Can dental implants fix and replace missing teeth?
Can dental implants fix and replace missing teeth? If you’re asking that question, you either have broken or cracked teeth or missing teeth. Dental implants can certainly replace missing teeth, but they can’t fix existing teeth. Dental implants are widely considered the best teeth replacement option because they replace the root structures of your missing teeth, offering a firm and stable base for your dental implant restoration. But to understand why dental implants are the best teeth replacement options, you need to understand how dental implants work.
Dental implants are screw-like posts drilled into the jawbone underneath the socket of the missing teeth. Once dental implants are drilled into the jawbone, your jawbone tissues gradually merge with the implant surface because of a natural process known as osseointegration. Your jawbone tissues integrate with the implant surface, making the dental implant a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy. Once the dental implant has healed, the dentist attaches a dental implant abutment and crown to replace the missing tooth.
As such, dental implants replace the root structures of the missing teeth and provide a stable base for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Once dental implants are placed, they are supposed to last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, so they essentially give you a second chance with the perfect smile.
Why would you need a dental implant?
You need dental implants in two primary situations — you have missing teeth, or you are about to undergo a tooth extraction. If you have missing teeth, dental implants can be attached to the site of the missing teeth to offer a replacement. And if you have severely infected or damaged teeth that need to be removed, your dentist may recommend dental implants to replace the missing teeth immediately after tooth extraction. Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
- Natural Appearance: Dental implants look completely natural. The dental implant itself remains under the gums, so it’s not visible on the outside. The only visible component of the implant structure is the dental crown or bridge, which is carefully fabricated to look like all of your other teeth, ensuring a natural appearance.
- Restore Functionality: Dental implants can withstand complete bite force, so they restore optimal functionality. They allow you to eat whatever you want without any problems, including hard foods. They also restore your ability to speak clearly.
- Support Jawbone: Dental implants are drilled into the jawbone so they support your natural jawbone tissues. The loss of a tooth can trigger jawbone degeneration, which eventually leads to facial sagging. But dental implants preserve your jawbone structure, which, in turn, prevents facial sagging and laxity.
- Complete Stability: Dental implants serve as replacements for the roots of your teeth. Once the denture or crown is fastened to the implant, you don’t have to worry about stability. Unlike dentures, your implants won’t slip or slide out of place.
- Replace One or All: Dental implants can replace one, several, or even all of your teeth. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, you can replace all of them with dental implants.
- Lifelong Treatment: Dental implants can replace your teeth for a lifetime. Once a dental implant is placed, you never need to have it removed or replaced unless you experience complications because of underlying diseases or poor oral hygiene. Dental implants last a lifetime, so they’re a lifelong investment in your health and smile.
Do I need a tooth extraction and bone grafts before dental implant surgery?
Whether you need a tooth extraction and bone grafts before dental implant surgery depends on your specific condition. You may need a tooth extraction before dental implant surgery if you have a severely infected or damaged tooth that can’t be saved. And you may need bone grafts before dental implant surgery if you have insufficient jawbone tissues at the implant site. Bone grafts stimulate natural jawbone regeneration and improve your candidacy for dental implants. Your dental implant specialist will determine if you need any preliminary procedures before your dental implant procedure.
What follow-up care is necessary after getting a dental implant?
After your dental implant surgery, your dental implant dentist will schedule follow-up sessions every 3 to 4 months. During your follow-up sessions, the dentist will examine the progress of osseointegration to determine if your jawbone tissues are fusing with the implant surface properly. The dentist will also look for signs of inflammation and determine if you’re maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent complications.
What is the average cost of dental implants?
The average cost of dental implants depends on numerous factors, including the type of dental implants used, the size of dental implants, the location of the missing teeth, the number of missing teeth, the dental implant material, and whether you need any preliminary procedures, such as tooth extractions and bone grafts. Your dental implant dentist will perform a thorough evaluation and offer a comprehensive quote for the cost of your dental implant procedure.
Schedule an appointment for some of the best dental implants in Houston, TX
VIP Dental Implants is a state-of-the-art dental implant clinic specializing in cutting-edge dental implant techniques. Our dental implant specialists carefully examine your teeth, discuss your goals and concerns, and curate personalized dental implant treatment plans that ensure optimal and safe results without complications. You can find our dental implant clinic in Uptown Houston or Midtown Houston. Please schedule an appointment for some of the best dental implants in Houston, TX.
