If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants offer an excellent solution. Implant dentistry is an area of specialty for Jarred Donald, DDS, at Cisco Dental in Cisco, Texas. For more information about the process of getting dental implants and how this treatment might meet your needs, call or click the online booking page to schedule a consultation today.
request an appointmentWhy is it important to replace missing teeth?
When most people think about missing teeth, it’s the cosmetic element they focus on. While a gap in your smile can certainly make it hard to feel confident, there are also serious dental health issues to consider.
Each of your natural teeth is anchored directly into your bone tissue. When you bite or chew, you stimulate that bone, keeping it healthy and strong. Losing a tooth means losing that stimulation.
Over time, the bone tissue beneath the missing tooth can begin to wear away in a process called resorption. This can weaken the connection between surrounding teeth and bone, leading to additional tooth loss.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a treatment that permanently replaces one or more missing teeth. Because implants are secured within your jaw bone, they also keep your bone tissue healthy and strong.
You can also have an individual implant to replace a single missing tooth. If you need to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, an option called implant-retained dentures can help by securing a full arch of false teeth on just four individual implants.
Individual dental implants consist of a metal post that replaces the root of the tooth, as well as an artificial crown that replaces the visible surfaces of the tooth. Some implant styles use a small piece called an abutment to connect the post and crown.
How are dental implants placed?
The first step in getting a dental implant is the planning stage. Dr. Donald uses digital imaging to gather data on the exact size, shape, and placement of your teeth. That information guides the fabrication of your crown as well as the precise angle of placement for your implant post.
On the day of your procedure you’ll get an injection of numbing medication to ensure you rest comfortably during your treatment. Dr. Donald creates an incision in your gums to gain access to the underlying bone. He then creates a small pilot hole to guide the post into place.
Once the post is inserted into your bone tissue, Dr. Donald closes your gum tissue around the post. A period of healing follows, allowing your bone tissue to fuse with the implanted post. Once that process is complete, you’ll return to have the crown attached to the post, which completes the restoration.
To learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, call the Cisco Dental office, or try the easy online scheduling page to book a visit.