Losing permanent teeth affects your confidence and your dental health. At Coastal Dental Care, we restore dental implants in Nederland, TX. Our office works with local surgeons to improve the appearance and function of your teeth and gums. Dental implants are the gold standard of dental restorations for a reason. Implants use high-quality, durable materials and expert treatment to place replacement teeth precisely.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are interested in dental implants but are unsure if they’re right for you, we can help. Even if you do not think you’re a candidate, there are only several simple requirements. To be a candidate for implant treatment, you must have:
- One or more missing teeth
- Healthy teeth and gums
- Enough healthy jaw bone
After losing one or more teeth, it’s common to lose natural healthy jaw bone. We recommend bone grafting before implant treatment. Grafting takes healthy bone from another part of the mouth or an outside source.
Additionally, we can provide treatment before implant treatment if you have a tooth infection or gum disease. Once you are in good health, we can begin the treatment process.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants help prevent problems you experience after losing one or more teeth. Implants can provide:
- Gum and Bone Support: Implants replace teeth at the root. Because of this, they support the health of the gums and surrounding jaw bone. Removable restorations like dentures lay on the gums. They do not prevent problems like facial sagging due to lost jaw bone. They may even create gum sores.
- Bite Function: Once you are used to your implant restoration, it will be simpler to bite and chew. When you live with missing teeth or removable restorations, you can’t eat the foods you love. You’re often restricted to a soft diet. Dental implants help you eat harder foods because of their durable materials and placement.
- Improved Aesthetics: We color-match the implant-supported restorations so they look natural. Implant restorations are customized to fit the shape and shade of natural teeth. They often use porcelain materials for durability.
Tooth implants can replace a single knocked-out tooth or a whole mouth of missing teeth. They can secure crowns, bridges, and dentures so patients do not constantly need to rebase or replace their false teeth. While implants can provide more initial investment, they last for years.
The Dental Implants Process in Nederland, TX
Placing one or more implants begins with digital diagnostics. We take X-rays of your teeth, gums, and jaw to see where you are missing teeth and jaw bone. Diagnostics determine the health and stability of your jaw bone and surrounding tissues. A thorough evaluation is an essential step to ensure a stable outcome. Once a treatment plan is in place, we work with an oral surgeon to place your implants.
The oral surgeon will place one or more implants in the jaw and place healing caps. Our office will provide a temporary restoration. Implants need several weeks or months of healing time. During this time, the implant will integrate with surrounding bone tissue. This process is called osseointegration and creates a secure foundation for placing the final restoration.
The final step is to place or attach a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Your restoration will be customized to your appearance for a natural-looking result.
Caring for Dental Implants
Once you receive your permanent implant restoration, you can care for it like your natural teeth. You can brush and floss twice a day. There are many types of floss to choose from, including waxed floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers. You can choose the right floss for you based on your comfort. Our office can also teach you the best flossing techniques to clean your restoration correctly.
When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, and look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Remember to continue to visit our office for cleanings and exams. During routine dental visits, we will examine and clean your restoration. Proper oral hygiene and professional care will help your implant restoration last.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about tooth implants with answers to these common questions:
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are permanent. If you care for your teeth and gums, your implant post will stay in your mouth. Restorations supported by implants, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, can last over ten years.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on multiple factors:
- Insurance coverage
- Your number of missing teeth
- The type of implant restoration
- Grafting
- Gum disease treatment
- Tooth decay treatment
After an examination and consultation, we will discuss the cost of your implant restoration. Implants can cost more than removable dentures or traditional bridges. However, they are permanent. For many patients, the initial cost of implant treatment is worth it for the long-lasting results.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Some insurance companies can cover a portion of dental implant treatment. Knowing your type of insurance will give you a good idea of your coverage. After we examine your smile, we can offer you treatment options and their estimated cost. Our office also accepts major dental insurance plans to help fit dental implants into your budget.
Are dental implants painful?
No, you will not feel any pain during implant treatment. We numb the mouth with an anesthetic. You will feel discomfort after implant treatment as you heal. This will feel similar to other surgeries, including root canal treatment or extractions. Taking pain medication, using cold compresses, and eating soft foods will lessen discomfort.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, dental implants can fail. Dental implants have a success rate of over 95 percent. However, when implants fail, the bone does not grow around it, or something else impacts its stability.
Implants can fail if you use tobacco products as your implants heal. This is because nicotine constricts the blood vessels. The posts cannot heal properly if blood can’t flow to the implant sites. Also, your implants can fail if you develop a tooth or gum infection. For these reasons, caring for your tooth implants properly is essential.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes. Dental implants are safe. Implants use biocompatible materials, meaning they will not cause any allergic reactions. Biocompatible dental implants will function like another part of the body without adverse effects.
Restore Your Missing Teeth
Dental implants enhance your tooth’s look, feel, and function. Call us for treatment with dental implants in Nederland, TX, at 409-215-2035. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation on our website. Please let us know if you have questions about implant treatment; we’re here to help.