Don’t be ashamed if your smile has some gaps. Losing teeth can happen as a part of life, but that does not mean you have to keep it that way. Today, it is simpler than ever to get high-quality affordable dental implants that look and work as well as your original natural teeth.
At Austin Dental Care, we can restore your smile to its former shine by setting you up with professional dental implants.
Dr. Glen Wainwright is a dentist in Austin, Texas that provides affordable dental implant treatment to patients with missing teeth. Patients who have lost one or more teeth from tooth decay or an accident can benefit from dental implants. This restorative solution offers a permanent and high-quality result after implantation. Dr. Wainwright and his professional dental team aim to give patients high-quality, modern dental care in a friendly office environment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Patients who do not have periodontal disease, are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking, and have good oral hygiene are good candidates for the dental implant procedure. Although a dental graft can be constructed, an adequate amount of jaw bone is preferred in patients to make it easier for dental implants to fuse to the jaw bone.
Dental Implant Treatment
The placement of the dental implant is a simple, procedure performed in our Austin dentist office under local anesthesia. It typically takes three to six months for the implant to heal and fully integrate with the jawbone. In some cases, Dr. Wainwright will place the permanent dental crown during this visit. Other times, a temporary crown will be placed while the implant heals. After healing, he will uncover the implant and attach the dental crown, bridge or denture. Your restoration will look and function the same as your natural teeth. You can brush and floss normally. Routine visits to Austin Dental Care will ensure long term health and function of the dental implant.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth with gentle strokes. You can also occasionally rinse your mouth with mouthwash to remove bacteria and help combat tooth decay. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods for the first few days following your dental implant procedure.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Even one missing tooth can disrupt the functioning of your entire jaw, and over time this can lead to oral health problems like bite issues, TMJ, gum disease, and even bone loss. Your best way forward is to fill that gap, which is why dental implants are an effective strategy for maintaining oral health.
Unlike bridges, dental implants are capable of completely replacing a lost tooth. Implants are surgically placed in the area of a missing tooth or teeth and once it’s ready, a crown is connected to the implant – and that’s it. Because they are not anchored to other teeth like a bridge, dental implants can benefit your overall oral health.
We make it our mission at Austin Dental Care to provide you with permanent, functional and natural looking dental implants. After a procedure with us, you will not feel the need to hide your smile anymore, and your teeth will be healthier for it. Each implant will fit, feel, and work just like your regular teeth, ensuring that your mouth is restored to normal function.
What Are the Advantages of a Dental Implants?
Thousands of people in Westlake find dental implants to be the ideal solution for the health of their teeth. Below are some of the biggest benefits of getting implants.
- Built to last: dental implants can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
- Reduce self-consciousness: Dental implants look just like real teeth, no one will know your secret but you
- Retain your natural face shape and smile: gaps from missing teeth can make your mouth look sunken, but an implant will help you maintain its shape.
- Protect bone health: empty spaces in your gums leads to breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria, which can compromise the health of your jaw in the long run.
- No dentures needed: keeping your missing teeth in a cup can grow old, but with an implant, you will never need to worry about misplacing your smile again.
Who Should Consider a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are one of the most natural dental options for anyone who has completely lost a tooth. Each implant offers a permanent solution to tooth loss because the tooth is directly fused into your jawbone.
However, you need to have healthy gums and adequate jawbone to be a candidate for an implant. Without enough jawbone, the implant might not last. For this reason, good oral hygiene is essential for giving your implant the best chance of success.
If you are missing multiple teeth in a row or have broken teeth, a dental bridge, crown or even dentures may be an alternative solution for you. Dental implants can be tricky to cover through insurance, meaning that an alternative dental procedure might be preferred for your situation.
The Dental Implant Process
It takes several weeks to several months to get dental implants set up from start to finish. First, a durable metal post is placed directly into your jawbone and allowed to heal in place, which can take up to three or more months. Afterwards, a replacement tooth that was specifically crafted for your mouth measurements is attached to the post, where it should stay in place for several decades or more.
Dental implants can replace a missing tooth or teeth. They can also be used to secure other restorative treatments like dental bridges and dentures, for a longer-lasting end result.
Do dental implants hurt?
Anesthetic is used to numb the area that is being treated during the dental implant procedure. Dental implants also require a healing period of 3 to 6 months, during which they fuse with bone tissue in the jaw. You may feel some pain after the treatment, and you should call our office if your pain exceeds several days.
How long do dental implants last?
With the right dental care, dental implants can last patients for up to 20 years. scheduling regular dental cleanings in our office as well as brushing and flossing regularly can help you maintain a healthy smile.