No one should have to feel insecure about their smile. When you love your smile, you are more likely to share your happiness with others. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons want to help you get to that point. They offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative care options that can make your smile something you are proud to show off. Dental implants are one of these options. Through just two surgical procedures, these will allow you to gain your confidence back. Consider what your journey with dental implants in Bastrop or Lakeway could look like.
Dental implants stand in for the roots of your teeth. These small posts are surgically placed within your jawbone. Once fused, the implants will create a foundation for your tooth restoration and preserve your bone structure. With an upward of 98% success rate, they continue to be the most recommended way to permanently replace teeth. Here are the two most common types of dental implants offered in Bastrop and Lakeway.
Directly translating to “in the bone,” endosteal implants are surgically drilled into your jawbone, below your gums. They are made up of three parts. The first is the implant itself. Most commonly made of titanium, it resembles a small screw. Next, there is the abutment. This is a connector piece that is designed to fit directly into the implant. The final part of an endosteal implant is the prosthetic tooth. It is cemented to the abutment so that it is secured.
The other option you have for dental implants in Bastrop and Lakeway is subperiosteal implants. These are placed above the jawbone. The framework, however, lies below the gumline. Subperiosteal implants vary in structure compared to endosteal implants because they don’t need a screw for stabilization. Instead, the metal frame has a series of posts to support the dental prosthetic. These posts will only be added after the gums have healed from the placement of the frame.
Before all else, you should have a discussion with your dental provider about your interest in receiving dental implants. Learn about the advantages of implants in comparison to dentures, bridges, or crowns. A primary benefit is their durability. Implants can support you through your daily activities for a lifetime. There are two overarching reasons why you might want to invest in dental implants in Bastrop or Lakeway.
One of the major benefits of getting a dental implant when you have lost a tooth is that it will look and feel like a real tooth. It won’t stand out against the rest of your teeth. A single tooth implant will require only one post to replace it from root to crown. Healing time for single-tooth implants will last for several months. At that point, your oral surgeon will be able to connect the abutment with a custom-designed crown to the post. Note that this is also a good option for those with multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to each other.
Restore your confidence with the help of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon without the need for removable dentures. Going the dental implant route will, instead, cut back the amount of time needed for maintaining your prosthetic teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth that are adjacent, your best option is to receive an implant-supported bridge. The bridge will connect the crowns to the dental implants. Those with the majority of their teeth missing can opt for an implant-retain denture. These will not slip out of your mouth or make daily tasks inconvenient. In either case, you are sure to feel more like smiling.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for a dental implant procedure in Bastrop or Lakeway. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has to look at why a patient’s teeth are missing. They might find that certain habits would put the patient at risk of a poor outcome with implants. One example of this is smoking, which also puts you at a greater risk of gum disease. The best candidates for dental implants are those that have both good oral health and bone density.
Most surgeries require that you are in good health for them to be a true success. Therefore, you should have no dental problems that have the potential to interfere with the implant procedure. For example, if you have gum disease, you will likely not be a candidate. Those with uncontrollable diabetes may similarly have to take a different route. That being said, because you are looked at on an individual basis, your oral surgeon will guide you toward the perfect solution to bring back your smile.
It’s in your best interest to not do a dental implant procedure until you are an adult. By this point, your facial structure will have fully developed. This will be about the age of 18 for boys and 16 for girls. Beyond that, you need to have natural, healthy bone so that your dental implant is able to be supported. Your maxillofacial surgeon may suggest bone augmentation to combat this issue. Be aware that, when teeth are lost, the surrounding bone deteriorates. So, you will want to have surgery performed sooner than later.
In the modern age of dentistry, we have access to incredibly precise 3D digital imaging technology and surgical software. This allows dental professionals to make better decisions and execute treatments faster. For the sake of the patients, this even means having shorter recovery times. One of the treatment concepts that come out of this state-of-the-art equipment is All-on-4™. These dental implants replace a row of teeth, which can be done in a single day of surgery. The All-on-4™ treatment concept utilizes four or more individual implants in its cost-effective, long-lasting restoration technique.
Look no further for the best dental implants in Bastrop and Lakeway than through the expert team at Heart of Texas. The Bastrop Oral Surgery and Lake Travis Oral Surgery offices are ready to serve you. Our dental implant treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs. If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss those needs, send us a message today. Dr. Alford will be more than happy to walk you through what to expect out of the procedure.
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