Tooth loss can be a scary thing. It can be hard to believe that such a small loss can have such a large impact upon your day-to-day life. Even harder to accept is the fact that the missing tooth or teeth are gone forever. Fortunately, dental implants can replace missing teeth with functional and lifelike prosthetics. To help you discover more about these dental miracles, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, is answering your most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
How do dental implants replace missing teeth?
The dental implant has three parts: the crown, the post, and the abutment. The crown is the prosthetic that is visible above the gum line. It is custom made to mimic the appearance of nearby teeth for an outstanding cosmetic result. The post is a titanium rod that is inserted into the jaw. Once in the jaw, it fuses with the bone and acts as an anchor for the crown. The crown attaches to the post by means of the third part of the dental implant, the abutment.
I’ve heard dental implants can prevent tooth loss. How?
Dental implants restore nutrition to the area vacated by the lost tooth. When a tooth’s root no longer resides in the jaw, the body stops sending nutrients to it, recognizing that it is gone. This process sometimes causes further tooth loss because nearby teeth can suffer from malnutrition when the nutrient flow stops. However, when a dental implant is placed in the jaw, the body recognizes the implant’s post as a tooth root and begins sending nutrients again.
Can anyone receive a dental implant?
Some people may not be eligible to receive a dental implant if they do not have enough quality bone available to support the dental implant. In cases like these, bone grafting may supply the necessary bone to allow the placement of the dental implant.
Dental Implants in Grand Prairie
Has one of your teeth fallen out? Are you looking for a quality restoration? Schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today to discuss how dental implants can restore your smile. Contact our 75052 dental office by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.
