Missing teeth create more than just a gap in your smile. They can cause eating difficulties, speech problems and even loss of confidence. Dentures and dental bridges are solutions but multiple dental implants offer the best choice. Dr. Michael Courter is a top implant dentist who offers multiple dental implants in Midland, TX for patients with a lot of missing teeth.
Multiple Implants are the best Solution for Tooth Loss
When you have several missing teeth, multiple implants can provide you with so many more benefits that traditional dentures and dental bridges can’t offer.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a good option to fill in the gaps of several missing teeth in a row. But this dental device will require the use of adjacent healthy teeth. The healthy teeth on both sides of the gap will weaken over time and more problems will arise.
An implant-supported bridge doesn’t require the use of healthy teeth. This type of restoration preserves all your healthy teeth. And since the implants are in the jawbone, you lower your risk of bone loss.
While both traditional bridges and implant bridges are fixed restorations, you’ll need to replace a traditional bridge more often. An implant bridge can last much longer if you take good care of your oral health.
Benefits of an Implant Denture
Traditional dentures are removable prosthetic teeth. While they restore a smile they come with many challenges. Dentures can slip when you eat or speak. This movement can be embarrassing and limit your food choices. An implant denture is set in place and will never wiggle or shift.
Removable dentures don’t stimulate the jaw bone so bone deterioration will occur over time. With denture implants, the titanium implant posts stimulate the bone. You lower your risk of bone loss and you have new teeth that feel more natural. Adjusting to implant dentures is easier for people than with traditional dentures.
Dental implants eliminate the hassle of removing dentures for cleaning. You care for them like your natural teeth and simplify your oral hygiene routine. This convenience saves time and reduces the chances of misplacing your prosthetic teeth.
Getting Multiple Implants in Midland, TX
Before you get your implants, Dr. Courter will review your options at a consultation. He’ll take X-rays of your jaw to see if you need pretreatments like periodontal disease treatment or tooth extractions. Dr. Courter will also determine the number of dental implants you need for your restoration. Once your treatment plan is in place, Dr. Courter will give you a timeline of your implant treatment.
Implant Surgery
Once we determine you’re healthy enough for implants, we’ll begin by placing the implants. A local oral surgeon will place multiple implants by accessing the jaw bone beneath your gums. The surgeon will also place a temporary bridge or denture on the implants after placement.
Healing
Whether you get a single implant or multiple, you need 3 to 6 months to heal after treatment. This important healing process, called osseontigration, ensures your posts fuse with your jaw bone. You should continue to brush and floss gently around the implant posts as you heal.
Abutments
We place connector pieces called abutments once you’re healed from surgery. You need more time for your mouth to heal, often several weeks, before you can get your final restoration. We’ll take digital impressions of your mouth in our office to send to a dental lab to create your bridge or denture. We also color-match your teeth to ensure your restoration is the desired shade.
Final Restoration
You’ll return to Dr. Courter once your final bridge or denture is complete and once you’re fully healed. Dr. Courter will attach your restoration to your implant abutments and adjust the fit. He’ll ensure your new teeth look and feel right before you return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. Read answers to questions about multiple dental implants in Midland, TX.
Who needs multiple implants?
Multiple dental implants might be the answer if you have several missing teeth and want a long-term and reliable solution. They are perfect for those who:
- Want a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Want to preserve their jaw bone and avoid more oral problems.
- Want a natural look and feel that matches their existing teeth.
- Need a hassle-free oral care routine that’s like caring for natural teeth.
- Are uncomfortable or inconvenienced with traditional dentures or bridges.
- Want to invest in a solution that will minimize future dental work and expenses.
We welcome you to contact our office for an implant consultation. Dr. Courter will review your oral health, goal, and budget. Then he’ll find the right restoration for your needs.
Can I get multiple implants at one time?
Yes, you can get multiple implants at one time if your mouth is healthy enough. Dr. Courter often places several implants in one procedure to save time and reduce recovery time. This works great for our patients who need to replace rows or arches of missing teeth.
How many teeth can an implant support?
One implant can support multiple teeth. For example, Dr. Courter often uses two implants to hold a bridge to replace three or four teeth. He uses as few as four to six implants to support a full arch restoration. It depends on your oral health, bone density, and the size of the restoration.
Your Smile Is Worth It
Missing teeth can affect your quality of life, but multiple implants are a long-term solution. This treatment is durable, preserves bone, and enhances your smile. Other options like traditional dentures and bridges have their place in dentistry but multiple implants are the best if you want a permanent solution.
Get started today and replace your missing teeth by scheduling a consultation. Call the office of Dr. Courter at 432-287-9531. You can also request an appointment online.
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