Close the Gaps in Your Smile

If you have gaps in your smile, you know it's hard to chew well and to laugh confidently. Dr. William Ralstin and Dr. Lindsey Horwedel remedy problem every day. Dental specialists in Fort Worth, TX, these skilled dentists close embarrassing spaces and improve oral health and function with premiere tooth replacements: dental implants. You could qualify for a renewed, gap-free smile!

The problem of tooth loss

Despite excellent oral health care in the US, tooth loss still happens. Deep tooth decay, gum disease, oral injury, and even some cancer treatments can jeopardize teeth, gums, and supporting jaw bone. In the past, dentists had only fixed bridges and conventional partial and full dentures to offer their patients. While they have their place in restorative dentistry, traditional prosthetics often slip, degrade remaining teeth, and do nothing to improve gum tissue or underlying bone.

A better choice

Whenever possible, your specialists in Fort Worth offer patients state-of-the-art dental implants. The superior choice in tooth replacement, dental implants actually reside right in the jaw bone, not just on top of it. Through a miraculous process called osseointegration, a titanium dental implant bonds together with human bone, creating a sturdy, lifelike foundation for the rest of the prosthesis.

During a simple in-office surgery, Dr. Ralstin or Dr. Horwedel insert the dental implant into a small hole created in the jaw bone. The site requires several weeks to heal and osseointegrate, and when the process is complete, the dentist adds a metal abutment and porcelain crown to the implant.

In the case of extensive tooth loss, the dentist may use several dental implants to anchor fixed bridgework or even a full denture. Depending on the case, a metal bar holds multiple pontic, or artificial teeth, in place. Either way, patients are assured stable, natural-looking teeth that last for decades.

Can you get implants?

Most healthy adults can receive dental implants. Many older teens can as well as long as their jaws have stopped growing. The dentist will use visual inspection, X-rays, and CT scan imaging to determine if the bone is strong enough and large enough to receive dental implants. Some patients undergo augmentation treatments which add donor bone or other materials to the jaw.

Learn more

The Institute for Dental Implant Awareness quotes research which shows implant success rates at more than 95 percent. Plus, they are as easy to care for as natural teeth. So, shouldn't you investigate these marvelous tooth replacements to fill you own smile gaps?

Call the offices of Dr. Ralstin and Dr. Horwedel today to arrange an implant consultation with one of our dentists. They'll explain your options and answer all your questions. Phone (817) 926-8700.