Dental Implants  

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth. Implant-supported restorations are the only tooth replacement options that also prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. 

What Are Dental Implants? 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or teeth in place. Dental implants are an ideal option for patients in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or several teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.  

Although bridges and dentures can also replace missing teeth, there are some disadvantages to these options. Unlike a bridge, a dental implant does not require the neighboring teeth to be reshaped to accommodate the restoration. And unlike dentures, which are removable, implants are permanently anchored into the mouth. 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that helps support one or more replacement teeth. The implant itself is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw and acts as a base for a tooth replacement. Dental implants are a popular and effective option for patients with missing teeth. 

The average lifespan of dental implants is between 10 and 30 years; however, they could last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. It's important to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. It is also recommended to avoid chewing on hard foods that could crack the fixture. Patients should visit their dentist every year to have their replacement teeth inspected and cleaned. 

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants? 

There are many advantages to dental implants that will improve both your oral and overall health. They are a stable solution to replace missing teeth and will not move or slide as dentures may. Unlike bridges, they do not use the surrounding teeth for support. This gives them the ability to be placed in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach, such as the back molar area.  

Implants also last much longer than other tooth restorations and have a 90% success rate. They allow the patient to once again eat the foods they love without worrying about their restoration slipping or shifting. 

First, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth so a custom crown can be made for you. Then, our dentist will make an incision in your gum where the implant will be placed. The dental implant is a post made from titanium that will be surgically placed in your mouth. 

Once it's in place, your jawbone will grow around and fuse with the post to create a strong and sturdy foundation for your new tooth. Once your jawbone has integrated the post and fused with it, the abutment will be attached to your implant and serve as a connector for the crown. When the crown is ready, it will be placed on the implant to complete your new smile! 

Dental implants are artificial roots that support fixed and natural-looking tooth restorations. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, visit Dr. Be Smiles at 4511 N Midkiff Rd, Suite E-15, Midland, TX 79705, or call (432) 520-4867.