The treatment process fordental implant in Waco, TX, is a joint effort between your oral surgeon and your dentist. Before you begin treatment, you will meet with Dr. Warren for your initial consultation, during which you will undergo an oral examination, any necessary scanning, and a discussion of your goals for restoration. Your specific treatment plan will be discussed in full during this consultation appointment, including the selection of your preferred anesthesia option.
What are dental implants?
They are often considered to be the best, healthiest, and most natural-looking option for replacing one or more teeth. In Waco, TX, dental implants are placed in your mouth by an oral surgeon, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. That is why they have grown in popularity and use over the last several decades.
They consist of three parts:
- The screw: The screw is made of medical-grade titanium, a metal with properties that allow it to bond with the jaw bone. This screw replaces the root of the tooth, securely holding your new tooth in place while also stimulating the jaw and preventing bone loss. This will be the very first part of the restoration that is placed in the mouth.
- The abutment: The abutment connects the artificial root (the screw) to the new, custom-designed tooth.
- The crown: The crown looks just like your natural teeth and allows your dental implants to function naturally too.
This three-part design is meant to mimic the way a natural tooth looks and functions as closely as possible.
Patient Testimonial
Post-Operative Instructions
What are the benefits?
They offer a variety of benefits over other replacement options. When they are of high quality, such those used in our office in Waco, TX, they have the potential to be permanent. All you have to do to take care of them is floss and brush — just like you would with normal teeth — and visit your dentist regularly. Most other replacement options require replacement themselves after several years of wear and tear. Implants, however, are stable and self-supportive and will ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime. In addition, they are the only restoration solution that benefits your overall oral health. The screw prevents bone loss because it provides the same stimulation to the jaw bone as a natural tooth root. You can be confident that your new smile will look, feel, and function completely naturally. Most patients say that people can’t even tell the difference between their new teeth and their natural teeth.
With this replacement solution, you can go back to eating the foods you love without worrying about teeth breaking or artificial teeth falling out (such is the case with dentures or tooth-supported bridges). At Brazos Oral & Facial Surgery, we believe every deserves a smile they can be proud of. If you have missing teeth, choosing this restoration can help you return to living a normal life and smiling like you mean it. We encourage you to give us a call if you think you may be a candidate and these benefits appeal to you. As the best option for tooth replacement, we highly suggest you come in for a consultation appointment to learn more about them!
The Cost of Dental Implants
Many factors can go into the exact cost of a dental implant procedure. The number of teeth that require placement, the amount of bone loss that has taken place, and the type of anesthesia necessary can all contribute to the cost of treatment. Having a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. Warren is the best way to determine the exact cost of your oral surgery treatment.
Dental implants are a valuable investment for patients because
- They last a lifetime, unlike removable dentures and bridges, which require replacement.
- They promote good oral health by preventing bone loss and other oral health problems that would otherwise require costly treatments to repair.
- Dental implants improve your quality of life, which is valuable for your happiness and well-being.
What happens during placement?
Most of the time, it takes a single surgical visit to complete the treatment process. If you are in need of a bone graft to prepare your mouth for placement, an additional procedure may be necessary before proceeding. If a tooth extraction is required, most of the time the titanium post can be placed during the same procedure.
During the initial surgical procedure, your oral surgeon will first administer your agreed-upon form of anesthesia. The oral surgeon will then lift the gums and place the base of the implant into the empty tooth socket. The gums will be sutured, and the screw will be left to heal for approximately three months. You can wear a temporary prosthesis to replace your tooth while the implant site heals. During this time, your restorative dentist will fabricate a custom-designed crown to restore your missing tooth. After the screw is secure, you will return to have a connecting abutment attached. Next, your dentist will be able to attach your permanent, custom-designed prosthetic tooth. Once the crown is attached, the process is complete, and you can enjoy your permanent new smile.
They are a versatile option that can be used for many restorative procedures. They can secure single tooth crowns, multi-tooth bridges, and sometimes even an entire set of teeth. If you need to have one or many teeth replaced, contact our office in Waco, TX, to see if this treatment is right for you.
Denture Replacement With Dental Implants
Dentures are a minimally invasive, fast way to replace missing teeth. However, traditional dentures must be replaced every few years. They do not prevent jaw bone loss, which can lead to extensive and costly bone repair treatment. As a result of the jaw bone deteriorating, facial features may begin to sag.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution to these issues through full-arch replacement. This treatment uses implants to hold a fixed denture, allowing you to regain a complete and fully functioning smile plus all of the health benefits of dental implants. If you wear full or partial dentures and find them uncomfortable, inconvenient, or seek a long-term solution, contact us to learn about denture replacement in Waco, TX.
Dr. Scott WarrenWhere can I get dental implants placed in Waco, Texas?
If you are interested in this treatment, Brazos Oral & Facial Surgery would be happy to help you restore your oral health and beautiful smile. To learn more about the placement process, contact our office in Waco, Texas, for more information. Our staff members would be glad to assist you in scheduling an initial consultation to begin the restoration process.