Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a foundation for replacement teeth. Our dentist at Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist, might recommend implants as an ideal solution when a patient is missing one or more teeth and wants to fill that gap. An implant comprises three parts: the implant screw, the abutment, and the crown. The crown is part of the tooth visible above the gum line. Once the dental implant is in place, it looks like a natural tooth. Dental implants are permanent, durable, long-lasting tooth replacements that provide a natural look and feel. They require the same daily brushing and flossing as natural teeth, along with regular checkups with a dentist. 

The Dental Implant Placement Procedure

Before your dental implants are placed, your dentist will take x-rays and impressions of the teeth. Then, the titanium post will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to sit for four to six months as the jawbone heals. After the implant has healed, abutments will be placed on the implant posts to connect them to the crowns. After the custom crowns are made to fit your mouth’s bite, the dentist will permanently secure the crowns to the abutments. The entire process can take several months to complete from start to finish.

Before getting dental implants, patients must undergo a consultation to ensure they are good candidates for the treatment. Good candidates have healthy gums and enough bone density in the jaw to support the procedure. Patients must also commit to maintaining their new smile with proper care and regular checkups. 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants are a popular option for replacing missing or damaged teeth because they look and feel very similar to natural teeth. Since they are placed into your jawbone, they don’t move around or slip out the way dentures can. As a result, you can enjoy eating all the foods you love without worrying about choking on anything. You can brush and floss normally to keep your smile looking and feeling great. In addition, you don’t have to worry about dealing with messy adhesives or having to remove your restorations each night when you go to bed.

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option because they offer great stability for your smile. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that sit on top of your gums without supporting your jawbone, implants stimulate bone growth in your jaw and help prevent bone degeneration. Over time, this can help you to avoid additional tooth loss due to weakened gum tissues and jawbone density.

If you have lost a tooth but don’t want to deal with the hassle of wearing removable prosthetics, you may be a great candidate for dental implants. Contact Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist at 6217 Oakmont Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76132, or call (817) 585-4159 to schedule a consultation with our dentist. During a consultation, you can learn more about your treatment options to make an informed decision about your dental health needs.