Before dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are titanium metal posts that we place in the jaw bone to replace the tooth root. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. At Henderson Family Dental, we can restore missing teeth with one or more dental implants in our Dallas, TX office. Our Dallas dental office also provides additional restorative dentistry treatments for new and existing patients.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many advantages to patients with one or more missing teeth. Implants:
- Offer a Natural Look: Dental implants use tooth-colored restorations that match the shade of remaining natural teeth or your desired tooth shade. Our office works with labs that use materials like porcelain for crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Support the Jaw: Several months after you lose a permanent tooth, you begin to lose your jaw bone. Jaw bone loss can lead to facial sagging, making you look older than you are.
- Provide Permanent Results: While you may need to replace crowns, bridges, or dentures after many years, the implant post is permanent. The post will act like a new tooth root and will not require replacement. As long as you care for your implants, they should last for years.
We recommend implants if you have missing teeth or need to replace an old restoration. If your restoration is in good shape, we can support your bridge or denture with implants. Otherwise, we can provide a new restoration that looks and acts like natural teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and a strong immune system. However, we may recommend bone grafting, extractions, root canal treatment, or other treatments before implant surgery to ensure patients are good candidates.
In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Dental implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Dallas, TX
Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. An oral surgeon will place the implant post in the jaw bone during this treatment. The surgeon will also place a healing cap on the implant.
Following the procedure, a period is required for the implant to take hold. During osseointegration, the jaw bone grows around the implant post for support.
Then, during a follow-up procedure, we insert abutments to connect the restoration to the implant. Once your gums are fully healed, we will place the implant restoration.
Because implants require surgery, we provide anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to prevent infection following the procedure.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants, like any restoration, require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to last a long time. We recommend using soft-bristled brushes and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean implant-secured restorations. Regular dental appointments allow us to examine your smile and ensure your implants are healthy.
We also recommend that you avoid smoking or tobacco products during implant treatment. Nicotine restricts the blood vessels, which makes it harder for you to heal.
Replace Missing Teeth
Do you have one or more permanent teeth missing? Dental implants may be the proper treatment for you. Schedule an appointment with us online or call 214-253-4868.
Contact us if you need to replace missing teeth but are unsure if you are an implant candidate. We will examine your smile and determine the necessary treatments to restore your missing teeth.