Dental Implants
Wylie, Texas
If you've experienced tooth loss from injury or disease, dental implants offer a path to restore or even improve your smile. These prosthetics work well whether replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth.
How They Function
A dental implant consists of a titanium metal post that substitutes for a missing tooth's root. Your dentist attaches a replacement tooth to this post—either permanently secured or removable, with permanent options providing greater stability and a more natural feel.
Ideal Candidates
An optimal candidate demonstrates these characteristics:
- Non-smoking status
- Good oral hygiene maintenance
- Healthy gums without disease
Single or Multiple Applications
Implants address various tooth loss scenarios:
- One missing tooth requires one implant and crown
- Multiple consecutive missing teeth can be supported by strategically placed implants holding a permanent bridge
- Complete tooth loss can be resolved with a full bridge or denture anchored by multiple implants
Comparison to Alternatives
Unlike bridges and dentures, implants attach directly to bone, providing superior stability. They look, feel, and act more natural, just like your natural teeth and offer stronger biting force. Implants preserve neighboring teeth's integrity and typically last a lifetime versus 7-10 years for bridges.
Maintenance Requirements
Treat implants like natural teeth—brush and floss twice daily and maintain regular dental visits for optimal longevity.