Do you have one or more missing teeth? Are you suffering from a denture that slips or is uncomfortable? Longview Family Dental offers comprehensive treatment with dental implants in Longview, TX. We’re here to meet your tooth replacement needs with the best possible outcome.
Our dental care team can help you restore natural function and aesthetics with dental implants, giving you a new smile that feels like it has always been there. Longview Family Dental provides implants as a part of our restorative dental services in Longview, Texas. Restoring one or more missing teeth can improve your confidence and oral health.
What is a Dental Implant?
A single dental implant has several parts that work together to create a strong, long-lasting replacement for a missing tooth. Here’s a look at each component:
- Post: This is the foundation of the implant. This post acts as a replacement tooth root and is placed directly in the jawbone. Over time, the post fuses with the bone, making it secure and able to hold the new tooth firmly. The posts are made of titanium, a material that’s safe and commonly used in the medical field. Because the post is biocompatible, it works well with the body.
- Abutment: Once the post is securely fused with the jawbone, we add an abutment. This small metal piece connects the post to the visible part of the implant, like a crown, bridge, or denture. Abutments can be standard or angled, depending on the location of the implant and the type of restoration it will support.
- Prosthetic: The final piece is the prosthetic, or the replacement tooth itself. We will place a dental crown on the implant if you’re missing just one tooth. Also, we may use implants to support a dental bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. These prosthetics are custom-made by dental labs to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. They create a seamless, natural-looking smile.
How many implants do I need?
The number of implants you need will depend on your number of missing teeth and the type of restoration. However, we do not need to replace every missing tooth with an implant. We can use as few as four implants to support a tooth arch called All-on-Four. Instead of needing an implant for each missing tooth, this method places four implants in the jawbone to support an entire set of teeth.
These implants act like sturdy anchors to securely hold a new set of teeth. All-on-four is popular because it’s stable and can look and feel natural. It can be a great option for people who want a full smile with fewer implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Longview, TX
Today’s patients can enjoy options to meet their unique needs when replacing missing teeth. Our dentists will recommend using dental implants whenever possible because of their key benefits for oral health and quality of life. Implants:
- Reduce Bone Loss: When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area of the jaw can start to shrink. Dental implants help stabilize this bone, to keep it healthy and reduce the loss that can impact the appearance of your jawline. They act like tooth roots, to stimulate the jawbone.
- Support Normal Speech: With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about a denture slipping while you talk. Implants hold your new teeth securely in place so you can speak clearly and confidently. You can talk, laugh, and express yourself freely.
- Do Not Have Diet Restrictions: Dental implants let you eat the foods you love. Since your new teeth are firmly attached, you can bite and chew normally. You don’t need to avoid hard or crunchy foods. Implants are designed to handle the regular pressure of chewing, so you can enjoy a nutritious, varied diet and look forward to every meal.
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Implants don’t need support from nearby teeth, so we won’t have to reshape or alter your natural teeth to place them. Instead, the implant is set directly into the jawbone, so it functions just like a natural tooth root. This means that your surrounding teeth stay healthy and untouched. Also, your new tooth feels and acts like a natural part of your smile.
Am I an Implant Candidate?
We recommend dental implant treatment if you have:
- One or more missing teeth
- Healthy gums
- Healthy Jaw bone
- Good oral health
Many patients ask if they are too old for implant treatment. Dental implants do not have an age limit. As long as you are healthy, you can get implants. However, we will recommend treatments to help prepare you for your new teeth. We will treat tooth and gum infections, tooth damage, and other health problems beforehand for the best results.
Dental Implant Treatment in Longview, TX: What to Expect
We can use dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, a row of teeth, or a full arch of teeth. Our dentists will evaluate your tooth replacement needs, the condition of your smile, and the stability of your jawbone. Thorough diagnostics and treatment planning are essential for a healthy, comfortable, and lasting outcome.
Our dental care team will meet with you and create a personalized treatment plan for restoring your missing teeth. If your jawbone needs augmentation to support the implant, we will recommend a bone graft or sinus lift. In addition, if you have damaged or infected teeth or gums, we will recommend pretreatments. You must be healthy and have enough jaw bone to support your new restoration.
Placing the Post
The first step is surgically placing the titanium post into the jaw. We place the post directly into a healthy jawbone, where it acts as a prosthetic tooth root. During treatment, we use local anesthetic for your comfort. We may also place a healing cap.
Healing
After this procedure, you’ll need time to heal, which can take several weeks to a few months. During this healing period, the implant post will fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. This helps make it secure and long-lasting. It can take 3 to 6 months for the posts to heal.
Abutment Placement
We will place the abutment once the post and surrounding gum tissue have healed. This piece will connect the post to your restoration. Your gums will need time to heal after placement, which can take multiple weeks.
Final Restoration
This can be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. We will take dental impressions of your smile and send them to a dental lab. Our dentist will also make measurements and color-match your teeth for a natural appearance.
Once your gums heal fully, you will return to our office so we can place your final prosthesis. We will double-check the fit and color of your false teeth before we place them on the abutments.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Just like your natural teeth, you need to care for your dental implants after treatment in our Longview, TX, dental office. This is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and ensure the long-term success of your treatment.
Brush and Floss
A good oral hygiene routine is essential after implant treatment. Peri-implantitis is an infection that can lead to implant failure. Infection in the teeth and gums can destabilize the post. You can prevent infection when you brush and floss every day.
When you floss, you can use a floss threader or water flosser. These types of floss help you get under the restoration. When you brush, avoid abrasive toothpaste. These toothpastes can scratch the surfaces of your crowns. Instead, use a mild fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid Bad Habits
While implant restorations are durable, bad habits can damage them. After treatment, avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using teeth as tools. You can damage your natural teeth and implants.
We also recommend that patients stop smoking before treatment. Smoking or using tobacco products during the process can lead to implant failure. The nicotine restricts the blood vessels, which slows healing. As a result, your posts may not heal properly. You can begin smoking again 2 months after treatment.
Visit the Dentist
Please continue to schedule regular check-ups in our office. At these visits, we thoroughly clean your teeth and gums and examine your implants to ensure they stay stable. Exams and X-rays can also help us find any problems with your oral health or restorations early.
Ready to Learn More?
If you would like to explore your treatment options with dental implants in Longview, TX, or need a second opinion on tooth replacement, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. You may also call 903-662-7811.
If you have questions about treatment, we can answer them at your next visit. We will be glad to help you.