How to Resolve Your Missing Teeth
In my last blog, I talked about the causes of missing teeth and the dangers of living with missing teeth. Missing teeth are not just an eyesore; they can increase your risk of dental disease. Patients who are missing all of their teeth are also shaving years off of their life because they cannot get the proper nutrition that they need.
The good news is that people can replace missing teeth with permanent options that will improve their overall health and have them looking great. Our Plano dental office can place dental implants restored with individual crowns or full arches of permanent teeth.
How Can We Replace Missing Teeth?
Single or full arches of missing teeth can be draining on your natural smile. At our office, we can use dental implants to restore your smile. Dental implants, which are made of titanium, anchor permanent teeth and naturally fuse to the jawbone. Because dental implants fuse to the jawbone, the implants keep the jawbone from receding.
The majority of dental offices do not have the credentials or training to place dental implants. We are dedicated to providing the best state-of-the-art dentistry, which is why we can place dental implants in our office.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Dental implants, especially single dental implants, are a great solution to placing a bridge. While dental implants are more expensive, a dental bridge can be very invasive. A bridge consists of three or more dental crowns. To place the bridge, we have to shave down the adjacent teeth in order to support the bridge. Anytime we prepare a tooth, it increases the risk of a possible root canal or future problems.
Dental implants simply address the missing gap and do not require us to compromise any nearby teeth. By placing a single dental implant, you can keep the nearby teeth from shifting or developing changes in your bite.
All-On-4 Dental Implants
No one understands the struggles of missing teeth more than those who are living without any of their natural teeth. Luckily, technology has advanced so much that we can place permanent teeth that will almost fully restore your chewing ability and preserve your jawbone.
All-on-4 or All–on-6 dental implants use a series of dental implants to support full permanent teeth on both arches. This method is a step above many other solutions for missing teeth because it secures both the top and bottom restoration with dental implants. Traditional upper dentures rely on suction, but while All-on-4 dental implants, you no longer have to worry about your upper or lower restoration slipping or sliding in your mouth. Another huge benefit of this method is that the upper restoration is does not cover the palate. This is a great advantage for denture wearers because they will get to taste more of their food.
To be a candidate for dental implants, you must have enough jawbone density and be in relatively good health. For patients with eroded jawbones, we can place mini dental implants. Like traditional implants, mini dental implants preserve the jawbone and secure full-arch restorations. The only difference is that the mini dental implants is slightly smaller in diameter.
If you are struggling with missing teeth, understand that you do not have to live with uncomfortable removable dentures. Dental implants can give you a happier and more fulfilled life. Call our office today to schedule your first with us. I’m a dentist in Plano who operates a lecture-free zone. We will never lecture you about the start of your teeth. We want to partner with you to make you feel great and look better than even!