When it comes to lost teeth, dental implants offer the most comprehensive replacement options available. As prosthetic tooth roots, implants are surgically inserted into a patient’s jawbone, which fuses to the implant’s biocompatible titanium surface. Once the jawbone heals, your Southlake dentist can attach your replacement teeth to the dental implants, effectively replacing the root and crowns (top portions) of your missing teeth. Dental implants can replace any number of lost teeth, and they offer a wealth of advantages over traditional teeth replacements, including improved stability and jawbone preservation.
The Purpose of Dental Implants
The traditional idea of replacing teeth, as evidenced by dental bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures, involves replacing the crowns of teeth, which extend above the gum line. Bridges and dentures allow patients who’ve lost teeth once again smile with confidence, as well as bite and chew properly. The purpose of dental implants is to provide modern replacement teeth with a foundation similar to the roots that naturally support healthy teeth. The improved stability allows prosthetic teeth to function better, and when implants are stimulated by biting and chewing, they help facilitate a healthy flow of nutrients to the jawbone. Losing teeth roots, which originally aid the jawbone through stimulation, can cause the jaw to shrink from nutrient deficiency. Left unchecked, jawbone deterioration can lead to further tooth loss and the sunken-jaw appearance known as facial collapse.
Who Can Receive Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for the most beneficial replacement options, or if you currently rely on a dental bridge or denture and would like to improve its performance, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dr. Wright will ensure that your mouth is free of disease, and comprehensive examination will determine if your jawbone is dense enough to support the implants. Dental diseases, such as gum disease and tooth decay, must be resolved with a case-appropriate treatment before implants can be placed. If your jawbone has lost a significant amount of density due to tooth loss or gum disease, then you may need a jawbone graft to fortify it.
About Gregory Wright, DDS:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He is happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
