Missing one or more teeth doesn’t just affect how you look, it can also harm your oral health. The jawbone begins to weaken because it no longer has the support of the tooth roots when teeth are lost. Dentures and dental bridges only replace the visible part of your teeth, but they don’t address the bone loss.
Dental implants are the only solution that replaces the roots of your teeth. They feel natural, last longer, and are better for your overall health. At Derby Dental, we handle every step of the dental implant process in-house. We make the experience smoother and more convenient for you. We also provide additional restorative dentistry procedures to new and existing patients.
Dental Implants in Austin, TX
A dental implant is a small titanium post that an oral surgeon places in your jawbone to be an artificial tooth root. Many people also use the term “dental implant” to include the abutment and the restoration. The abutment connects the implant post to the visible replacement tooth, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture.
Titanium is a material that works well with the body, so the implant post fuses with the bone over time. This makes the implant as strong and stable as a natural tooth. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your real teeth.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
The implant process requires visits to different specialists at other dental offices. At Derby Dental, we can handle everything in one place so it’s much easier and more affordable for you. While the process takes time, the results are worth it.
Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation: You’ll meet with our dentists to see if implants are right for you.
- Surgery: The dentist or surgeon inserts the implant posts into your jawbone.
- Healing Period: The posts fuse with the bone over a few months to create a solid foundation. Then, the dentist attaches abutments to the implants.
- Restoration Placement: Custom crowns, bridges, or dentures are secured to the abutments to complete your treatment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While other options like dentures and bridges can replace missing teeth, dental implants offer several unique advantages.
The everyday benefits include:
- Eat What You Want: Implants are stable and strong, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
- Look Natural: Modern implant restorations will match your teeth and blend in seamlessly.
- Speak Clearly: Unlike dentures, implants stay in place. It will be much easier to talk without worrying about the implant slipping.
- Simple Care: You can take care of implants just like your natural teeth. You won’t need special products or routines.
The health benefits include:
- Bone Protection: Implants prevent the bone loss that comes with missing teeth by encouraging bone growth.
- Better Nutrition: With implants, you can chew foods like fresh vegetables and nuts. This can help you keep a healthy diet.
- Prevent Shifting Teeth: Implants fill the gaps left by missing teeth, so the rest of your teeth will stay in place.
The long-term benefits include:
- Strength: Implants can last a lifetime with the right care. Dentures and bridges need replacing every few years.
- Youthful Appearance: Implants support the jawbone to prevent the sunken look that can happen after tooth loss.
- High Success Rate: Implants are reliable because they have a success rate of over 95% even many years after placement.
Dental implants can transform your smile and improve your quality of life. At Derby Dental, we’ll guide you through every step of the process to keep you comfortable and informed. Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn how dental implants can restore your smile and confidence.
Who can Benefit from Dental Implants?
Dental implants can help complete your smile, no matter how many teeth you’re missing. During your consultation, we will examine your mouth and review your medical history to make sure you’re healthy enough before treatment.
- Missing One Tooth: If you’re missing just one tooth, we place a dental implant in the empty space. We place a lifelike dental crown on top after the implant fuses with your jawbone. This option is better than a dental bridge because it doesn’t depend on your remaining teeth for support.
- Missing Multiple Teeth: When several teeth are missing, we use two dental implants to support a bridge that fills the gap. The implants hold the bridge in place, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your natural teeth. We can also use implants to support a partial denture that replaces teeth in different areas of your mouth.
- Missing All Teeth: If you’re missing all of your teeth, we can restore your smile using just four to eight implants. These implants can hold a full denture. The denture can either be removable or fixed in place. Implant-supported dentures don’t slip around or irritate your gums like traditional dentures do.
Once we confirm that you’re ready, we will create a plan to replace the missing tooth or teeth and address any other issues.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can seem high at first, but keep in mind that it’s different for everyone. It’s hard to estimate the exact cost until you come in for a consultation because the price depends on many factors. During your visit, we will discuss your treatment plan and provide details on how you can pay for your new teeth in a way that works for you.
Here are some of the main factors that influence the cost of dental implants.
Preliminary Treatments
You might need a few treatments before we can place dental implants. These can include:
- Tooth extractions: We will need to remove any teeth are too damaged or decayed to fix.
- Gum disease therapy: If your gums are infected or unhealthy, we will treat the infection before placing implants.
- Bone grafts: We may need to add bone to your jaw if there isn’t enough bone to support an implant.
These treatments are important because they help your mouth heal properly. The most successful dental implant procedures happen with the healthiest mouths.
The Parts of Your Dental Implants
Several factors can affect the cost of dental implants, including:
- Number of implants: If you only need one implant, the cost will be lower. However, the price will be higher if you need multiple implants or implants to support a full denture.
- Type of restoration: The restoration could be a crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you need to replace. More teeth usually mean a higher cost.
- Material and size: Dental implants are made from different materials, such as titanium and zirconia. Each material has different benefits and costs. We will discuss which one is best for you during your consultation.
- Brand of implant: Many different companies make dental implants, and each brand can have its own pricing. We’ll help you choose the best option for your needs.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Dental implants can actually save you money in the long run. They don’t need to be replaced every few years like dentures or bridges. This means you won’t need to buy new dentures or bridges every 5-10 years.
Plus, dental implants can help prevent bone loss and other dental problems. You won’t need as many expensive treatments in the future. Over time, the savings can really add up.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Many dental insurance plans now cover dental implants, but the amount they cover can vary. Some plans might pay for part of the implant, the abutment (the piece that connects the implant to the crown), and the restoration.
Keep in mind that some insurance plans may have waiting periods or limits on the number of implants they will cover. It’s important to check your insurance policy before starting treatment. At Derby Dental, we accept many PPO plans, and we’ll go over your coverage with you so you know exactly what is covered.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
We understand that dental implants can be a big investment. That’s why we offer several options to make paying easier. One option is CareCredit, a third-party financing program that lets you pay for your treatment over time with low or no interest. Signing up for CareCredit online is quick and easy.
Another option is our In-House Membership Plan. This plan covers your regular checkups and cleanings for the year and gives you up to a 15% discount on additional treatments. You pay a flat fee, and there’s no limit to how much you can save.
We want to make dental implants as affordable as possible so that you can enjoy the benefits of a full smile. Contact us today to learn more about your payment options and schedule your consultation.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great long-term solution for missing teeth, lasting up to 30 years when properly cared for. To make sure your implants stay in top condition, it’s important to follow a good care routine. Here are some tips to keep your dental implants in great shape.
- Keep Up with Oral Hygiene: While dental implants can’t get cavities, it’s still important to take care of your mouth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease and other issues that can cause your implants to fail. Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash every day to keep your mouth healthy.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: One of the best things about dental implants is that you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. You can enjoy eating without trouble. However, eating too many hard, sticky, or sugary foods can harm your oral health. Try to be careful with what you eat.
- Break Bad Habits: Avoid smoking or using tobacco products after getting dental implants. Smoking can slow healing and increase the chance of infection. Also, don’t use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or packages. This can damage your implants or natural teeth.
- Protect Your Implants: Dental implants are strong, but they aren’t unbreakable. Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your implants and natural teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard. This can help protect your implants from wear and tear.
- Keep Up with Regular Check-Ups: It’s important to go to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings twice a year. Regular visits allow us to keep an eye on your implants and spot any problems early. This way, we can prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get tooth implants if I have gum disease?
You’ll need to treat and stabilize gum disease before getting dental implants. Healthy gums and bone are essential for implant success. Once your gums are healthy, implants can be safely placed. Your dentist will first check your gum health and guide you through any needed treatment.
What’s the difference between dental implants and mini implants?
Standard dental implants average 3.5-5mm in diameter, while mini implants measure just 1.8-3mm across. Mini implants require less jawbone for placement and often need no gum surgery, making them suitable for patients with bone loss who can’t undergo grafting. They cost significantly less but generally don’t last as long as standard implants. Standard implants remain the gold standard for replacing individual teeth, while mini implants work well for stabilizing dentures or temporary solutions.
Are dental implants safe for people with medical conditions like diabetes?
Dental implants can be safe for diabetic patients, but success rates drop when blood sugar remains poorly controlled. Well-managed diabetes with stable A1C levels poses minimal additional risk. Your healing capacity matters tremendously. Diabetic patients can heal more slowly, which can affect osseointegration, where bone fuses to the implant. Most dentists and oral surgeons require medical clearance from a physician before proceeding with implant surgery for any complicated medical condition.
Can dental implants replace molars and front teeth?
Yes, tooth implants can replace any missing tooth, whether a molar or a front tooth. Molars require strong implants to handle chewing forces, while front teeth are designed with appearance in mind. Your dentist will customize the implant based on the tooth’s location and function.
Do dental implants prevent facial sagging?
Yes, dental implants help maintain jawbone structure, which prevents bone loss and facial sagging over time. When teeth are lost, the jawbone shrinks over time without this stimulation, leading to a collapsed facial appearance. Implants maintain bone density and preserve facial structure, whereas traditional dentures accelerate bone loss. You’ll maintain a more youthful appearance long-term with implants compared to other tooth replacement options.
Can dental implants be combined with dentures for better support?
Yes, implant-supported dentures combine the stability of implants with the coverage of dentures for remarkable improvement in chewing function. Just 2-4 strategically placed implants can secure a full denture that won’t slip when you speak or eat.
These hybrid solutions eliminate the need for messy adhesives and prevent the bone loss associated with traditional dentures. Many patients report that implant-supported dentures feel much closer to natural teeth than conventional dentures ever could.
How do I know if I have enough bone for dental implants?
Your jawbone adequacy for implants requires evaluation through specialized dental imaging like 3D cone beam scans. These detailed images reveal your bone height, width, and density. Some patients have sufficient natural bone, while others need grafting procedures to build up deficient areas before implant surgery. We look at quantity and quality, since even thick bone might be too soft to stabilize an implant properly.
Are you ready to speak with us about your options? Give Derby Dental a call at 512-795-0128 today. We are here to answer any questions and get you back on track to excellent oral health.