Learn About Dental Implants
Dentists widely agree that dental implants are the only restoration that enhances your appearance while protecting your oral health. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, our implant dentists have the experience necessary to restore your smile.
Explore our guide and learn more about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are attractive prosthetic teeth that are secured in place using a titanium alloy fixture that acts like the root of a natural tooth. The titanium alloy bonds directly with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, holding your replacement teeth firmly in place.
Thanks to their durability and longevity, dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth restoration.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process typically requires multiple office visits over the course of several months. The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sager so he can evaluate your oral health. After your implants are placed, your gums will need 3-6 months to heal before your replacement teeth are attached.
Our dentists customize the implant process to meet each patient’s specific needs and ensure positive results.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not all patients immediately qualify for dental implants. But thanks to recent medical advancements, more patients than ever are able to experience this revolutionary treatment. If you have a weakened jawbone or infected gum tissue, you may need to undergo one or more supplemental procedures to prepare for your implant placement.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Sager will thoroughly examine your health to determine if dental implants are the ideal solution for your missing teeth.
Treatment Options Compared
Depending on the state of your oral health and how many teeth you need replaced, Dr. Sager offers a variety of prosthetic options to restore your smile. Whether placing a single implant or an All-On-4 full arch replacement, our team will find the treatment that’s right for you.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
Without treatment, missing teeth can lead to a variety of health issues. In the short term, they hurt your confidence and make you less likely to smile. In the long term, they can cause bone loss, gum disease, and more.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to get dental implants?
At Central Texas Dental Care, your comfort is our top priority. We offer several sedation options to help you experience a pain-free procedure and keep you relaxed during treatment. Our implant dentists will also prescribe medications to help ease any pain and discomfort you may experience in the days following your surgery.
How do I care for my dental implants?
One of the benefits of dental implants is that they don’t require any special maintenance. Caring for your dental implants is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are all important factors that will help your implants last a lifetime.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
For a successful outcome, it’s important to have healthy gums that are free of disease before receiving dental implants. If you have gum disease, you will need to undergo periodontal treatment before your implants can be placed. At Central Texas Dental Care, we treat all stages of gum disease using the LANAP protocol. This option utilizes state-of-the-art lasers, which means less pain and discomfort both during and after gum treatments.
Can I benefit from implants if I have dentures?
Yes! In fact, implants can make wearing dentures more comfortable and stable. However, if you have been wearing dentures for a long time, you probably have experienced some bone loss. Typically, the bone weakens and loses density in areas where teeth are missing, which can cause further dental problems. If our implant dentists determine that you have suffered bone loss, you may need to undergo preliminary procedures such as bone grafting to prepare your jaw for implant placement.
What are my options for paying for dental implants?
At Central Texas Dental Care, we don’t want anything to get in the way of restoring your smile. That’s why we offer several financing options to make dental implants more affordable, including interest-free plans through CareCredit℠. To learn more, visit our financing page or contact our Hewitt, TX practice today.
Visit Dr. Sager
No matter how many teeth you’re missing, our team at Central Texas Dental Care can restore your smile with dental implants. Our natural-looking tooth replacements will allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sager to start your journey to a new smile.