If you have lost a tooth, you may feel ashamed or embarrassed by the gap in your smile. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we want everyone to be happy with their smile, and we have the solutions to make that possible. In today’s blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentist will discuss the ways in which dental implants work together with restorations like dental crowns to completely replace your natural teeth, restoring your healthy, full smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants refer to titanium posts that, when you lose a tooth to decay, an accident, or for any other reason, can be implanted into your jawbone where your natural tooth’s roots used to be. In this way, they act just like natural tooth roots, even sending the same signals to your jaw when you chew that there is a tooth present, which, in turn, sends the message to your body that your jaw needs more essential nutrients to keep it strong enough to support all of your teeth.

How They Work With Restorations

The posts themselves replace your tooth roots, but you need a restoration on top of each to fully replace your natural tooth with a natural looking restored tooth. After you have healed from the implantation, these restorations are permanently adhered to the posts that are permanently implanted in your jawbone to create a restored smile that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures

While we may suggest gold or PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns for heavy chewing teeth like your back molars, your front teeth can be replaced by porcelain crowns that completely mimic the look of your natural teeth, as we want you to feel comfortable and confident with your nearly unnoticeable new smile. While dental implants work well to replace single teeth, they are also a great option for replacing several or all of your teeth! In these cases, the dental lab will create a custom dental bridge or set of dentures instead of replacing each tooth individually. While these will be similar to traditional bridges and dentures, they will have the added bonus of the implant posts as tooth roots, which will keep your jaw healthy and allow your dentures and bridges to be permanently adhered within your mouth, allowing you to brush and floss as usual without worrying about having to take out your dentures or having your remaining natural teeth supporting your dental bridge.

If You Have Questions, Call Us!

If you are concerned about missing teeth and how they are affecting your dental health, dental implants may be your lasting solution. In our office, we can help with any questions or concerns you may have. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227.