Dental implants are often touted as the gold standard of tooth replacement, and when you see the results you’ll know why. Not only are they durable and reliable, but they’re also one of the most realistic tooth replacement options there is.
Front teeth are lost the most often, but you might wonder if it’s possible to replace them with implants considering how slender they are. If you’re curious, here’s everything you need to know about the prospect of replacing lost front teeth with dental implants.
Can Dental Implants Replace Front Teeth?
As slender as they are, there shouldn’t be any problem replacing a front tooth with a dental implant. There really isn’t very much of your dental implant actually in the “tooth part,” i.e. the crown. A small titanium piece called the abutment connects it to the titanium post that’s inserted into the jaw itself.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Of course, not everyone can get dental implants. After the surgery comes a process known as osseointegration, where the titanium post fuses to the jawbone itself. If you have a condition that makes it difficult to heal, like diabetes, you will have to talk to your dentist about whether dental implants are possible.
You may have also had your jawbone shrink as a result of losing a tooth, which could mean that you would need a bone graft before you get your dental implants.
Why Should I Get Dental Implants for My Front Teeth?
Dental implants have many merits over other tooth replacement options. For one, dental implants last a remarkably long time, with a 95% success rate at 20 years with proper maintenance. Moreover, dental implants don’t need to be removed for cleaning, which means that maintaining them is much easier than with other tooth replacement options.
All told, if you’re missing a front tooth, it’s worth asking your dentist if dental implants are an option for you. They can give you a quality of life and confidence that you might not have had for a very long time.
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman has been providing the highest quality of care to her patients for over 13 years, and in that time she has perfected her ability to help her patients get their ideal smiles. Dr. Strohman received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the UMKC School of Dentistry, and she is currently a member of the Texas Dental Association.
If you have any questions about dental implants replacing your front teeth, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (940) 613-0299.