Permanent, Comfortable, Natural Looking Dental Implants

Most people don’t realize that even one missing tooth can damage your oral health and appearance. A few missing teeth can allow facial muscles to sag and jawbone to deteriorate, which will age your appearance. In addition, remaining teeth may shift out of place in an effort to compensate for missing teeth, and this can lead to bite and alignment problems. And, of course, with missing teeth, you may feel self-conscious about how you look. This can cause reduced confidence at work, in romantic relationships, and in social situations.

Your dentist understands the importance of a solid, attractive, high-functioning smile. For patients who have lost teeth, she often recommends dental implants. Designed to mimic your natural teeth, dental implants will restore the function and integrity of your smile.

69 percent of adults have lost at least one tooth.

The Domino Effect

Missing teeth cause serious issues in your mouth. Without a full set of teeth, jawbone tissue can degenerate, which can loosen other teeth.  In fact, 4 mm of bone is lost in the first year alone. If just one tooth is missing, research shows that up to 20 percent of adjacent teeth will be lost over the next four to eight years.

A Permanent Solution

Constructed from biocompatible titanium, a dental implant is a small metal post surgically positioned in the socket left by a missing tooth. Implant posts serve as artificial teeth roots to stabilize prosthetic crowns, a bridge, partial, or a denture. During the months after implant placement, jawbone tissue naturally integrates with the implant to create stable base. With a prosthetic attached, dental implants look and function like natural teeth, creating a complete smile.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Although other options exist for replacing lost teeth, dentures and bridges have some drawbacks that make them less than ideal. Dental implants offer patients various benefits, including:

• Easy maintenance with standard oral care (no special care routine or adhesive)
• Improvement in stability (does not allow slipping, wobbling, or looseness)
• Permanent solution for missing teeth (can last a lifetime)
• Preservation of  bone tissue (stimulates tissue for retention)
• Replacement option for one or more teeth (can anchor crowns, bridges, and dentures)
• Restoration of facial appearance (underlying support for cheeks and lips)
• Conservative dental procedure (does not rely on healthy teeth for support)
• Natural appearance
• Renewal of self esteem

Am I a Candidate for Implants?

For successful implant therapy, you need adequate bone structure and good oral health. A dentist will perform a thorough exam before beginning treatment. If a patient has insufficient bone tissue, the dentist may recommend a bone graft to create a solid foundation for the implant posts.

Success Rates

With proper home hygiene and regular dental check ups, dental implants have a 95 to 98 percent success rate. Because the implants are permanently placed in your mouth, you don’t have to worry about the messy adhesives or embarrassing slippage often associated with dentures. Patients can eat the foods they love and smile with grace after implant therapy.

For a beautiful smile and the active lifestyle you desire, call our office and schedule a consultation with an Austin Dentist to discuss dental implants.