How Many Teeth Can be Supported With One Dental Implant?
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Having one or several missing teeth impedes your natural capacity to chew and to speak, but can also hinder your emotional health and self-confidence. At Riley Dental, Dr. Luke Riley and team work with men and women throughout Haslet, TX to meet their unique dental needs. One of our restorative dental services includes providing patients with dental implants to dramatically improve the appearance of their smile and their overall oral health.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as roots for artificial teeth. Implants can be connected to single crowns, bridges, or dentures to provide any number of missing teeth. At Riley Dental, Dr. Riley and his team of specialists work with you by assessing the current health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to see if dental implants are the appropriate treatment path for you.
Who are the Ideal candidates for dental implants?
Men and women are excellent candidates for dental implant surgery if they:
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Have one or several missing teeth
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Have recently had a tooth or several teeth extracted
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Have removable restorations that aren’t fitting properly
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Have a healthy jawbone and gums that support implants
Dr. Riley will review your personal and medical history to determine if you can safely undergo dental implant surgery. Prospective patients with active gum disease or breakdown of the jawbone may require surgical interventions and other periodontal treatments prior to receiving dental implants. Individuals who are pregnant or who are chronic tobacco users may not qualify for treatment.
How many teeth can be supported on one dental implant?
One dental implant may support a single artificial tooth. If a patient requires several teeth, Dr. Riley may recommend up to 2-6 dental implants to support a bridge. If a patient requires a full set of artificial teeth, then 4-8 dental implants may be required along the upper or lower jaw. The number of implants needed will be based on the patient’s unique needs and Dr. Riley’s professional recommendations.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Patients can enjoy multiple benefits from receiving dental implants, including:
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Long-lasting, reliable results
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Improved, stronger bite
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Enhanced speaking ability
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Natural-appearing outcomes
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Easy-to-clean fixtures
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Improved symmetry of the face and jaw
What is the dental implant surgical process like?
Dental implant surgery takes place at Riley Dental with the use of local anesthesia and/or sedation medication for enhanced comfort. Dr. Riley makes small incisions in the gums to place the implants directly into the jawbone. The incision in the gum is stitched closed and a temporary cover is placed over the implant to protect it over the coming months. Once your implant surgery is completed, you are free to return home for recovery.
What is recovery like after dental implant surgery?
Patients will experience temporary redness, discomfort, and minor bleeding at the incision sites which should subside within a few days. During the first few days, Dr. Riley will ask you to avoid brushing and flossing at and around the implant and to participate in a restricted, softened foods diet. Once you are permitted to do so, you can resume normal dental hygiene habits and your regular diet. Dental implants take several months to adhere to the jawbone. Once the dental implants are ready, you’ll return to our office to be fitted for your artificial teeth.
How long can dental implants last?
A dental implant is a permanent, restorative dental procedure designed to last for many years. The restorative fixtures attached to the implant generally last up to 30 years if properly cared for. Patients should attend routine dental check-ups to have their dental implants monitored and to make modifications when necessary.
Where to go to learn more about dental implants?
If you reside in or near Haslet, TX and are living with one or several missing teeth, or are unhappy with your current restorative fixtures, contact us at Riley Dental and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Luke Riley and team will gladly assist you in creating a customized restorative dental plan and determine if dental implant surgery is right for you.