Do you have tooth loss or need a tooth extraction? Wesley Dental offers affordable dental implants in Greenville, TX, to replace missing teeth. Tooth implants are an excellent restorative dentistry treatment that can restore one or more missing teeth. With this tooth replacement solution, we can restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
When you lose a permanent tooth, it doesn’t just change the look of your smile—it can also lead to several other dental and health problems. If you ever lose a tooth or need one extracted, here’s why it’s important to consider replacing it:
Eating and Speaking
Missing teeth make it harder to chew your food properly, which can impact your ability to eat a balanced diet. Chewing is an essential first step in digestion, so not being able to chew well can lead to problems with nutrition. In addition, missing teeth can make it harder to speak clearly. This can affect your confidence when communicating with others.
Preventing Shifting Teeth
When there’s a space in your mouth from a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill that space. This shifting creates gaps and can lead to crooked or misaligned teeth, which may cause bite problems over time. Misaligned teeth are also harder to clean, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Supporting Your Jaw and Facial Structure
Your teeth play a key role in keeping your jawbone strong and maintaining the shape of your face. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area begins to weaken and shrink. This bone loss can eventually lead to changes in the shape of your face, giving it a sunken appearance and making you look older.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a sophisticated method we use to replace missing teeth. The parts of a dental implant consist of the post, the abutment, and the dental restoration.
Implant Post
The post is a substitute for a missing tooth root. This small, cylinder-shaped post is made of titanium, a high-quality metal that is strong yet lightweight. We place the implant fixture in the jaw, where it will fuse to the bone.
Implants come in various sizes to accommodate different locations along the upper and lower arches. The three basic sizes of implants are:
- Standard: A standard-sized dental implant typically has a diameter of 3.5mm to 4.2mm.
- Wide Platform: A wide platform dental implant has a diameter of about 4.5mm to 6mm.
- Mini: A mini dental implant has a diameter of about 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm.
Abutment
The abutment is a small metal piece we attach to the post. It requires a minor procedure to open the gums to uncover the implants, and then our dentist places the abutment.
Sometimes, we immediately place a healing abutment on the implant, and this second minor procedure is unnecessary. Then, we replace the healing abutment with the permanent one.
Dental Restoration
The dental restoration is the piece that will replace your missing teeth. You may get a dental crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you are missing and where they used to sit.
A dental crown can replace a single tooth, while dental bridges and dentures replace multiple missing teeth. We take impressions to create custom dental restorations that fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Greenville, TX
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. The long-term benefits of dental implants include:
Jaw Bone Support
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they protect and support the jaw bone. They are the only tooth replacement option that helps prevent bone loss in the jaw. We place the implant directly into the jaw bone during treatment, much like a natural tooth root. This stimulates the jaw and keeps it strong and healthy.
A Stable Bite
Dental implants also provide a stable and secure bite. Once the implant is in place, it is extremely strong and durable, allowing it to hold the dental restoration (like a crown) securely. This stability helps restore full bite function, letting you eat, chew, and talk confidently.
Unlike dentures, which can sometimes shift or slip out of place, dental implants stay firmly rooted in your jaw. You don’t have to worry about them moving around.
Natural Look
Implant restorations are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Because they’re custom-made, implants blend in with your natural teeth, so people won’t even know you have them. This natural look helps you feel confident in your smile, allowing you to go about your daily activities without worrying about how your teeth look or function.
Better Quality of Life
Dental implants can make a big difference in your quality of life. Many people who replace their missing teeth with tooth implants feel happier and more confident in their everyday lives. New teeth make it easier to enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment?
Treatment with dental implants in our Greenville, TX, dental office will be right for you if you have:
Healthy Bone Density
You need a strong, healthy jawbone to support the dental implant post. When we place an implant, it acts like the root of a natural tooth. It needs solid bone around it to stay stable and durable over time. If you do not have enough jaw bone, we will recommend grafting.
Healthy Gums
Gum disease can affect the stability of implants, so your gums should be free from infections and in good condition. If you have gum disease, we must treat it first. Infections can increase the risk of implant failure.
Good Overall Health
Certain health conditions can impact healing. If you have conditions like diabetes or heart disease, they should be well-managed before you consider dental implants. Healing after surgery is crucial for the success of the implant, and good health can make this process smoother.
The Dental Implant Process in Greenville, TX
Before treatment, we will check that your mouth is in good health and has enough jaw bone to support the implant. We will provide gum disease treatment, tooth extraction, or bone grafting if needed. Once you are healthy, we can begin.
Here’s what you can expect during each step of the dental implant process:
Implant Placement
The first step in your implant journey is placing the dental implant post. We carefully position the implant into your jawbone beneath the gum line. You will not feel any pain during this treatment.
Healing
Over the next three to six months, the implant will go through a healing process called osseointegration, where it naturally fuses with the jaw bone. This step helps the post feel like a natural tooth root. While healing, we’ll monitor your progress to ensure everything is going well and determine when to move to the next step.
Abutment Placement
Once your implants heal, we place the abutment. This small piece connects the post to the final restoration. Then, we start crafting your custom dental restoration. We work closely with local dental labs to design restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Final Placement
After your gums heal, we will place your crown, bridge, or denture. This is the last step in the dental implant process, and it’s when you’ll finally see and feel your new, complete smile. It may take some time to adjust to the feel of your new teeth, but don’t worry—we’ll be here to support you through the adjustment period and answer your questions.
Dental Implant FAQs
We have answers to some of the most common questions patients have about dental implants in Greenville, TX:
How many dental implants can you have at once?
There’s no strict limit on how many dental implants you can get. It depends on your oral health, bone density, and treatment plan. Some patients can get multiple implants in a single session. We can advise you on what’s best for your situation.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There’s no upper age limit for tooth implants. As long as you’re in good health and have adequate bone density, you can be a candidate at any age. Many seniors successfully receive implants. Your overall health and oral are more essential than your age.
How do you care for dental implants?
Dental implants provide easy maintenance. You can brush and floss your implants like natural teeth. Depending on your restoration, we can recommend water flossers or threaded floss to make cleaning easier.
Can you still get dental implants with bone loss?
Yes, you can still get dental implants despite bone loss. Sometimes, you simply need a bone graft to build up the bone before treatment.
A bone graft is a procedure for adding new bone material to your jaw. We use it when there’s insufficient natural bone to support an implant. The graft encourages new bone growth, creating a strong base for your new tooth.
How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?
The time you go without teeth when getting dental implants can vary depending on your situation, but we do our best to minimize that time.
In some cases, if you are getting an implant, your dentist may be able to provide you with a temporary tooth on the same day as the implant surgery. This means you won’t have to go without a tooth while you heal. However, this depends on how many implants you get and your oral health.
In other cases, you might need to wait a few months before getting your final tooth, called a crown, placed on the implant. This waiting period allows your jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant.
Will I be put under for dental implants?
Most dental implant procedures use local anesthesia to numb the area so you stay awake but don’t feel pain. If you’re anxious or are having multiple implants, we may use sedation or general anesthesia. We will discuss the best option to keep you comfortable.
Get Dental Implants in Greenville, TX
Wesley Dental offers dental implant and oral surgery options to various communities in the Texas area. We serve Greenville, White Rock, Neylandville, Commerce, Campbell, Cumby, Miller Grove, Lone Oak Point, East Tawakoni, and West Tawakoni. We also serve Hawk Cove, Quinlan, Cash, Hendrix, Caddo Mills, Clinton, Floyd, Josephine, Farmersville, Merit, Arnold, and Celeste.
Call Wesley Dental when you are ready to replace your lost teeth at 903-270-5279. You may also schedule an appointment with us online.