dental implants

What are Dental Implants?

Implants have quickly become a preferred treatment for tooth loss, and they can replace a single tooth or a whole mouth full. First used successfully thirty-five years ago, Implants are permanently connected to their post by the dentist and look and feel like natural teeth. More than three million people currently have implants in the United States, and that number is now growing by about 500,000 a year. Patient satisfaction with both the procedure and an excellent outcome is driving this increase in dental implant use.

At Serenity Advanced Dentistry, we offer a full range of Implant services in Cedar Hill, TX, from original post-placement to repairs on existing restorations. Read further for more information on common implant types.

Traditional Individual Implants

Individual dental implants are an excellent solution for the patient needing to replace a single tooth or several. Implants look, feel, and act like natural teeth and have the same care requirements. The implant process of placing a post in the jawbone stimulates the bone in the area to avoid the future loss of bone mass. The posts are most often made of titanium and are permanent. On top of a post sits an abutment, the portion of the implant that holds the artificial tooth referred to as the crown. You can have a single tooth replaced or several.

Implants offer many advantages over a partial bridge joined to the neighboring teeth. The stress on adjacent teeth from a traditional bridge can cause future complications to the surrounding teeth. With an implant, pressure to other teeth is nonexistent, and the post-placement into the jawbone strengthens the jawbone, whereas a traditional bridge or not replacing the tooth leads to loss of bone.

All on 4 Implants

All on 4 Implants replace a whole arch of teeth with four implant posts as the anchor. They are an excellent choice for patients who may not be good candidates for traditional implants.

The All on 4 Implants procedure involves removing the remaining natural teeth and placing four posts per arch to hold a low-profile bridge that contains the replacement teeth. Once set, the teeth remain in the mouth; no need to remove them for cleaning. Recommended cleaning is the same as natural teeth, brushing twice daily and regular flossing. Only a dentist can remove the implant bridge, and twice a year dental visits must be maintained to allow the dentist to monitor the condition of the implants and overall oral health.

The low-profile bridge does not cover the top of the mouth, so they feel more natural than dentures, and the ability to taste food fully remains intact. The fear of embarrassing mishaps like slippage or dentures falling out is eliminated because the implants are secure. The implants are expected to last a lifetime of proper oral function and beautiful smiles with appropriate care.

Are Implants Right For You?

Implants might be the best choice if you are missing one or more teeth and have good bone structure. Implants are still possible if you have some bone loss beneath your missing teeth but may require a bone graft.

To find out if you are a good candidate for implants and which type would be best for you, call Serenity Advanced Dentistry. We are happy to answer any questions and schedule an appointment for a consultation with our doctor.