Although it may be tempting to think a single missing tooth doesn’t cause problems, some of the consequences of missing teeth may not be obvious until damage has occurred. The potential impacts of tooth loss include shifting of surrounding teeth and painful misalignment, jawbone deterioration and related facial changes, gum recession, periodontal disease, and diminished oral and general health. When you receive dental implants in Melissa, TX, they stimulate your jawbone like natural tooth roots, halting bone resorption and preventing future bone loss.
A dental implant is a screw-like post that assumes the role of a missing tooth root to form a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. The abutment protrudes above your gumline, functioning as a connector between the post and prosthetic tooth. The crown, or bridge, is placed after the implants fuse with your underlying bone. The three dental implant components work together to restore a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and professional care. At Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, we offer titanium and zirconia dental implants that restore your ability to eat the foods you love, smile and laugh confidently, and experience a better quality of life!
Dental implants offer extraordinary stability and can dramatically improve smile function and appearance. A single three-part implant replaces your missing tooth, from the root to the crown, seamlessly blending in with your natural dental arch. Whether you get a titanium or ceramic dental implant at Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, the final crown is attached after the implant fully integrates with your jawbone in an osseointegration process.
With traditional bridges, two healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth must be modified and crowned to support the false tooth (pontic) in the middle. Because the missing tooth root isn’t replaced, bone loss continues under the false tooth. Implant-supported bridges at Magnolia Ridge Dentistry are a more permanent option for replacing a single tooth or several missing teeth in a row. The bridge typically comprises two or more artificial teeth connected and attached to the implant abutments.
During your consultation with Dr. Kathleen Schuster, she’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and assess your overall oral health. She’ll also review your medical history and evaluate your bone density and volume using digital X-rays and a cone beam computed tomography scanner.
If the exam and imaging indicate you’re a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Schuster will discuss treatment options and the cost of dental implants in Melissa, TX, and explain the timeline and process for restoring your smile. If you have gum disease, this must be resolved first, and if your underlying bone is inadequate, a bone augmentation procedure may be necessary.
Sometimes, a tooth can be extracted on the same day as implant surgery. Dental implant surgery is performed under sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort. A small incision is made in your gum tissue in a predetermined site where the implant will be placed.
After the small gum incision is made, a small hole is carefully drilled in the bone to surgically insert the implant. After surgery, the incision in your gums is stitched and allowed to heal. With our in-house CEREC® milling capabilities, we can create your custom-made crown or bridge on the same day! This means you never have to go without your complete smile.
Your oral health, well-being, and comfort are always a priority at Magnolia Ridge Dentistry. During follow-up appointments, Dr. Schuster will thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw, checking the condition of your gums, teeth, and implants for potential problems. Digital X-rays may be taken to assess whether implants are properly fusing with your jawbone and evaluate your bite and alignment.
During healing, you may need to eat a soft diet and avoid applying excessive pressure to the implant site(s). During osseointegration, the bone cells in your jawbone grow around the implant and anchor it securely. An implant typically takes three to six months to fuse and form a strong and stable foundation for the restoration. Once this process is complete, you’ll return to our practice, and Dr. Schuster will fit you with a beautiful permanent crown or bridge.
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