Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Richardson

If you have a tooth missing, then the most obvious consequence is looking right back at you in the mirror: that gaping hole in your smile. However, there are other considerations beyond your appearance that make replacing missing teeth very important. Dental implants are an ideal option for tooth replacement, because they look like just like natural teeth and they can help you avoid several other oral health troubles. For dental implants in Richardson, trust the team at EPO Dental Specialists.

Why Replace Teeth?

The consequences of tooth loss go well beyond what meets the eye. Even one missing tooth can lead to a number of problems. For example, some people are not able to eat a variety of healthy foods that need to be part of a well balanced diet. Tooth loss also increases your risk of decay in remaining teeth as well as the development of gum disease. Finally, in an attempt to fill the open space, adjacent may shift out of position, leading to bite and alignment problems. For these reasons and more, tooth replacement is important.

What are Dental Implants?

According to your periodontist in Richardson, a dental implant is a prosthetic that replaces the entire tooth structure from root to crown. The implant, which is made of the biocompatible metal titanium, is surgically set in your jawbone below the socket of a missing tooth. After four to six months of healing when the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, a porcelain crown, partial or denture is secured to the implanted post and your smile is whole again.

The Advantages of Dental Implants in Richardson

Of course, there are other tooth replacement options such as a fixed bridge or denture. But these merely sit on top of your gums. Dental implants, however, are embedded in bone beneath gum tissue and that provides two important advantages.

First, the implant anchors the new tooth restoration with a secure foundation. You’ll never have to worry about a denture that slides or a partial that clicks, because implants act like roots holding your new tooth in place.

Secondly, dental implants encourage healthy new bone tissue growth. Every time you bite, roots stimulate your jawbone. Without a root, however, your jaw begins to degenerate. This is often a problem when teeth have been missing for a while. Degeneration can also happen with a partial or full denture that rests on your gums; the denture may fill out your cheeks, but bone tissue is still missing the important stimulation that roots provide. This problem is eliminated with dental implants.

For a tooth replacement that looks and performs just like a natural tooth, come see your periodontist in Richardson for dental implants.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Yaritza Vazquez earned her certificate in advanced graduate studies in General Practice Residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She then completed her residency in Periodontics at Boston University and earned her master’s degree in oral biology. During her residency, she refined her skills in cosmetic surgeries and implant placements. To learn more about her dental implant treatments and practice, contact her at (972) 861-1114 or visit her website.