The American Dental Association (ADA) touts the development and use of dental implants as one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Of all the tooth replacement options, dental implants are by far the best, delivering unmatched stability, function, and durability. Visit Simon Family Dental to determine whether implant dentistry is right for you!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screw-shaped titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jawbone to mimic the function of your missing tooth roots. They provide incredibly stable and secure foundations to support replacement teeth that are made to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
What Are the Types of Implant Restorations?
At Simon Family Dental, we offer implant crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
- Implant Crowns: A dental crown placed on an implant provides an incredibly stable tooth replacement solution for a single tooth, fully restoring its form and function.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported dentures are secured to dental implants, restoring two or more adjacent teeth with incredibly lifelike results.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Also known as overdentures, implant-supported dentures draw on traditional denture technology and implant dentistry to replace several teeth or a complete arch of teeth with unmatched comfort, function, and aesthetics.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only restorations that act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the bone in your jaw and preventing bone atrophy resulting from extended tooth loss. They provide an incredibly stable foundation to support implant restorations that look and feel like natural teeth.
Because implants are anchored in the jaw, you'll be able to bite and chew just as you would with your natural teeth. Imagine eating all your favorite foods without restriction and speaking clearly without worrying about your replacement teeth shifting or slipping. Better yet, your implant restorations will support your facial structure, maintaining your youthful appearance.
Implant dentistry is highly predictable, with more than a 95 percent success rate. Unlike dentures and dental bridges that need replacement at some point, your implant restorations offer a long-term restoration solution, with the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper care.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Good candidates for implant restoration must be willing to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, refrain from smoking or tobacco use, and be in good oral and overall health. They also need to have sufficient bone density to support the implant. However, if you have bone loss, Dr. Simon may recommend performing a bone graft to rebuild the bone in the area and allow you to enjoy the many benefits implant dentistry offers.
What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dr. Simon will use our cutting-edge cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system to capture high-quality 3D images, providing a closer look at the area that a normal x-ray cannot obtain. That enables him to assess where to place the implant post and ensure the bone is in suitable shape and density. CBCT scans minimize the risk of problems, such as nerve damage, promoting the safety and success of the procedure.
Dr. Simon will place the titanium implant in your jawbone and wait for the area to heal, which typically takes a few months. During the healing period, the implant will fuse to the bone in a process known as osseointegration. The next step is placing a connector called an abutment and waiting once again for the soft tissues to heal. The last step is attaching your implant restoration that's designed to blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Dental Implants Near Me in Tyler, TX
If you're missing one or more of your teeth, visit Simon Family Dental today. Dr. Simon will evaluate your unique needs and explain the dental implant process. Are you ready to restore your oral health and your beautiful, functional smile? We invite you to call our office at 903-213-9799 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!