The irony of the situation is almost overwhelming. You’re in the middle of the Fort Worth Stockyards, yet you haven’t been able to eat steak in years. Your missing teeth have made it entirely too difficult, plus just saying the word “steak” usually makes your lisp. You planned on having a good time today, but all you can think about is food that you can’t actually eat. Dr. David Tillman knows that all can change with dental implants in Fort Worth, TX.
What Are Dental Implants?
When a tooth has gone missing either due to decay or damage, the only dental procedure that can restore it completely is a dental implant. It not only replaces the part of the tooth that appears above the gum line, but the root as well. Dental implants are composed of 3 parts:
- A titanium root
- A metal connection called an abutment
- A porcelain crown
This new root serves two purposes. Firstly, it creates a new support for your tooth just like the original root. It also helps stimulate blood flow to the jaw and gums, maintaining their overall health. The crown serves to restore the tooth both aesthetically and functionally. The high-quality ceramic used not only replicates the shape, size, and color of a tooth, but its natural strength as well. These two are then connected by the abutment, which also supports the crown from the inside. Dental implants are one of the most versatile ways to replace missing teeth, because they can replace a single tooth, support a bridge, or help anchor a set of dentures.
What Is The Procedure Like?
Dental implants involve a simple 3 step procedure:
- You will be referred to a local oral surgeon who will actually place the titanium root into your gums.
- You will be given 3-6 months to heal, as well as allow the roots to firmly bond to your jawbone.
- Your final visit is when Dr. Tillman will replace your crown.
The first part of the procedure involves a minor surgery, so you will be under a gentle type of general anesthesia to assure you comfort. The healing time allows the body to start naturally increasing the blow flow to your jaw, helping to facilitate the growth of soft tissue that will help support the tooth. We will use CEREC technology to help create your crown, which utilizes an advanced scanner and design software to give you a better result in less time. Dental implants are extremely reliable. They have a 98% success rate when properly maintained, which only entails routine brushing and flossing.
Are They Right For Me?
A good candidate for dental implants must have decent overall health, as well as an adequate amount of jawbone to house the root. If the jaw is too thin or brittle, a bone graph may be advised. Missing teeth do not have to be a life sentence anymore. If you think dental implants might be the way to help restore your missing teeth, please make an appointment with Dr. Tillman, your dentist in Fort Worth, TX, today.