Over the past few decades, dental implants have become increasingly popular as a solution to tooth loss, and once you learn a little more about them, it’s not hard to see why. They are much stronger, last exponentially longer, and even look more natural than conventional dentures and bridges. At South Arlington Smiles, Dr. Talon Davis is your local implant expert, so if you’re ready to permanently rebuild your smile, contact us today to schedule a dental implant consultation.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it can support a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth you have lost. Just like the roots of your real teeth, implants actually bond to the surrounding bone, which explains their unmatched strength and stability. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing it from shrinking as it often does after tooth loss.
Here are just a few of the advantages that dental implants have over bridges and dentures:
No matter how many teeth you’re missing, Dr. Davis can use dental implants to rebuild smiles in 99% of patients. After examining your mouth, he can discuss the following restorative options and determine which one is best for you:
A personalized crown can be placed on top of a single implant post that is inserted into the jaw. The neighboring teeth won’t need to be altered in the slightest, and the crown will be meticulously shaped and shaded to blend in with your smile as a whole.
To replace several missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge can be placed on two dental implants at either end of the gap in your grin. This solution is much more stable and durable than a traditional bridge.
Even an entire mouthful of lost teeth can be brought back with dental implants. All it takes is four to eight implant posts placed along the jaw to secure a full denture. An implant-retained denture doesn’t slip around or require messy adhesives or a special cleaning regimen; it will feel as if you had never lost any teeth in the first place!
Many general dentists have to refer patients to an outside specialist, like an oral surgeon, for the implant placement procedure. Fortunately, Dr. Davis can help save you time by being able to perform every step of the dental implant process right here in our Arlington office. From your first consultation to the placement of your final restoration, you can work with the same trusted team and not have to get to know an unfamiliar specialist.
Because of their versatility, dental implant cost can vary quite a bit from patient to patient. Many factors must be considered, such as the number of implants you need, where in the mouth they’ll be located, and whether you’ll require preparatory work (like bone grafting or tooth extractions).
While dental implants admittedly have a higher initial cost than dentures or bridges alone, their longevity actually makes them a better long-term investment. Traditional restorations have to be repaired or replaced every few years, while dental implants can last a lifetime with the right care.
