We've all heard about root canal therapy, wisdom tooth removal, dental caps and dentures, but most of us get kinda confused when it comes to dental implants. I for one thought it was the same as dentures. And I know several friends of mine who have the same misconception.

So what are dental implants? Are they like the usual cosmetic implants we hear about? Are they like breast implants? Do they make our teeth look larger than they really are? Or are they of the science fiction type? You know, like some kind of homing or tracking device and a secret government organization can pinpoint your exact location at a touch of a button. Or maybe they are just like the kind of implants that I personally have, a knuckle implant that helps support my fingers due to a missing knuckle? Maybe something like that. But what causes us to ever need the use of dental implants?

There are a number of oral health problems that stem from missing teeth. Adjacent and opposing teeth can be skewed or rotate out of their correct alignment and encroach on the space. This can make them very hard to clean effectively and it adds to the risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease.

Furthermore, tooth roots help maintain jawbone volume and strength, when teeth are lost, the bone that would surround the root is no longer being utilized and therefore can begin to diminish in size. This has a flow-on effect and can cause the appearance of premature aging as teeth also help maintain facial muscle strength and elasticity.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that replaces the tooth in its entirety, crown and root, thereby not only restoring your smile appearance but also maintaining your gum and facial structure and jawbone integrity. When compared to other restorative options, a dental implant is the strongest and most long-term solution available.

So if you are looking for a dentist who can perform this miracle solution to maligned teeth, and are in the Melbourne area, you could look for a good dentist in your local directory.