When it comes to replacing lost teeth, you have options. From dental bridges to dentures, a number of tooth replacement treatments are available. Dental implants represent the latest and most secure option for restoring your smile to full function and health. Dr. Ryan Knight of Fort Worth Cosmetic and Family Dentistry explains the advantages of this unique tooth replacement option and which patients will benefit the most.
Restoring Your Smile Quiz
- True or False: This option preserves facial features.
- True or False: This option lasts longer than bridges or dentures.
- True or False: Patients with healthy gums qualify for this procedure.
- True or False: This prosthesis can be used to secure a full set of dentures.
Answer Key
- True. One of the major impacts tooth loss has involves our facial structure. Losing teeth causes the body to deprive that area of the jawbone of crucial nutrients, causing the jawbone to deteriorate. Loss of jawbone density leads to facial collapse and causes the person to appear significantly older. This innovative prosthesis is made from biocompatible titanium posts that are inserted directly into the jawbone. The body recognizes them as natural tooth roots, resuming the flow of nutrients and halting jawbone loss. You can then maintain your facial structure.
- True. Most dental prostheses only replace the visible portion of the tooth and will require occasional adjustment and/or replacement. Dental bridges offer between 10 and 15 years of restorations, while dentures may need adjustment every five years. Implants however, replace every part of the tooth and can last as long as 25 years.
- True. We have prostheses that can be placed for patients with jawbone loss or jawbones that aren’t wide enough to support traditional dental implants. However, patients must maintain healthy gum tissue. Advanced periodontal disease, or periodontitis, can lead to adult tooth loss and cause implant failure. Before receiving this dental prosthesis, you may require periodontal treatment.
- True. In addition to restoring a single lost tooth, we can place multiple titanium posts in order to support a fixed dental bridge or a full set of dentures. This provides prostheses that don’t require adjustment and can potentially last for decades.
Looking for an option to replace a lost tooth? Then talk to Dr. Knight about our options for giving you a complete smile. If you have any questions about maintaining oral health, call our Fort Worth dental office today at (817) 737-6601 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ryan Knight.
