If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants may be an option for you. Designed to provide you with an artificial replacement for a missing tooth, this option can create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. For many people, it can prove to be the best way to improve your oral health, too. At Lovett Dental Baytown, we want to ensure you consider this option carefully.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a small, screw-like device that is inserted deep into the jawbone. This is done through a surgical procedure, so you do not feel any pain or discomfort during it. The screw is usually a titanium post. This makes it very strong and durable. Most of the time, you will never have to have it replaced. The screw goes into the jawbone under the gum line. As it sits there, the bone grows around it, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone itself. This creates a strong anchor or foundation for the rest of the tooth structure. In this way, the screw or fixture works as the root of the tooth.
Once the dental implant is in place, an abutment is added to the top. This small piece will help to connect the implant to the artificial tooth you select. For some people, this may be a crown that looks and functions like a traditional tooth. For others, it is a partial denture or a bridge. In all cases, dental implants are designed to create real-looking, artificial teeth that are nearly as strong as your natural smile.
Why Choose Dental Implants Instead of Dentures?
When it comes to dental implants, you can still choose traditional dentures. Traditional full and partial dentures work to replace most or all of the teeth in your mouth. Traditional versions slide into and out of place, allowing you to clean them well. Many people prefer dentures because they are lower costing.
Dental implants can offer some key enhancements and benefits that dentures do not. For example, they are more comfortable and longer-lasting. Often, people have concerns with chewing or talking with dentures but do not have those concerns when using dental implants.
Are Dental Implants the Best Option for You?
If you are thinking about the benefits of dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options with our team. There are several things they need to do to ensure your oral health is in line with dental implant surgery.
- Teeth cleaning appointments help ensure overall oral health.
- Periodontal or gum disease specialists ensure your jawbone and gums are healthy enough.
- Some tooth extraction procedures may be necessary to remove decayed teeth.
- For teeth that remain, root canal treatments for decay may be beneficial.
- Full and partial denture options can be presented.
Our goal is to ensure you know exactly what to expect when you choose implants in Baytown. When you have them in place, you can chew as you normally do. You can bite. You can talk normally. And, these teeth can last the rest of your life in many cases. That is why dental implants should be something you think about if you have one or more missing teeth.
Explore Dental Options at Lovett Dental Baytown
Do dental implants sound like the right option for you? You don’t have to make a decision just yet. Instead, schedule a consultation for dental implants with Lovett Dental Baytown. Let our team provide you with answers to all of your questions. For many, implants in Baytown is the best decision. Call 281-838-8400 to learn more.