Dental Implants and Your Life - Dentist in Plano, TX

Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. Dental implants do more than just replace missing teeth. They can actually help your whole face look better.

But first, what exactly are they? Think of a dental implant like an artificial tooth root. It’s usually made from titanium, a special metal that works well with your body. It actually becomes part of your jawbone. After it’s firmly in place, we add a crown on top that looks and works just like a real tooth.

How Dental Implants Benefit Your Life

One of the most obvious benefits is that they provide a permanent solution to missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which can shift or slip out of place, implants anchor securely in your jawbone. This means that you can eat and speak with confidence without worrying about your teeth moving around in your mouth.

But they offer more than just functional benefits. They can also have a significant impact on the appearance of your face. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone can start to deteriorate over time. This can cause your jawbone to shrink and your face to take on a sunken, aged appearance.

Dental implants can prevent this bone loss from happening. Replacing the missing tooth root with a titanium implant stimulates the surrounding bone and encourages growth. This helps maintain the structure of your jawbone and keep your face youthful and healthy.

Implants can also improve the shape of your face. When you have missing teeth, your remaining teeth can shift and move out of place. This can cause your bite to become misaligned, which can lead to more dental problems.

By filling in the gaps with implants, your remaining teeth are held in place, and your bite is restored to its natural position. This can help improve the overall symmetry and balance of your face, and give you a more attractive appearance.

Learn more about your dental implant options at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre:

Who is a Good Candidate?

Of course, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. To be eligible for the procedure, you must have a healthy jawbone and gums and be in good overall health. Your dentist can assess your situation and decide whether dental implants are a good option for you.

The dentist and oral surgeon will perform the procedure in several stages if you’re a good candidate. First, the surgeon places the implant in your jawbone and allows it to fuse with the bone over several months. Once the implant fully integrates, your dentist will attach a dental crown to complete the restoration.

While the process may take several months from beginning to end, the results are well worth it. Dental implants provide a permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth.

How Dental Implants Feel and Function

One of the best things about dental implants is how natural they feel once they’ve healed. Implants become part of your mouth just like real teeth. You’ll be able to bite into an apple, chew steak, or enjoy crunchy snacks without worrying about your teeth slipping.

They don’t need special cleaning either. Just brush and floss them like you do to your other teeth. Many patients forget they even have implants because they feel so comfortable and function so normally. The crown on top is custom-made to match your other teeth in color and shape, so nobody will know which tooth is the implant.

Why Implants Are Worth the Investment

While dental implants may cost more upfront than other tooth replacement options, they’re often the most cost-effective choice in the long run. Properly cared-for implants can last a lifetime. They also help prevent expensive dental problems by preserving your jawbone and keeping surrounding teeth from shifting.

Many patients find the investment worthwhile for the convenience, confidence, and comfort implants provide. Some dental insurance plans now cover part of the cost, and many Plano dental offices offer payment plans to make implants more affordable.