Missing teeth can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. Not only do missing teeth lead to bone loss and other dental issues, but they can make everyday activities like eating and speaking far more complex than they need to be. So, if you are tired of your missing teeth getting in the way of talking, laughing, and smiling confidently, ask us about treatment with dental implants in our Cedar Park, TX, dental office.
We’re here to help you restore your smile. Dental implants are one of the most effective restorative dentistry treatments that can replace missing or damaged teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come with various benefits you can’t get with any other tooth replacement solution. That’s why they’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Unlike other options, the dental implant replaces the tooth root as well as the crown.
Implants have more stability and longevity than other solutions. They integrate with your jawbone, giving you almost 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to eliminate any foods from your diet because you can process all of them. Implants stop your jawbone from deteriorating further, a process that starts the moment you lose your tooth root. They can even help spur jawbone regeneration, keeping you from the sagging face that comes with missing teeth.
The only maintenance implants require are brushing and flossing like normal. Things like dentures need messy adhesive to stay in the mouth, and you must take special care to clean that off every night. Dentures also need special soaks to stay hydrated and not get brittle. You don’t have to take your restoration in and out, either. Implants stay in your mouth at all times.
Implants look and feel like natural teeth in your mouth. We top an implant with a custom dental crown that’s made to match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your smile. Since it replaces the tooth root, it feels the most natural. They’re easy to adjust to, and you can feel confident again in speaking and chewing in public.
Dental Implants: About the Process
Placing one or more tooth implants can take several weeks or months, depending on your oral health condition, treatment needs, and cosmetic goals. We will discuss what to expect from your treatment during your initial consultation. The dental implant process begins with a small incision in the gums. Then, we make a hole in the jaw bone and place the implant.
Once the gums start to heal, the implant will begin to fuse with the jawbone in osseointegration. This fusion is what makes implants so stable like they are natural teeth. After several weeks of healing, we attach a natural-looking restoration to the top of the implant. This bridge, denture, or crown is designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile, providing normal function and aesthetics.
Implant Surgery Aftercare
After we place your implants in the jawbone, you’ll experience some bleeding, swelling, and soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be all you need to handle the pain. For swelling, use an icepack on the affected area intermittently. We may prescribe antibiotics for some patients. If we do, ensure you take the entire course as directed. They help prevent dental implant rejection.
Stick to soft foods for 2-3 days after the surgery. These include things like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Avoid any hot liquids or spicy foods for this period of time. After this, you’ll be able to slowly reintroduce more solid foods. Once you’re eating solid foods, avoid biting down directly on the implant site. This is one of the biggest ways to cause problems with your healing process.
On the day of your surgery, delicately brush and floss, but don’t rinse. The following day, begin gently rinsing with warm salt water, especially after eating. This cleans food particles away and helps the healing process. Rest for a few days after surgery, and don’t do any strenuous activity. You should also avoid smoking at all for a minimum of two weeks. We’ll provide you with complete aftercare instructions to ensure the best results.
Who is Eligible for Tooth Implants?
Patients should generally have good overall health and a healthy jawbone and gums to support an implant. If your jawbone density needs to be repaired, we recommend performing a bone graft or sinus lift surgery, which will lengthen the overall process. In addition, patients who smoke regularly or have autoimmune disorders will often need to have their unique situation assessed by our team, as these factors can slow down the implant healing process.
Restore Missing Teeth: Schedule an Implant Consultation
If you are interested in dental implants and want to see if you would be a good candidate, please schedule a consultation with our team or call 512-866-9654!