Here’s something to chew on. Most people have 32 adult teeth to start with, or 28 if they have their wisdom teeth extracted. Yet, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that American adults have, on average, 25.5 teeth remaining, with that number falling with age.
Dental implants are the new standard for replacing missing natural teeth. At Lee Dental in Frisco, Texas, our dentists, Dr. Julie Lee and Dr. Clyde Lee, partner with an oral surgeon to deliver state-of-the-art implant systems, complete with crowns that closely match your natural teeth for a seamless and secure way to keep your smile together.
Unlike dentures, which can be prone to slipping, dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth with a screw-like fixture that fuses directly with the bone of your jaw.
An intermediate stage, called the abutment, acts as an interface between the implant’s fixture and the crown, the “cap” of the implant that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth.
There are a variety of implant systems, each with its own unique features. Our oral surgeon partner discusses the best option for the implant screw, while we work with you to provide the right implant crown.
The appearance of a replacement tooth is often important, depending on its location. Even when a replacement tooth is near the back of the mouth, many patients prefer that the new crown matches the remaining natural teeth.
Crowns can be made from ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal, or some combination of these. Metal provides the greatest strength alone or as a base for the other materials, which provide a more natural appearance. Resin crowns are typically the most affordable, but it’s also the least durable crown material.
The greatest advantage of an implant system over dentures is the screw base of the implant. It restores the interface between tooth and jaw tissue. Without it, you can lose bone mass, changing the fit of denture plates over time.
This also provides stability. Implants don’t shift or pop out of place, like full or partial dentures. Partial dentures often stay in place by using various hooks or stabilizers around adjacent natural teeth, which can accelerate wear-and-tear.
As we’ve seen, implant crowns can be manufactured to closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, preserving the appearance of your smile. The presence of implant crowns also preserves the appearance of your face. There’s no risk of your cheeks sinking into the voids left by missing teeth.
Your crowns also restore the efficiency of eating functions, including biting and chewing. It’s the important first step in food digestion.
If you’re missing teeth and considering a tooth replacement system, contact Dr. Clyde Lee and Dr. Julie Lee at Lee Dental. Book your appointment online or call our office directly today.
