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What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

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What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming a more popular choice for people who are looking to replace missing teeth. This implant comprises three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant is inserted into the jawbone, and the abutment connects it to the peak. Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease. They are also a good choice for people who do not want to wear dentures. If you are considering dental implants, here is what you need to know about them.

What Are Dental Implants, And How Do They Work?

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone and act as a replacement for the tooth root. Once in place, they allow your dentist to attach an artificial tooth (crown) on top. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and can also be used to support a denture.

The main advantage of dental implants is that they look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. This means you can eat and drink what you want without worrying about your teeth falling loose or falling out. They are also solid and durable, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking.

Another advantage of dental implants is that they help to preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone that supports it starts to dissolve. This can eventually lead to a change in the shape of your face and can make your teeth look longer than they are. Dental implants prevent this from happening as they stimulate the bone, which helps keep it healthy.

If you are considering dental implants, it is essential to make sure that you are a suitable candidate. This treatment is not ideal for everyone, and your dentist will need to assess your mouth and jawbone to see if you are candidate. You also need to have healthy gums and be willing to commit to good oral hygiene habits.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Most people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease are good candidates for dental implants. However, some medical conditions may make a person ineligible for the procedure. These include uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, and periodontal disease. Pregnant women and children under 18 also cannot get dental implants.

If you are considering dental implants, the first step is to consult with your dentist. They will be able to assess your case and let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The second step is to find a qualified implant dentist. This is someone who has experience placing and restoring dental implants. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure. Finally, you need to make sure you are prepared for the surgery. This means quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure. You will also need to take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. If you are considering the procedure, make sure you are a good candidate and that you find a qualified implant dentist.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants Over Other Forms Of Tooth Replacement, Such As Dentures Or Bridges?

If you are considering dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, you may wonder what the benefits are compared to other tooth replacement options. Here are some of the critical advantages of dental implants:

  • Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves your natural jawbone. Over time, dentures and bridges can cause your jawbone to shrink and change shape. This can lead to a sunken-in appearance, premature wrinkles, and other age-related changes in your face. Dental implants help to preserve your natural jawbone, giving you a youthful appearance that lasts a lifetime.
  • Dental implants are also much more stable than dentures or bridges. You can eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or falling out. And, you will never have to worry about your dentures getting lost or stolen.
  • Dental implants are also much easier to care for than dentures or bridges. There is no need to remove them for cleaning as you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist about dental implants. They may be the perfect solution for you!

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost, And What Is Included In The Price Tag?

When considering dental implants, it is essential to be aware of the overall cost of treatment. The price tag for dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the type of implant being used, and the location of the practice.

In addition to the cost of the implants themselves, patients will also need to factor in the cost of the abutment and the crown placed on top of the implants. The good news is that dental insurance plans often cover a portion of these costs. Check with your provider before beginning treatment to find out what is covered.

It is also important to note that the price of dental implants is a long-term investment. Unlike dentures or bridges, which will eventually need to be replaced, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. For many patients, this makes them well worth the initial investment.

The bottom line is that dental implants are a significant investment. However, they offer several benefits that make them worth the cost for many patients. If you are considering dental implants, discuss your options with your dentist to ensure they are the right choice for you.

What Is The Recovery Process Like After Getting Dental Implants Installed?

After you consult the oral surgeon and decide that dental implants are right for you, the next step is to schedule your surgery. The surgery is usually pretty quick, only about an hour or so. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your mouth before the surgeon makes a small incision in your gums to expose the bone.

Afterward, the surgeon will place the titanium implant into your jawbone and close up the incision with stitches. You will likely experience some swelling and discomfort after the surgery, but this can be controlled with pain medication. The recovery process takes a few weeks, during which time you should avoid putting any pressure on the implant site. This means no chewing hard foods or brushing your teeth vigorously.

After a few weeks, the stitches will dissolve, and the bone will start to heal around the implant. In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary to place a metal post in the implant, acting as an anchor for your new tooth. Once the implant has healed, and the post is in place, you will finally be able to get your new tooth or teeth. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to consult with an experienced oral surgeon to discuss all of your options. Recovery times vary from patient to patient, so it’s essential to have realistic expectations before dental procedures.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Getting Dental Implants Installed?

Like with any surgery, some risks are associated with getting dental implants installed. The most common complication is an infection at the implant site. This can usually be treated with antibiotics. Other risks include damage to nearby teeth, nerves, or blood vessels during the procedure. In rare cases, people have allergic reactions to the materials used in dental implants.

Most people who get dental implants are pleased with the results. They provide a robust and stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about all the risks and benefits before deciding.

Conclusion:

If you’re considering getting dental implants, talk to your dentist about the risks and benefits first. Dental implants can provide a robust and stable foundation for replacement teeth that look and feel natural. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

At Family Dental of Teravista, we offer quality dental care for the entire family. We can care for your oral health needs, from preventive dentistry to cosmetic procedures. Our office is conveniently located in Georgetown and offers flexible appointment times. We also accept most major insurance plans.

Thanks for reading.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Diabetes Affects Oral Health

Diabetes is an all-too common health issue for millions of Americans. Recent studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that over 34 million adults in the US – or approximately 1 in 10 people – suffer from diabetes. If you are one of those, you should know that diabetes not only affects your overall health; it impacts your oral health as well.

One of the most common oral health problems for diabetics is gum disease. In fact, some studies estimate that over 20% of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory disease that can destroy your gum tissue and eventually lead to tooth loss. If it’s left untreated, gum disease can even cause extensive damage to your bone tissue. Researchers believe that diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease because their bodies lack the ability to control blood sugar and because diabetes makes it more difficult for these patients to fight off harmful gum bacteria. Gum disease symptoms include swollen, red and/or tender gums; bleeding gums; sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks; receding gums; chronic bad breath; gum sores; and, in the latter stages, loose teeth.

In addition to periodontal disease, there are several other oral health symptoms that are typical for people with diabetes. These include:

  • Decreased sense of taste
  • Reduced saliva production, which leads to chronic dry mouth
  • Higher risk of developing tooth decay due to dry mouth and lowered ability to fight off bad bacteria inside the mouth
  • Higher risk of developing slow-to-heal mouth sores and infections inside the mouth

If you are a diabetic, be sure to talk to your dentist about the best ways to care for your teeth and gums. In many cases, gum disease treatment can make it easier for diabetics to control their blood sugar, and that can actually slow the progression of the disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent professional cleanings and periodic deep cleanings. And, of course, practicing a daily oral hygiene routine at home is a must.

In addition to additional trips to the dentist and performing daily oral hygiene at home, diabetics should also avoid some personal habits and adopt others that can slow down the disease and improve good overall health as well as good oral health. If you’re trying to be as healthy as possible when living with diabetes, you should avoid smoking, follow the recommended diet for diabetics, get regular exercise, and – if you wear dentures – wear your dental appliance every day. For more information about living with diabetes and maintaining good oral health, talk to your dentist.

Different Types of Dentures Explained

If you or a family member are considering getting a new set of dentures, you should know that there are many different types of dentures available. We’ve compiled this list of modern denture alternatives to help decide which type would be best for you.

  • Traditional full set of dentures – A full set of dentures is designed to replace all of the patient’s teeth, and they consist of a top and a bottom plate. Traditional dentures sit on top of the patient’s gums, as opposed to other types of appliances that are anchored to a patient’s existing natural teeth. Most people can be fitted with traditional dentures within 8 to 12 weeks after having their teeth extracted.
  • Immediate full set of dentures – This type of denture is also a full set, consisting of both a top and a bottom plate. But the difference with immediate dentures is that they are fitted onto the patient’s gums immediately after his/her teeth are extracted. The advantage is that the patient doesn’t have to live without teeth for 8 to 12 weeks after extraction. But you should note that you will have to return to your dentist periodically so the dentures can be relined since the shape of your gums changes as the tissue heals.
  • Implant-supported dentures – One increasingly popular style of modern dentures are those that are supported by dental implants. An implant consists of a metal artificial tooth root that is implanted into the patient’s jawbone. After a period of time, the metal fuses with the bone, and an artificial tooth (typically a porcelain crown) is affixed on top of the implant. The patient can then be fitted with a set of dentures that is securely supported and kept in place by the implants. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are not removable by the patient.
  • Snap-in dentures – Similar to implant-supported dentures, snap-in dentures are secured in place by dental implants. The main difference is that these dentures are removable by the patient.
  • Partial dentures – If you are missing just a few teeth, a partial denture might be a good way to replace those teeth. Consisting of artificial teeth mounted onto a gum-colored base and secured by metal brackets, a partial is convenient because it can be removed by the patient. It’s important to find a suitable replacement for missing teeth – whether it’s a partial denture or some other appliance, such as a dental bridge – because your other teeth will move to fill in the gap left behind by your missing teeth. When that happens, it can throw your bite off and can even result to damage to the existing teeth. Many patients find that partials work well to replace a few missing teeth.

For more information about modern denture options, talk to your dentist. He or she can tell you more and help you decide which is the best choice for you.

Zip Codes We Serve:
78756, 78751, 78705, 78757, 78722,
78752, 78712, 78731, 78703

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Family Dental of Teravista

1821 Westinghouse Rd. Suite 1130 Georgetown, TX 78626