The days of false teeth and removable bridges are waning. In their place has risen the future of restorative dentistry: the dental implant. This marvelous dental miracle is as close as medicine has come to replacing a missing tooth with another living tooth. But just what is it that makes the dental implant special. Your Waco dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke, explains the many benefits of dental implants.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants represent the current pinnacle of restorative dentistry because they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The dental implant is made up of three parts: the post, the crown, and the abutment. The post is inserted into the gums and jawbone where it fuses with the bone to form a firm foundation for the implant. Because of the post, the implant is permanently in position and will not move or shift even if a patient eats tough foods like apples or steaks.
The crown is the portion of the implant that is visible above the gum line. The crown is custom made to blend in with surrounding teeth, allowing for a nice cosmetic touch that can restore your smile. The crown attaches to the post by means of the abutment, which is sturdy and keeps the crown from moving or twisting.
Patients with dental implants are able to treat their new teeth as though they are natural teeth. They can eat a wide variety of foods without worry, and they can care for the implants as though they are regular teeth. However, the dental implants provide still more benefits. They actually act to prevent certain complications associated with tooth loss. These complications include the domino effect (further tooth loss following the first lost tooth), a loss of bone density in the jaw, and facial collapse. Dental implants prevent these complications because of the presence of the post in the jawbone. The post stimulates the jaw, triggering the body to restore the flow of nutrients to the area, which stopped when the tooth was lost.
Dental Implants in Waco
Do you have a missing tooth or teeth? Dental implants can restore your teeth and your quality of life. Schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Waco dentist, Dr. Locke, today by calling 254-776-4888. Our 76172 dental office serves patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.