Many dentists advocate dental implants as the best way to replace missing teeth, and for good reason. These little marvels can preserve your bone and last a lifetime. They also look very natural and are strong enough to stand up to pretty much any food you’re craving. But exactly how many teeth can dental implants in Harris County replace? They may be perfect for you regardless of how many empty spaces you have in your mouth.
Getting Started
Replacing your missing teeth begins with a consultation at your dentist’s office. They’ll have to make sure your bone is healthy enough to support implants and that you’re free of gum disease. Once the preliminary examination is complete, you and your oral surgeon can talk about how many implants you need to achieve the results you want.
Single-Tooth Replacement
The dental implant process is fairly straightforward if you’re only missing one tooth. Your dentist in Harris County will insert a single implant, which is a small titanium post, into your jaw. Your body will bond with the implant over the next few months, enabling it to act like a natural tooth root. Then, your new artificial pearly white will get attached to the implant.
You might wonder, though, if getting an implant is worth it if you only have one missing tooth. The answer is yes! An implant can prevent your other teeth from drifting out of place, and it offers significant cosmetic benefits as well.
Replacing Multiple Teeth
If you’re missing two or more teeth in a row, your dentist might suggest that you get an implant-supported bridge. These offer a huge advantage over traditional bridges, which use crowns on your natural teeth to support your new pearl whites. The placement of those crowns requires that your dentist files down your teeth. With implants, your remaining natural teeth can stay intact. Furthermore, an implant-retained bridge is much stronger than its traditional counterpart.
Implant-supported partial dentures may be an option for you if your tooth loss is a bit more extensive. Your dentist will strategically place your implants so they provide the best possible support for your new smile. You may need to have one or more of your natural teeth extracted in order for your implant process to be as efficient and effective as possible.
Full-Mouth Replacement
If circumstances have caused you to lose all of your teeth, implants may still work for you. Your surgeon can place four to six implants that will serve as the base for an entire row of teeth. You may end up with a permanently fixed implant-retained denture or a removable prosthesis that snaps onto the implants.
If you’re tired of dealing with the gaps in your smile, dental implants in Harris County may be able to help! Your dentist will be happy to help you get on the road to a restored smile.
About the Implant Dentist
Dr. Alan Arrington is your implant expert in Harris County. He has undergone extensive training in implant placement, bone grafts, and more. If you would like to talk to him about replacing your missing teeth, please contact our office at 706-628-0011.