If you have a single lost tooth, or if you have lost all of them, then you may need to receive dental implants to enjoy a full smile again. Unlike removable dentures or crown-secured bridges, these can last for decades to come. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about dental implants and tooth replacement.
Replacement Teeth
What makes them so different from traditional bridges or removable dentures? First, let’s take a look at each part of a dental implant. The implant post, made from biocompatible titanium, looks like a small screw and is inserted directly into the jawbone. There, the body recognizes it as a natural root, which prevents the changes to the jaw ridge that usually follow tooth loss. As a result, your new tooth could last for decades to come! Next is the abutment, which connects to the post and extends above the gum line. Finally, we have the restoration or prosthetic. For an individual one, this could be a custom-made crown that looks natural and provides a durable chewing surface. We can also create bridges and dentures that look natural as well.
Same-Day Placement
Typically, there is a healing period between the placement of the post and the attachment of the restoration or the prosthetic, a period of several weeks to a few months, depending on the situation. However, in some cases we can actually complete the entire process in one day, typically when securing implant dentures. We will first extract the last few teeth and then insert the posts. We then attach the custom denture, which has been prepared beforehand. You leave with a complete smile, and as the area heals you will find your ability to eat your favorite foods and speak without difficulty is restored!
All-On-Four
If you’ve lost jawbone tissue to tooth loss and can’t support traditional implant dentures, then we could offer All-On-Four. There is no end for grafting or sinus lifts to build up your jaw, instead we insert only four posts per arch, set at specific angles and positions to stimulate the growth of jawbone suture and support your new teeth. We then attach the abutments and the denture, and again you can leave with a full smile after only one visit.
If you have any questions about our approach to implant dentistry, then contact our team today to learn more. We want you to smile with confidence once again!
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT ADDRESSING TOOTH LOSS
Our team is ready to help you enjoy a full smile again using implant dentistry. If you’re ready to schedule a visit to address the gaps in your smile, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.