Dental Implants – Bedford, TX

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are viewed as the premier tooth replacement solution because of their complete root-to-crown restoration and decades-long lifespan. For millions of Americans, these prosthetics offer far greater benefits than dental bridges or dentures because of their permanent placement within the jawbone, optimal bite quality, and the ability to enjoy improved oral and overall health for the long term.

As titanium posts that act like tooth roots, they deliver continuous stimulation to the jawbone so that your new smile does not require replacement or adjustment over time.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

• Initial Dental Implant Consultation – You will meet with Dr. B to discuss how best to move forward with dental implants. She will conduct a thorough examination before determining if you need additional treatments for decay, gum disease, or bone resorption. She’ll then refer you to a local oral surgeon for placement.
• Dental Implant Surgery – Partnering with area implant dentists who are skilled and trained in placing dental implants, Dr. B will ensure that you’re in good hands. You will receive local anesthesia before the doctor inserts each dental implant into its designated location.
• Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Once the surgery is complete, you will spend 4-6 months allowing osseointegration to occur while you recover. After your mouth is healed from surgery, you will return to our dental office to receive your metal abutments – the connector pieces that attach your restoration to your implant post(s).
• Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – Crowns, bridges, and dentures are all possible restorations you can receive when undergoing dental implant placement. Once everything is fully healed, your final step will be to receive your customized restoration, which will be bonded to the tops of your implant posts.

Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth

Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining both your oral health and overall well-being. While it may be tempting to ignore a missing tooth, it can lead to a host of complications and long-term consequences if left untreated. Here are several compelling reasons why you should prioritize replacing missing teeth:

• Restored Functionality: Each tooth in your mouth plays a vital role in chewing and speaking properly. When a tooth is missing, it disrupts the balance and coordination of your bite, making it challenging to eat certain foods or speak clearly. By replacing the missing tooth, you can restore proper functionality, allowing you to enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet while communicating with confidence.
• Preservation of Jawbone: Your teeth provide essential stimulation to the underlying jawbone through the forces generated during biting and chewing. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone is no longer adequately stimulated, leading to bone loss over time. This can result in changes to your facial structure, a sunken appearance, and even compromise the stability of neighboring teeth. Dental implants, for instance, help prevent bone resorption by integrating with the jawbone, preserving its strength and integrity.
• Maintaining Proper Alignment: Teeth rely on each other for support and alignment. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can gradually shift and tilt into the space, causing misalignment and bite irregularities. This can lead to issues such as malocclusion, jaw pain, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By replacing the missing tooth, you help maintain proper dental alignment and prevent potential complications.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: A missing tooth can significantly impact your smile’s appearance, leading to self-consciousness and a decrease in self-esteem. Whether it’s a visible front tooth or one that affects your smile’s overall symmetry, replacing it with a natural-looking prosthetic option can restore your confidence and improve your overall facial aesthetics.
• Improved Oral Health: Gaps left by missing teeth create additional spaces where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, the surrounding teeth may become more susceptible to damage due to the increased pressure they have to bear in the absence of a neighboring tooth. By replacing the missing tooth, you can maintain better oral hygiene and reduce the chances of developing oral health issues.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While the initial cost of replacing a missing tooth may seem like an investment, it can save you significant expenses in the long run. Ignoring a missing tooth can lead to more extensive dental problems, requiring complex treatments that are often more costly. By addressing the issue promptly, you can prevent additional complications and avoid potential financial burdens down the line.

Benefits of Dental Implants

You may not realize the kind of benefits you can expect to receive when choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth. These prosthetics deliver exceptional quality and longevity, lasting as long as 30 years! But their lifespan and durability are just a few of the advantages of dental implants. You’ll also enjoy improved oral and overall health, easy maintenance, a stronger bite force, cost-savings, and a more youthful appearance.