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Gaps in your Smile? Dental Implants in Southlake Can Help!

July 30, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — drpettigrew @ 9:16 pm

Missing toothWhen you are brushing your teeth before bed and spit excess toothpaste into the sink, have you ever noticed small droplets of blood? Gum bleeding can be a sign of gum disease and is a very serious oral health matter. If left untreated, gum disease could eventually lead to you having fewer teeth in your mouth! For millions of Americans who have already lost teeth from gum disease or dental accidents, many are turning to dental implants to restore their smile. To learn more about the dangers of gum disease and if dental implants in Southlake are the right cosmetic dentistry solution for you, continue reading below.

The Dangers of Gum Disease

The most common types of gum disease are medically known as gingivitis and periodontitis and are caused by harmful plaque developing along the gumline. Often noticeable through bad breath, signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, as well as gum bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and a host of other health issues such as an increased risk of heart disease.

Practicing good oral hygiene at home and regularly seeing the dentist can help prevent gum disease and keep your smile whole and healthy. However, if you have already lost a tooth through gum disease or a dental accident, you may want to consider dental implants to fill the gaps in your smile.

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a stable, comfortable and natural-looking tooth replacement option that can restore your smile and self-confidence. By using a titanium post to mimic the natural tooth root structure, dental implants provide a sturdy base to support a new crown, bridge or denture. Dental implants fuse with the natural bone beneath your gums, making them the strongest device available to support new artificial teeth.

Some major benefits of dental implants include:

  • With proper care, dental implants can last several decades or even a lifetime.
  • Unlike traditional bridges that rely on shaved-down healthy teeth to remain in place, implants can stand alone, meaning your healthy teeth remain untouched.
  • Custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, dental implants are nearly impossible to tell it apart from the rest of your smile.
  • Dental implants provide nearly the same chewing power as natural teeth so you can keep eating all your favorite foods.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Most people make excellent candidates for dental implants, which have a success rate of approximately 98%. Dental implants may be right for you if:

  • You have sufficient jawbone depth
  • You have healthy gums
  • You take good care of your teeth at home by brushing twice daily

Missing teeth can affect your self-confidence and your oral health. To learn more about whether dental implants are the right solution to restore your smile, talk to a dentist in Southlake today.

About the Author

Born and raised in Texas, Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew has been providing dental care for residents of Southlake and surrounding communities for over 25 years. As a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Pettigrew has the knowledge and experience to help rejuvenate damaged or imperfect smiles. If you want to learn more about dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry treatment options, visit Dr. Pettigrew’s website today or call the office at 817-481-4888.

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