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 restorative dental treatments 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 are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
1. Permanent Solution
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they are a permanent solution to missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which may need to be removed and cleaned regularly, or bridges, which may need to be replaced after a few years, dental implants are designed to last for many years. In fact, with proper care, they can last a lifetime. The implant is placed directly into your jawbone, making it a stable and durable replacement.
2. Improved Appearance
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Since they are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, they blend seamlessly with your smile. Implants are designed to be strong and durable, giving you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about your teeth looking out of place. People who have dental implants often report feeling more confident about their appearance.
3. Better Functionality
Dental implants function just like natural teeth. They are fixed in place, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping or moving while you eat or talk, a common problem with dentures. This makes eating a wide variety of foods easier without feeling restricted. You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth, from crunchy apples to sticky candies.
4. Enhanced Comfort
Because dental implants are securely placed into your jawbone, they offer superior comfort compared to other tooth replacement options. With dentures, there is always a chance of discomfort or irritation from rubbing against your gums. Since dental implants become a part of your mouth, there is no discomfort or irritation, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth shifting around or falling out.
5. Preservation of Bone Health
When you lose a tooth, the bone in your jaw where the tooth once was can deteriorate. This happens because the bone no longer receives the tooth root’s stimulation. Dental implants help preserve the bone by stimulating the jawbone, much like the root of a natural tooth. This helps maintain the structure of your jaw and prevents bone loss, a common problem with dentures or bridges.
6. No Impact on Adjacent Teeth
Unlike bridges, which require the filing down of neighboring teeth to hold the bridge in place, dental implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This is beneficial because it allows you to keep the integrity of your natural teeth. Dental implants provide a solution that only affects the area of the missing tooth without altering your healthy teeth.
7. Low Maintenance
Dental implants are very easy to care for. Unlike dentures, which may require special cleaning solutions, adhesives, or adjustments, dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth. You just need to brush, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for check-ups. This makes dental implants a convenient and hassle-free option for replacing missing teeth.
8. Prevents Teeth Shifting
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, which can cause misalignment. This can lead to bite issues, discomfort, and even more tooth loss. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, you help prevent this shifting. The implant helps keep the surrounding teeth in their proper positions, preserving the alignment of your bite and overall oral health.
9. Speech Improvement
Missing teeth can sometimes affect your speech, making certain words or sounds difficult to pronounce. Dental implants help restore proper function to your mouth, improving speech. With a full set of teeth, you can speak clearly and confidently without worrying about slurring or struggling with certain sounds.
10. Greater Self-Confidence
One of the most important benefits of dental implants is their boost in self-confidence. When you lose a tooth, it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. With dental implants, you can feel good about how your smile looks, and this can translate into greater confidence in social and professional situations. Feeling good about your teeth can significantly affect your overall self-esteem.
11. Better Overall Health
Since dental implants improve your ability to eat various foods and maintain proper oral hygiene, they can improve overall health. By being able to chew properly, you can digest food better and absorb more nutrients. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods, but implants allow you to enjoy a balanced diet, which is essential for your overall well-being.
12. Cost-Effective in the Long Run
While dental implants may have a higher initial cost compared to dentures or bridges, they are more cost-effective in the long run. Since implants are permanent and require less maintenance, they can save you money on replacements and repairs over time. The durability and longevity of implants make them a worthwhile investment for many people.
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 the 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, and 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
- 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. They have a success rate of over 95 percent. However, when implants fail, the bone does not grow around them, or something else impacts their 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. They use biocompatible materials, meaning they will not cause allergic reactions. Biocompatible dental implants will function like other parts 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.