Dental implants are very common with over 3 million Americans having at least one implant.
At your consultation, Dr. Matthysse will determine if dental implants are right for you. Dr. Matthysse will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine if your jaw is strong and healthy enough to support one or more dental implants. You and your dentist can also explore other restorative dentistry options at this time.
After you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will create a surgical plan for your dental implant, and schedule your oral surgery appointment. At this appointment, your Austin dentist will create a small opening in your gum tissue, place a dental implant secure in the jaw, then clean the area and suture it shut to encourage proper healing.
Once your implant has been placed, healing will begin. It takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely from surgery, but it will take between 3-6 months for your dental implant to bond permanently with your jaw bone in a process called “osseointegration”. Most patients can return to work the next day.
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You’ll come back to our office for a few follow-up appointments as your mouth heals from surgery. During those appointments, your dentist will ensure you’re healing properly, and take impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab, where your prosthetic, a dental crown or arch of teeth, will be made.
Once your prosthetic is finished and your mouth has completely healed, you’ll come back for a final appointment at our office. At this appointment, your dentist will permanently bond your restoration to your dental implant, completing the procedure.
Dental implants do not require a lot of special care. To keep your mouth healthy, simply make sure you brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
Single-tooth implants are the most frequently-used type of dental implant, and they have two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a screw-shaped rod of titanium. The restoration for a single implant is usually a dental crown.
For the placement of a single dental implant, the post is permanently placed into your gum and jaw and allowed to heal. During healing, a dental crown is manufactured and will eventually be attached to the post with an “abutment.” This dental crown restores the shape, appearance, and function of your natural tooth. Single-tooth implants are extremely durable and long lasting, and they never move or shift, unlike a partial denture.
The process of placing dental implants involves a careful evaluation and planning by either Dr. Evan Matthysse or Dr. John Chelkowski. After assessing your oral health, the implants will be strategically positioned in your jawbone. With proper healing, the implants fuse with the bone, providing a sturdy anchor for the restoration.
Once the dental implants have integrated with the jawbone, it's time to attach the restorations. Dental crowns, which are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, are securely affixed to the implant posts. These crowns are meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, creating a natural and harmonious smile.
Caring for dental implants is similar to taking care of your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your implants. Our dental team at South Austin Dental Associates will provide you with personalized instructions and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices to ensure your implants remain in excellent condition.
One of the significant advantages of dental implants is their convenience compared to other tooth replacement options. Unlike removable dentures, implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or worrying about them slipping or falling out while speaking or eating. With dental implants, you can confidently enjoy your daily activities without the inconvenience or embarrassment that can be associated with traditional dentures.
Dental implants are renowned for their long-lasting durability. With proper care and maintenance, they can serve as a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dental bridges, which may require replacement after several years, dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime. This means you can invest in dental implants with the confidence that they will provide a reliable and enduring solution for your oral health needs.
Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve bone health. When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. However, dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the facial structure. This not only ensures a more youthful appearance but also contributes to overall oral health by preserving the surrounding bone and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
Dental implants offer a natural sensation that closely mimics the feeling of natural teeth. The secure fit and stability provided by implants allow you to bite and chew comfortably, just like you would with your natural teeth. This enhanced functionality enables you to enjoy a varied diet and savor your favorite foods without limitations. Whether it's biting into a crisp apple or savoring a juicy steak, dental implants allow you to experience the pleasures of eating with confidence.
About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and nearly 40 million Americans have lost all their teeth.
A dental implant is made of two parts: a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium called the post, and the restoration, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. Posts are manufactured in a variety of pre-selected sizes to ensure each patient gets the right implant for their needs. In contrast, the restoration is completely custom-made. After your dentist places your dental implant, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
There, a technician will create a long-lasting, durable dental implant restoration out of porcelain or another high-quality material. This restoration will be sent back to our South Austin dental office, and it will be attached to your dental implant, completing your implant procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Dental implants typically last up to 30 years or more with proper placement and care. In fact, it’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
However, the dental implant restoration, such as a dental crown or set of overdentures, usually will not last this long. Your restoration is exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more, and may need to be replaced a few times over the years.
It is possible for dental implants to become infected. This is known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this is a very rare complication, and it typically only occurs if the implant is not cared for and kept clean after surgery.
You can avoid peri-implantitis by following your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and by brushing and flossing regularly after your implant has healed.
Yes. Bone loss occurs when your jaw bone is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. Your tooth transmits this force through the root and into your jaw bone, which keeps your jaw bone healthy.
When you lose a tooth, this process stops, and the jaw bone tends to weaken. Since the post of the dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root, it restimulates your jaw bone by transmitting the force of chewing and biting once again.
Some types of dental implant systems can be done in one day. The restoration is usually temporary until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. This solution allows you to speak and eat normally, however, the restoration is temporary.
As your mouth heals, you’ll attend appointments at our Austin office where impressions will be taken. These impressions will guide the manufacturing of your restoration. This permanent restoration will be a more durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.
Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates your natural bone structure.
Office: (512) 444-1133
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am to 5pm
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