Warren Dentistry is now Westview Dentistry. New name, same great team!
Warren Dentistry is now Westview Dentistry. New name, same great team!
Dental implants are titanium anchors surgically placed into the jawbone to support tooth replacements. They provide a stable foundation for single tooth restorations, bridges, or dentures. Implants fuse with the bone through osseointegration, offering a durable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. The most common use is replacing a single missing tooth.
A dental implant for the replacement of one missing tooth contains three important components.
– Implant body – The dental implant body replaces the root of the missing tooth by creating a solid connection with the surrounding jawbone. The implant body resides underneath the gums and is not visible to the naked eye.
– Abutment – The abutment attaches to the implant body and protrudes out of the gums. It serves as the core structure onto which your dentist builds the dental restoration.
– Implant crown – Just as a dental crown replaces and restores a damaged tooth, an implant crown replaces a missing tooth. It covers the abutment and reestablishes normal tooth shape, appearance, and function.
When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, a dental implant is as close as dentistry gets to a natural tooth. For that reason, the list of pros is much longer than the cons:
– Most natural appearance – Because dental implants create a restoration that emerges out of the gums in the same way that a natural tooth does, the result is the most esthetic, natural-looking tooth replacement when compared to other options.
– Best chewing function – A dental implant receives its strength from the jawbone, not relying on the support of other teeth as other tooth replacement options do.
– Preserves and protects surrounding teeth – Because an implant anchors within the bone, it does not require any preparation of or adjustment to adjacent teeth. In fact, the dental implant makes the neighboring teeth healthier because the implant puts no burden on them at all.
– Highest long-term success rate – A properly placed and maintained dental implant has a success rate higher than 95% at ten years. This is higher than any other tooth replacement option.
Preserves jawbone – The jawbone exists to hold teeth. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone slowly shrinks. By placing a dental implant, you prevent any shrinkage of jawbone and protect it for any future weight-bearing needs.
– Easiest to care for – As the dental implant leads to a tooth-like restoration, you can brush and floss it normally. There is no connection between the implant crown and the surrounding teeth. It is freestanding.
Because we respect each individual’s unique needs and desires, we take dental implants on a case-by-case basis. Some patients may undergo implant placement surgery in our office, and we refer others with complex medical needs or a desire for sedation to an oral surgeon. The recovery from a dental implant is easier than from an extraction. You may experience mild pain in the surgical site for up to a week.
Once the bone heals around the implant, your dentist will perform the remainder of the implant process and restore this once missing tooth to full function! An implant crown is much simpler than a dental crown because there is no preparation necessary. Your doctor selects the appropriate size and shape abutment and communicates this to the dental lab. We take a digital scan or mold or your teeth, including the location of the implant below the gums, to send to the lab for them to make your final crown. The lab returns the abutment and crown for its delivery. Your dentist confirms the correct fit and function before permanently cementing it into place.
For more information on dental implants, read our blog on A Guide to Restorative Dentistry.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Fort Worth, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.