Pasadena Texas Dental Implants
People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime. However, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury, disease, trauma or failed root canals, then dental implants can revitalize both your smile and your oral health.
An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees). Bone will actually grow up to and fuse to the titanium. Then a replacement tooth is attached to the implant. Dental implant teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.
The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.
Single or Multiple Implants
Implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or implant dentures can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges
Conventional bridges need the cutting down of teeth to support the bridge. Dental implants do not damage natural teeth. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last 7-10 years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically outlive you.
Post-Treatment Care
Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.
If you are missing a tooth and want the best replacement options, call our Pasadena Texas Dental Office at 713-941-8261 today. Or come visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.