Missing Teeth? Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
More than 3 million Americans with missing teeth have filled the gaps in their smile using dental implants — and that number is growing every year!
So what accounts for the popularity of this teeth replacement option? Dental implants have been celebrated for the security and the durability they provide. And when it comes to replacing missing teeth, nothing allows you to come closer to a brand new tooth!
Want to know if dental implants are right for you? Read on to learn more about dental implants. Then if you’re looking to replace missing teeth in Plano, TX, call 1st In Smiles at 972-380-8105 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barfield.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that once inserted into your gums acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Like a real tooth root, it fuses to your jawbone, which is what allows dental implants to provide unmatched security.
When you get a dental implants placed, you’ll notice that it’s comprised of three parts:
- The dental implant
- A custom abutment
- A dental restoration
The abutment is affixed to the top of the dental implant. It’s what holds the dental restoration — which replaces the visible portion of missing teeth — in place.
Traditionally, dental implants support a dental crown, which is a single-tooth prosthetic. Dental implants are a great option for replacing a single tooth. But dental implants can also anchor multi-tooth prosthetics, like a dental bridge or even a full dental arch prosthetic.
In addition to the security and durability that dental implants offer, they are also lauded for their ability to prevent bone loss. Because dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, they require the use of your jawbone while you’re chewing. That’s not the case with other teeth replacement solutions, which transfer the force of your bite to the gums instead. In this way, dental implants actually can prevent deterioration of your jawbone!
How Can Dental Implants Help Me if I’m Missing All or Most of My Teeth?
If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, replacing each one with a dental implant and dental crown might not be realistic. It would be cost-prohibitive and require extensive chair time. Even if you could endure the length of the procedure, the recovery period would also be substantial.
But it’s possible — and even easy — to leverage the security of dental implants when replacing a full set of teeth! In recent years, dentists have discovered ways to anchor a full upper or lower set of false teeth on as few as four dental implants.
This solution is ideal for people who resist the idea of traditional dentures because they’re turned off by the thought of sticky adhesives or the possibility of their prosthetic slipping when they cough or laugh.
At 1st In Smiles, we offer two procedures that use dental implants to anchor a full-arch prosthetic. With All-On-4® dental implants, we’re able to anchor an upper or lower set of artificial teeth on just four dental implants — two placed vertically in the front of your mouth, and two placed at angles in the back of your mouth for a strong hold. Alternatively, we offer All-On-6 dental implants, which is similar to the All-On-4 dental implant procedure but employs the use of two additional dental implants.
Unlike traditional dentures, the prosthetics anchored by All-On-4 or All-On-6 dental implants are not removable. However, if you’d like to remove your prosthetic without having to worry about the placement and security of your denture, implant-supported dentures might be the solution you’re looking for. These dentures use special connectors that secure your prosthetic to just two dental implants!
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
Patients who are missing teeth but are in good overall health are generally candidates for dental implant placement. In fact, if you’re healthy enough to undergo a dental extraction, you’re probably healthy enough to get a dental implant. Before we begin any dental work, we’ll have to ensure that your gums are healthy and you have the bone density to support the dental implants.
What if you lack the proper bone density for dental implants? Don’t worry! You may still qualify for mini dental implants. As the name suggests, these are smaller than conventional dental implants. Mini dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option since the placement procedure is less invasive than what’s required for conventional dental implants.
Of course, there’s only way to know for sure which dental implant solution is right for you: Consult a dental professional like Dr. Barfield! He has been practicing dentistry in and around Plano, TX for more than 30 years! You’re sure to feel comfortable in his care.
If you’re ready to replace missing teeth and restore your sense of confidence, call 1st In Smiles today at 972-380-8105 to schedule an appointment. You can also fill out our convenient online form.