Can You Use Dental Implants to Replace Your Front Teeth?

Without your front teeth, you’re likely to have a harder time speaking clearly or biting down on certain foods. And, of course, the highly visible empty space in your mouth can take its toll on your self-esteem. As such, if your front teeth are missing, you’ll naturally want to have them replaced as soon as possible. Are dental implants a good option for doing so? Here’s what you need to know in order to make the right choice for rebuilding your smile.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement that can mimic the functions of the roots of natural teeth. A dental implant post can be placed in your jaw via surgery and bond with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The post will ultimately act as the foundation for the lifelike prosthesis that will serve as your new tooth.

Is Replacing Your Front Teeth with Dental Implants an Option?

For many patients, the answer is yes. Dental implants can potentially be used to replace any of your teeth, and the front teeth are no exception. Of course, this is assuming that you are a candidate for the dental implant procedure in the first place.

To qualify for dental implants, you must have an adequate amount of bone density in your jaw to support the implant posts. Also, your mouth must be in good health overall; in particular, it should be free of gum disease, which can easily cause dental implants to fail. Remember, even if you aren’t currently a viable dental implant candidate, you may be able to become one if you undergo certain preliminary procedures, such as bone grafting.

Why is Replacing the Front Teeth with Dental Implants a Good Idea?

There are several advantages to replacing your front teeth with sturdy dental implant posts:

• Thanks to their ability to act as artificial tooth roots, dental implants can actively fight bone loss in the jaw and lower your chances of experiencing facial collapse.
• A dental implant that has been restored with a crown will look and feel very natural.
• Getting dental implants instead of a bridge means that you won’t need to worry about having enamel removed from the natural teeth that you still have.
• As long as you take good care of your dental implants, you can expect them to last for a long time. Many implant posts have lifespans of three decades or more.

In short, dental implants are definitely worth consideration if your front teeth are gone. If you’re interested in learning more about this state-of-the-art option for tooth replacement, reach out to your dentist today to schedule an initial dental implant consultation.

About the Author

Dr. Sheri McIntosh earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She currently holds membership with the North Texas Dental Society as well as a number of other dental organizations. She is partnered with local specialists so that her patients can enjoy the benefits of expertly placed dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McIntosh at Distinguished Dental in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 337-8300.