Simple Tooth Extraction

Tooth loss has far-reaching effects on your health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Without our teeth, we encounter great difficulty eating and speaking. Moreover, an incomplete smile has profound psychological effects on a person. The trauma of tooth loss can leave people feeling depressed, isolated, and helpless.

Fortunately, there are ways to address tooth loss that are superior to methods and techniques of the past. In the past, most people relied on conventional dentures for multiple/total tooth replacement. While conventional dentures are still helpful, they can perform better when stabilized by permanent prosthetics like dental implants. Dental implants are used to secure dentures in place. This will prevent prosthetic teeth from moving during an oral function.

The Power of a New Smile

Some people might forego visiting a dentist to review their tooth replacement options. Many times, foregoing receiving replacement teeth is due to people feeling embarrassed and ashamed of their tooth loss. At Meyerland Complete Dental Care, we understand the delicate nature of losing teeth. We know that tooth loss makes life difficult for our patients. This is why we address tooth loss with compassion and without judgment. Our mission is to improve the lives and health of our guests.

The positive impact replacement teeth have is astounding. When our patients receive their new teeth, they report feeling a surge of confidence and a more positive outlook on life in general. Having new teeth can prevent edentulous patients from feeling depressed or socially anxious. Moreover, the oral function is greatly increased. Diminished oral function caused by tooth loss can contribute to malnutrition as eating without teeth is very cumbersome.

Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement

Conventional dentures rely on the arch of the jaw for support. While the shape of the jaw can hold a full denture, it is not always ideal – especially if a patient has lost significant bone to atrophy. Bone loss, which commonly affects patients with missing teeth, will affect the way that dentures fit. As the bone in the jaw changes shape, dentures will begin to move during an oral function. This is why many people become frustrated with their replacement teeth. In fact, dentures can fit so poorly that people turn to messy adhesives to hold their new teeth in place.

Dental implants are used to solve the problem of bone atrophy and ill-fitting dentures. By attaching dentures to dental implants, people can enjoy replacement teeth that will not budge. The reason dental implants are ideal for increasing the functionality of dentures is that dental implants essentially function like the roots of teeth. An implant is embedded into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure. Over time, bone in the jaw will fuse to the implant. Bone fusing to dental implants is what allows these prosthetics to replace tooth structure beneath the surface of the gums.

dental implants Mid-Cities OMS | Colleyville, TX

Advanced Prosthetics for Optimal Oral Function

dental prosthetics Mid-Cities OMS | Colleyville, TX

There are abundant reasons to choose advanced prosthetics for replacement teeth over conventional dentures. Since All-on-4, overdentures, and hybrid dentures all utilize fixed prosthetics like dental implants to secure dentures, patients can enjoy lifelike replacement teeth that can withstand occlusal forces for ideal oral function. Moreover, dental implants will help patients keep a youthful appearance by slowing down bone deterioration – an issue that often accompanies tooth loss.

In addition to providing unprecedented support, implant supported dentures are made from the highest quality materials to ensure beautiful replacement teeth.

Each denture is custom made for a patient from very exact specifications. It is important that the dimensions of dentures are very precise so that they fit properly, look natural, and feel comfortable.

All-on-4

All-on-4 is a specific method for securing a set of dentures to multiple dental implants. Four dental implants are placed in very strategic locations throughout the jaw. This is done so that the occlusal forces associated with eating food are evenly distributed.

Overdentures and Hybrid Dentures

Overdentures are advanced prosthetic teeth that are supported by dental implants. These types of prosthetic teeth may be fixed to dental implants permanently or removable. If an overdenture is fixed to dental implants, a few implants can be used to hold the arch of prosthetic teeth in place. Other overdentures can be retained by a bar that fits over dental implants. Bar-retained overdentures are removable and feature mechanisms to clasp onto the bar attached to dental implants.

Like overdentures, hybrid dentures rely on dental implants for stability and support. Hybrid dentures are fixed in place by dental implants or by a bar placed over dental implants. With hybrid dentures, patients cannot remove their prosthetic teeth themselves. They must be removed by a trained oral health professional.

Hybrid Dentures | Mid-Cities OMS | Colleyville, TX

If you have questions about tooth loss or your tooth replacement options, call us today to reserve an appointment. Our team will be happy to explain your treatment options to you.

Common Questions about Advanced Prosthetics

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic used to replace the missing roots of teeth. Dental implants are cylinder-shaped components made from titanium. They can come in various diameters to accommodate the unique needs of a patient. Most dental implants are less than ten millimeters in diameter, making them small enough to replace the roots of teeth but substantial enough to support restorations and prosthetics attached to them.

Once a dental implant is stable, patients will receive their permanent restoration. Patients in need of single tooth replacement will have a crown attached to an abutment on their dental implant to complete the tooth replacement process. Sometimes, dental implants are used to hold bridges, which can replace several consecutive teeth. In other instances, a series of dental implants can be embedded throughout the jaw to support a full denture.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are excellent replacement teeth for many people. These prosthetics and the restorations they support are the closest a person can have to biological teeth. While implants are ideal for many people, they are not right for everyone.

People who have advanced gum disease, experienced bone atrophy, or have certain health conditions that affect one’s ability to heal after oral surgery might not be candidates for dental implants. The only way to be sure that implants are right for your needs is to have a consultation with our dentist. After reviewing your oral health history and examining the gums and jaws, we can determine the best tooth replacement method for your situation.

How are dental implants placed?

Dental implants are placed through a surgical procedure. The implant is loaded into the jawbone. During the placement process, necessary medication will be administered to ensure that our patients are comfortable. Once the implant is placed, patients will enter a recovery phase of treatment. This important phase is where the process of osseointegration (bone fusing to titanium) begins, which is what stabilizes the dental implant. After the implant is stable, a person will receive the restoration that attaches to his or her dental implant. The restoration replaces the visible surfaces of teeth while the dental implant replaces the roots.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants can vary from person to person. Moreover, an individual’s unique circumstances can increase the complexity of treatment. Since a patient’s costs can vary, it is best to speak with our staff after your initial dental implant consultation. We can give a projected estimate of costs based on our dentist’s specific treatment recommendations.