Dental Implants in Boerne TX

What is a tooth implant?

A tooth implant or dental implant is a surgical-grade root device that supports permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused into the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural-looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer teeth implants because they offer the same function as natural teeth and also help prevent bone atrophy in the jaw. Dental implants may be used to replace a single missing or damaged tooth or to restore an entire smile.

What Are The Tooth Replacement Options When a tooth is lost?

1. Don’t replace it. The problem with this is the loss of chewing function, poor esthetics, possible speech issues, and eventual drift and tipping of the teeth, leading to a bad bite situation.

2. Removable replacement. Years ago, it was quite common to replace missing teeth with a “removable partial denture” and they are still available today. They are an economical option, but they can be annoying to remove several times a day, they tend to loosen over time, and they can cause food traps against the supporting teeth, leading to more cavities.

3. Cemented bridges. Most commonly used to replace one missing tooth (although certain designs can accommodate more), dental bridges or fixed partial dentures are ceramic or metal-and-ceramic restorations that rely on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space to support a false tooth. In most cases, it’s like a crown for the back tooth and a crown for the front tooth with a “pontic” tooth in the middle…all fused into one device. The benefit is a quick resolution to a problem, but the downside is if any part of the bridge develops a problem in the future, the entire bridge needs to be replaced. The preparation is also quite aggressive to the supporting teeth, particularly if they don’t already have crowns or large fillings.

4. Tooth implant. These titanium posts act like the roots of actual teeth and support the crown part of the restoration. A tooth implant can be a single-tooth replacement or support multiple teeth. There is a healing phase to utilizing dental implants and they can be quite a costly upfront, but they are currently the optimal tooth replacement for a healthy individual regarding comfort, esthetics, and longevity of the restoration.

Did you know…

that approximately 30 million people live with no natural teeth in one or both jaws? But more and more dental patients are opting for dental implants as a means of tooth replacement. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 3 million people currently have dental implants – a number that is rapidly growing by about 500,000 per year. Modern titanium implants were first developed in the 1950’s, but archeologists have determined that ancient Egyptians and Mayans were the first cultures to implant artificial teeth.

Are Teeth Implants Right For Me?

You may qualify for dental implants if you have missing, broken or severely decayed teeth and are in relatively good overall health. The only way of determining your eligibility for a tooth implant is to consult with an oral care provider to identify whether you have adequate bone support and healthy gums that will support the new tooth structure.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that typically takes between 6 and 9 months to complete. It begins with a surgical procedure during which a titanium rod is placed where a previous natural tooth root once was. The gums are sutured shut over the tooth implant, where it will stay for several months while it heals and begins fusing with the surrounding bone. Due to the nature of implant placement and its average procedure time of between 1 and 2 hours, you’ll be sedated and/or anesthetized for the duration of the treatment. At the conclusion of the healing period, you’ll return to be fitted for permanent crowns and have them placed.

Recovery After Tooth Implant Placement

It is normal to experience some discomfort, including bruising and swelling following a tooth implant procedure. However, inflammation and pain may be managed with over-the-counter medications, hydrocodone, or codeine. You may be asked to eat only soft foods for approximately 2 weeks until the surgical site heals.

Scheduled a Consultation Today!

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth implants please contact us for a consultation with Dr. Myers at 830-816-5160 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.