A permanent solution for tooth loss

Why choose dental implants?

“Dental Implants.” It can sound a little intimidating, right? Getting replacement teeth surgically placed sounds downright scary! But thanks to sedation dentistry, these implant placements can change your life, virtually pain-free. An implant is so much more than just an artificial tooth. Cheaper, more conventional dental procedures will often need to be re-made over time and require the frequent use of creams or adhesives to prevent teeth from slipping. Likewise, traditional dentures can cause your cheeks and lips to sink and sag.

So then, what exactly are dental implants? Well, they’re not your grandmother’s dentures that’s for sure. They’re also more than just cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants are like a high-tech reworking of your teeth. Think of it like you would upgrading your cell phone. Sure, you could get one of those flip phones that used to be the best option available, but now you can upgrade to a smartphone.

Dental implants will never require you to take them out to apply a messy adhesive. They’ll never require you to take them out every night to soak and get clean. In fact, you can’t take them out! Dental implants are a permanent part of your mouth. And with proper maintenance and care, these implants will last you for decades and decades to come. You’ll never have to worry about these teeth decaying, or ever having to endure another root canal. Your smile will be better than ever.

Do dental implants work?

Let’s say you need to replace a tooth. The root of that missing tooth is removed and replaced with a small, screw-shaped titanium post which is then securely fastened to the jawbone. That may sound complicated, but it’s actually a process that is considered to be relatively minor and routine. The procedure is typically performed with a local anesthetic, leaving the patient awake throughout the procedure. However, if the thought of that happening is too intimidating or would otherwise cause discomfort, we also offer IV and oral sedation, as well as inhalation conscious sedation.

The implant is then capped with a realistic-looking crown that is custom-made so that it matches the other teeth in your mouth. It is during this healing process that the implant fuses to the bone surrounding it. Patients have several options when it comes to dental implants ranging from a single tooth to a whole set, and they all have a significantly higher success rate of 95 percent compared to other replacement options.

Tooth replacement options

Replace One Tooth – When only one tooth is missing, a single tooth implant is inserted into the bone to replace the root part of that particular tooth; a crown then goes on top to replicate the look and feel of a real tooth. Even if the initial cost is slightly higher than other options, it is the best long-term investment for replacing a single missing tooth especially because dental implants have the highest success rate.
Replace Multiple Teeth — When you have more than one tooth missing, implants provide an ideal replacement mechanism. It is not necessary to place an implant for every missing tooth because implant teeth act as supports for fixed bridgework. Let’s say you are missing three teeth in a row. We can place one implant on each side of the missing teeth putting a crown in between which would have no implant underneath. Using natural teeth as support could weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay.
Full Dental Implant (Replace All Teeth Permanently) — Full mouth dental implants can support an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and never removed. This option replaces all teeth permanently. Sometimes the new teeth can be supported by as few as four implants. Dental implants may be supported with a similar structure to a table supported by four legs thus requiring only four implants; however, 5 or 6 implants may be needed help support a row of 10-12 teeth when there is deterioration of the jawbone density and volume. Implants protect your jawbone, are slip-free, and with proper care should last a lifetime. Your dental professional will discuss whether or not bone grafting should be part of your treatment plan.
Mini Dental Implants — A mini dental implant is usually about half of the size of a traditional dental implant which has a diameter of 3 – 6 most conventional implant receives more support from the jawbone than a mini implant so it may not be as strong or as durable. We do not offer mini dental implants because a traditional dental implant provides the most durable, secure tooth replacement.
Support Removable Dentures — Implants can even make removable partial dentures more comfortable, efficient, and healthier to wear. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and put pressure on the underlying bone. It accelerates bone loss so that the jaw shrinks and the dentures slip, particularly on the bottom. However, today dentists can attach a removable denture onto implants, transferring that pressure into the bone structure rather than the bone surface. It will prevent the dentures from slipping while you eat or speak and preserves the bone directly beneath them. Every case is different so let us work with you to choose the best treatment plan for creating a smile worth sharing.

A permanent solution for tooth loss

Why choose dental implants?

Do dental implants work?

Tooth replacement options

Longview Office

Tyler Office