No matter where you have teeth missing, it’s important for them to be replaced. If the vacancy is in the front, though, it can be a little more stressful. One of the reasons is that people will typically notice the condition of your smile before any of your other traits. So if there is a gap in your front row of teeth, it can lead to a negative first impression. While dental implants are considered to be the best form of tooth replacement available, will they work for your missing front ivories? Read on to get the details you need from a local dentist.

What is a Dental Implant?

Made from high-grade, biocompatible titanium, a dental implant is a cylinder-shaped post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic the function of a missing tooth root. After attaching to the underlying bone, it fuses with the same through a natural process called osseointegration. The result is a sturdy and strong foundation that only takes second to the original root itself.

For the implant procedure to be successful, though, there must be sufficient jawbone density. This will allow the implant to seat properly and last longer.

What to Consider When Replacing Front Teeth

A dental implant can typically be used to replace any of your teeth. If you’ve had a vacancy for a prolonged period of time, then your bone density may be shallow. The normal course of action is to undergo a grafting procedure, which is the surgical transplant of bone matter from another part of your body (usually the hip area) to build up the jawbone. Before the implant can be placed, though, you’ll need time to adequately heal from the procedure.

Another option in situations where there is diminished bone density is to have mini dental implants placed, which are smaller than the traditional posts. Their miniature stature allows them to seat in a shallow bone bed. However, when placed in the front, they can be subject to bending from the increased pressure of the upper and lower jaw meeting.

It Starts with a Visit

When you visit an implant dentist, in addition to your jawbone density, he or she will assess the condition of your oral health and the number of teeth you have missing. Based on your specific needs, a plan will be formulated to deliver safe and effective results. Across the board, dental implant insertion has a 95% success rate, which is partly due to the tedious pre-qualification process.

To get on the path to having your smile and functionality restored before you suffer any further jawbone loss, simply reach out to a local implant dentist today to request an initial visit!

About the Author

Dr. Greg Luk earned his dental degree from The University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. Not one to rest on his laurels, he has received over 400 hours of postgraduate continuing education, which includes training in oral surgery and implant dentistry. A member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Dr. Luk rebuilds smiles with dental implants at Fort Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.