown. Dental crowns are porcelain, ceramic or resin restorations that look just like the visible portions of teeth. Crowns are attached to the top of the dental implants with connectors called abutments. The restorations not only improve your appearance but also make chewing much easier.
How can implants keep my smile healthy?
Restoring a missing tooth keeps nearby teeth from drifting. Once a tooth is gone, surrounding teeth begin to move as they attempt to fill the gap in your smile. Unfortunately, drifting teeth can change your bite and cause teeth to overlap. If your bite changes significantly, you may need orthodontic treatment to correct the problem. Overlapping areas of teeth trap plaque and may raise your tooth decay risk. Implants prevent teeth from moving, eliminating these issues.
Dental implants also play an important role in the health of your jawbone. At this very moment, your tooth roots are pressing on your jawbone, providing the stimulation the bone needs to remain strong. If you lose one or more teeth, the amount of stimulation your jawbone receives decreases.
Eventually, the bone may begin to shrink during a process called resorption. As your jawbone shrinks, it may not be able to adequately support your teeth. They may loosen or even fall out, in some cases.
Keep your smile strong and healthy with dental implants! Call your Syracuse, NY, dentists, Dr. Karen Lawitts, at (315) 492-8138 to schedule your appointment.