Living with one or more missing teeth can change a person's appearance and have an impact on self-esteem. An incomplete smile can also hinder a person's ability to speak naturally, chew effectively, and enjoy all of their favorite foods. Thankfully, modern technology and advanced dentistry offer a variety of effective solutions to replace missing teeth and restore our patients' smiles, in addition to their quality of life.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a restorative dental prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, depending on the patient's needs. A dental implant consists of three basic components:

• Implant Anchor - The implant anchor is made of durable biocompatible metal and placed directly in a patient's jawbone to mimic a natural tooth's root system.
• Implant Abutment - An abutment is attached to the anchor. This piece of the dental prosthetic connects to the anchor and supports a dental restoration.
• Dental Restoration - The dental restoration is the only visible portion of a dental implant. Restorations are designed to look natural and blend in with surrounding teeth. They are typically made of tooth-colored porcelain or porcelain fused to metal (depending on the location and how much bite pressure the area receives).

How Dental Implants Are Used: Dental Implant Treatment Applications

Dental implants are a versatile restorative treatment because they can be used in a variety of ways to replace one or more missing teeth.

One-for-One Tooth Replacement

Single dental implants can be topped with dental crowns to replace teeth on an individual basis.

Replacing Multiple Consecutive Teeth

Dental implants can also be used to support a dental bridge which is designed to replace a section of teeth (multiple teeth missing in a row).

Replacing All or Most of a Patient's Teeth

Strategically placed dental implants (usually four, six, or eight implants) can also support full or partial dentures to replace all or most of a patient's teeth. Implant-supported dentures can be removable (snap-on or overdentures) or permanently attached to the dental implants (all-on-x).

Dental Implant Advantages: The Benefits of Permanent Tooth Replacement

Smile restoration with dental implants offers several benefits and advantages over alternative treatment options, such as traditional dentures.

• Long-Lasting Treatment - Dental implants are highly durable and designed to last a lifetime.
• Improve Oral Health - Dental implants help support oral health and the health of neighboring teeth by preventing bite problems and the shifting of neighboring natural teeth.
• Preserve the Jawbone - Dental implants provide vital stimulation to the jawbone that helps trigger bone generation that keeps the jawbone strong and prevents jawbone degeneration in addition to the subsequent alteration of a person's physical appearance.
• Secure Fit and Feeling - Implant-supported dental restorations feel natural and secure - just like natural teeth - inside the mouth.
• Natural Looking - Implant-supported restorations are designed to look natural while creating an aesthetically pleasing smile.
• No Mess - Implant-supported dentures do not require the use of sticky dental adhesives like traditional dentures.
• No Discomfort - Implant-supported dentures do not rub against the soft tissues or create mouth sores the way ill-fitting traditional dentures can.
• No Worries - The secure fit provided by implant-supported dental restorations means that teeth look, feel, and work just like natural teeth so there's no need to worry about them slipping, moving, or affecting your speech.

The Dental Implant Treatment Process

The process of restoring your smile with dental implants can look a bit different for each patient. However, it always begins with a consultation appointment during which our dentists examine your teeth and gums and take diagnostic images to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants before developing a personalized treatment plan. At this time, we will walk you through your treatment plan and answer any questions you might have about the process or what to expect.

Lifelong Tooth Replacement at Dental Studio of Pine Lake

At Dental Studio of Pine Lake, our clinicians are proud to provide patients with a variety of advanced treatment solutions for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants and implant-supported dental restorations. To learn more about dental implants and find out if you are a candidate for smile restoration with dental implants, we welcome you to contact our La Porte dental office and request a consultation today.

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