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

Compared to other methods of tooth replacement, getting dental implants is a more involved process that typically takes a matter of months. We want to help make sure that every step of your journey toward a re-completed smile is as smooth as possible. As such, we’ve outlined the four main steps of the dental implant process below; if you’re still unsure about what you can expect, don’t hesitate to talk to our team!

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Before anything else, you need to confirm that dental implants truly are the best choice for replacing your missing teeth. At your initial dental implant consultation, our team will examine your mouth and your relevant facial structures. We’ll need to gather as much information as possible to determine your candidacy for dental implants.

We’ll let you know if any preliminary procedures such as bone grafting will be required before you can undergo dental implant surgery. On top of that, we can walk you through the dental implant process in more detail so that you aren’t caught off guard by any unexpected surprises later down the line.

Dental Implant Surgery

Our practice is partnered with local oral surgeons who are experts in placing dental implants. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. The oral surgeon will insert the implant posts into predetermined spots before suturing the gums closed. A special cap will be attached to each implant post. Not only will they help keep the posts safe, but they will also allow the gums to keep their proper shape as they heal.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Before you can receive your replacement teeth, your dental implants will need to form a strong bond with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This normally takes about 3 to 6 months. You will be given instructions for taking care of your dental implants and the rest of your smile until osseointegration is complete.

Once the implant posts are done fusing with the bone, you will be able to receive abutments. These metal connector pieces are what will keep your replacement teeth attached to the posts.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, dental implants can potentially support crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. No matter what kind of prosthesis you get, it will be customized for your unique smile based on impressions taken of your mouth.

Once your prosthesis is complete, we can attach it to your dental implants via the abutments. We’ll make sure that they fit properly and that they don’t throw off the balance of your bite. If everything looks good, then you’ll be ready to face the world with your newly completed smile!

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.