Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Maybe you’ve been chewing on one side. Or covering your mouth when you laugh. Or quietly working around a missing tooth, thinking, “I’ll figure it out eventually.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you do have options.

At ADC Dental Group in Joplin, MO, Dr. John C. Durling works with patients who are ready to stop adapting and start restoring. For many of them, dental implants offer a solution that feels less like a fix — and more like a fresh start.

What Makes a Dental Implant Different?

Dental implants don’t just sit on the gums like dentures. Each one replaces an entire tooth structure—from the root to the visible crown. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone. This creates a solid, long-lasting foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth.

The result isn’t just cosmetic. It’s a stable, functional solution that works with your bite—not around it.

Why Tooth Loss Affects More Than Your Smile

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath it starts to shrink. That’s because chewing no longer stimulates the bone in that spot. Over time, that loss can affect your facial structure, your bite, and even the way your remaining teeth fit together.

Implants help stop that process. By replacing the missing root, they preserve bone health and keep your smile feeling balanced and strong.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

Most healthy adults are candidates for dental implants. If you have enough bone to support the post and your gums are in good shape, you’re off to a strong start. Even if you’ve had some bone loss, grafting procedures can often make implants possible.

Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking may impact success. That’s why a thorough evaluation with Dr. Durling is the first step—he’ll look at your full health picture and help you understand your options.

Why So Many Patients Choose Implants

Implants stay put. No adhesives, no slipping, no removing them at night. They look, feel, and function like real teeth—because they’re anchored like real teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. And compared to removable dentures, they offer a more natural, low-maintenance feel.

Patients often say they stop thinking about their dental work altogether. They eat what they want, smile more freely, and forget they ever had a missing tooth.

Long-Term Tooth Replacement at ADC Dental Group in Joplin, MO

At ADC Dental Group, Dr. John C. Durling helps patients make informed, confident decisions about restoring their smiles. Whether you’re dealing with a recent tooth loss or considering an upgrade from dentures, dental implants might be the lasting solution you’ve been looking for.

Call today to schedule a consultation and see if implants could be the right fit for your health, lifestyle, and smile.

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Categorised in: Dental Implants