What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Choosing the right replacement for your lost tooth or teeth is a big deal. The solution you choose will affect your smile’s overall appearance as well as how much of your bite’s function you gain back. For optimal results, your dentist may suggest replacing your lost teeth with one or more dental implants, which are small posts that mimic the roots of your lost teeth. Implants can be used to support a lifelike replacement crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, and their benefits far outweigh those of more traditional prosthetic options.

They Mimic Natural Teeth Better

Conventional bridges and dentures are designed to closely mimic your healthy, natural teeth in appearance and function, but they can only replace the tops (or crowns) of your lost teeth. To remain in place, they rely on the support of nearby healthy teeth, hidden clasps, and/or dental adhesives. By contrast, implants provide anchored roots that are held securely by your jawbone, much like your teeth’s natural roots. Implant posts significantly improve the comfort and stability of replacement teeth, and they reestablish stimulation in your jawbone that keeps it strong and healthy.

Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Once your dental implant-supported prosthesis is in place, caring for it is as simple as caring for your healthy, natural teeth. Because they are not made from real tooth structure, your replacement teeth will not be susceptible to tooth decay, but the gums around them may become diseased without proper hygiene and preventive dental care. In addition to brushing and flossing your prosthesis twice a day and flossing at least once along with your teeth, be sure to schedule and attend regular checkups and cleanings as often as your dentist recommends.

Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants

If you’ve lost teeth, then you may want to consider the many benefits of replacing them with an appropriate number of dental implants. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).