If you believe that your missing teeth mean that you will have gaps in your smile permanently, you are mistaken. With dental implants, you can fill in the gaps and restore your teeth along with your mouth’s bite. Learning more about dental implants will help you to ensure you make the best decision about your teeth. Find out more about dental implants with Dr. Christopher Edmondson at Denton Family Dentistry in Denton, TX.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth using a surgical procedure to place an implant fixture into the bone below the missing tooth. Made from titanium, the fixture resembles a screw and essentially replaces a missing tooth’s root below the gumline. An abutment connects the fixture to the customized prosthetic tooth which replaces the missing tooth. A dental laboratory customizes the prosthetic to fit exactly into your smile, ensuring a seamless and natural look.
Can dental implants help me?
A good candidate for dental implants should have a strong at-home oral care to keep their implants and natural teeth healthy and clean between regular biannual dental examinations and cleanings. A missing tooth results in a lack of stimulation of the bone in which it sits. In turn, a process called bone atrophy occurs, causing the bone to degrade. Traditional tooth replacement options like bridges do not stimulate the bone as they lie above the gumline. Implants, however, do provide this necessary stimulation to keep the bone healthy. A good candidate for dental implants should have adequate bone volume in the area of their implant.
Dental Implants in Denton, TX
If you think you can benefit from a dental implant, you will need a consultation with your dentist to confirm that this is the best tooth replacement option for you and your smile. Your dentist will examine your teeth and ensure that you do not have any teeth decay or gum disease which would require treatment prior to placing your implants. Imagining techniques like x-rays help your dentist investigate the bone volume to ensure that you have a sturdy foundation to support your new implant.
For more information on dental implants, please contact Dr. Christopher Edmondson at Denton Family Dentistry in Denton, TX. Call (940) 591-9700 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Edmondson today!