If you are missing one or more teeth, you likely feel self-conscious. You may be more hesitant to smile and have difficulty chewing food. Missing teeth can also affect your speech and even increase your risk of stroke. The good news is that dental implants can restore your smile and reduce your risk of negative health effects. At Supreme Dentistry, our
implant dentist in Houston, TX, can help you look and feel your best.
What Are The Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws or frames that go into or on your jawbone. The implant acts as a tooth root, allowing an artificial tooth or teeth to be permanently placed. They function like your original teeth and restore full functionality. You may struggle to eat certain foods with dentures, but dental implants restore full chewing power.
They are more comfortable than dentures, and there are no concerns about getting a proper fit. Dental implants are permanent. Dentures last between 7-10 years. Implants should last a minimum of 25 years, but they last a lifetime for many patients.
Implants prevent bone loss and misalignment of existing teeth. When you lose a tooth, you can lose up to 25% of your jawbone in the first year. Dentures can cause further bone loss because they can rub against the jawbone. Bone loss can weaken your facial muscles, which cause wrinkles, and it can cause further tooth loss.
Gum disease is associated with jawbone loss and tooth loss. It also has health risks, including an increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and dementia. A missing tooth creates a pocket for bacteria to grow and increases your risk of gum disease. Dental implants fill the cavity and aren’t susceptible to the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Dental Implant Types
There are two main dental implant options. The first, and more popular, are endosteal implants. A titanium post is screwed into the jawbone. This acts as an anchor, and the artificial tooth is fixed to the top of the post.
Requirements for endosteal implants include:
- A fully formed jawbone (adult)
- Good overall oral and dental health
- Healthy gum tissue
- Enough jawbone to attach the implant
Don’t hesitate to find out if implants are right for you. Even if you have gum or bone loss, they may be a viable option. Your implant dentist will perform an exam and explain your dental implant options.
If you aren’t a good candidate for endosteal implants, you should consider subperiosteal implants. This type uses a frame that sits on top of the jawbone under the gum. This type of implant is ideal for those who don’t have enough jawbone to support endosteal implants. They are also made from high tech metals, usually cobalt, chrome, or Vitallium; these metals are very lightweight and are ideal for those with weak jawbones.
Dental Implant Options
In addition to the two main dental implant types, there are other dental implant options. One option is the replacement of one tooth, several teeth, or all teeth. Both implants can be used to replace a single tooth, create a bridge to replace several teeth, or replace all your teeth.
Another option is surface coatings. Coatings can stimulate bone growth to help secure the implant and reduce the infection risk with antibacterial properties. Coatings can also impact your implant’s look, creating a white smile or a natural look that matches existing teeth.
The final option is the size of the implant post. Narrow implants are suitable for those with less bone density or a small space between teeth. Standard posts are often used for teeth in the front of the mouth, and wide posts are ideal for larger back teeth replacement.
Dental Implants at Supreme Dentistry
If you are considering implants in Houston, Texas, contact us at Supreme Dentistry. Our implant dentist has the expertise to give you a healthy and attractive smile you need. Replacing teeth early reduces negative health effects, so don’t wait. Contact us today at
844.966.2333.
