Will Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth?

Regaining a natural-looking and functional smile are among the most exciting and life-changing benefits of dental implants. For many patients facing the loss of a tooth or who already have missing teeth and are considering implants, one of their first questions is how closely a restoration will match their natural teeth. Here, Plano, TX. dental implant dentist Dr. Dao Pham and the knowledgeable team at Dali Dental provide helpful information on what to expect with dental implants, including how they may look and feel compared to your natural teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant refers to the metal screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, serving as an artificial root. It provides a stable foundation for various restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or full arches, that replace missing teeth. The implant itself is not the visible tooth but rather the hidden support beneath the gumline.

When are dental implants necessary?

There are several situations when a dental implant and restoration may be appropriate and even necessary for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants may be recommended for various types of tooth damage, injury, or compromise, including:

• Missing teeth
• Tooth decay
• Trauma or injury
• Periodontal disease
• Congenital tooth absence
• Tooth knocked out

Do dental implants look like natural teeth?

While the dental implant itself is not the visible part of the tooth, the restorations attached to implants are custom-designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, or arches are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of neighboring teeth, often resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile. These restorations are highly durable, stain-resistant, and can even appear smoother than natural teeth that may have experienced wear or damage over time.

Can I get a single dental implant?

Yes, dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth. A single implant, along with a custom crown, provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution that closely resembles a natural tooth. This targeted approach allows for precise restoration without affecting adjacent teeth.

Why should I get a dental implant vs. living with a missing tooth?

Many patients are surprised to learn just how important replacing a missing tooth is, not only for comfort in eating, confidence, and cosmetic reasons — but also for overall dental health and oral integrity. Choosing dental implants over living with a missing tooth offers several important benefits, including:

• Preservation of jawbone: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
• Improved stability: Unlike removable dentures, implants are securely anchored.
• Natural functionality: Implants provide biting and chewing capabilities similar to natural teeth.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Implant-supported restorations look and feel natural.

Opting for dental implants allows individuals to restore not only the visible aspect of a tooth but also the vital root structure, promoting long-term oral health.

Restore your smile and preserve your oral health with dental implants in Plano, TX

If you have a missing tooth or teeth and want a durable, long-lasting, natural-looking solution for restoring your smile, dental implants and implant-supported restorations may be right for you. Start your journey toward a complete smile once again by calling Dali Dental to schedule your dental implant consultation with Plano, TX, dentist Dr. Dao Pham today.