If you want to replace your missing teeth, implants can help. Implants are metal posts that an oral surgeon places into the bone of an area with a missing tooth. They act as a foundation for an artificial crown, permanent bridge, or supporting structure for a denture. Dental implants in our Arlington, TX, office are well-designed and mimic the look and feel of natural teeth.
Implants are one of the most appropriate restorative dentistry options for people with missing teeth. Because implants act as artificial tooth roots, they are known for durability. Implant-supported restorations look natural and can last longer than removable, traditional options.
What is a Dental Implant?
A single dental implant comprises a titanium metal anchor, an attaching abutment, and a dental crown. The anchor, or metal post, acts as a replacement tooth root. Implant posts or screws are biocompatible, which means your body will easily accept it without adverse reactions.
Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth with a crown or rows and arches of missing teeth with bridges or dentures. A tooth crown is a tooth-colored cap that can appear like a natural tooth to cover a single implant.
Implants can also secure bridges without preparing natural teeth for crowns. Bridges often use natural teeth for support, but with implants, you do not need to use these teeth. Instead, we will place implants in the missing tooth gaps.
A surgeon places implants in the jaw bone and can use as few as four implants to secure a missing tooth arch. All-On-Four or All-On-X uses a minimal number of implants to secure restoraitons. We will determine how many implants you need to support your bridge or denture. While you may not need to replace every tooth with an implant, we will maximize jaw bone support for your restoration.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants provide many benefits for patients missing one or more teeth. Dental implants:
Improve the bite
When you lose your teeth, the gaps in your mouth make it hard to bite and chew. Even if you replace your lost teeth with a denture, slipping dentures make eating hard or crunchy foods difficult. Implants improve bite function because they use durable titanium. Dental implant restorations restore bite function so you can enjoy the foods you love.
Support the jaw bone
When you lose a permanent tooth, your jaw bone loses support, causing jaw bone recession. You also lose natural jaw bone and part of your facial structure. Many patients with missing teeth experience facial sagging after they lose natural teeth. Because implants act as new tooth roots, they will combat facial sagging.
Provide long-lasting results
We recommend dental implants over traditional bridges or dentures because implants offer permanent results. You must rebase or replace bridges and dentures over time. While you will eventually replace your implant-supported restoration, the implants will permanently stay in your mouth.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Before implant treatment, we will ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants. First, we will take X-rays and examine your mouth for signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Good candidates for implant treatment are in good oral health without any outstanding dental problems. We will treat infections, abscesses, and other problems before treatment.
If you do not have the proper bone density or width, we recommend bone grafting. Grafting will ensure you have enough jaw bone to support one or more dental implants.
While pretreatments may add to your treatment time, they ensure you are healthy and ready for implants. These treatments also ensure your implants are healthy and stable.
Dental Implants in Arlington, TX
Once you are a good candidate for dental implants, we will help coordinate treatment. We work with local oral surgeons who will place the implants, while we restore the implants. During your first visit, the surgeon places the implant post in the jaw bone and caps it off with a healing cap.
Following the surgery, the implant requires time to heal. During osseointegration, the bone tissue builds up and anchors the device. On average, healing can take three to six months.
Once your implant post heals, the surgeon will place the abutment. You will need more time for your gums to heal. Then, we take a dental impression for the crown, bridge, or denture.
As you heal, lab technicians will create your restoration based on your dental impressions. Then, once your final restoration is complete, we will check the color and fit of your restoration.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing implant restorations will prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay that can affect remaining teeth. You can brush and floss your crown, bridge, or denture like natural teeth. We can provide instructions on how best to clean your restoration. Many people benefit from using water flossers or threaded floss for easier cleaning.
During the implant process, we recommend that you avoid tobacco products. The nicotine in tobacco restricts the blood vessels, meaning there is decreased blood flow to the healing implants. As a result, your implants can fail to integrate with the jaw bone.
Another problem to consider is peri-implantitis. If you develop a tooth or gum infection, it can affect the stability of your implant. Keeping your mouth healthy after implant treatment is essential.
How Much Are Dental Implants?
There is no one set cost for dental implant treatment. The cost of dental implants varies depending on these factors:
- Materials
- Surgery
- Sedation and anesthetic
- Type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture)
- Number of implants
While dental implants may cost more than traditional bridges or dentures, implants offer more benefits. Implants will last longer, improve the bite, and ensure you have natural-looking false teeth.
If you are concerned about implant cost, we’re here to help. We will provide an estimate of your treatment cost before treatment. Our office accepts dental insurance and CareCredit. CareCredit offers payment plans to break down treatment costs.
Restore Missing Teeth
Get dental implants in Arlington, TX. Call Cooper Family Dental for an implant consultation at 817-646-1217. You can also schedule a dental appointment on our website.