Dental implants are a popular choice for people who are looking for an alternative to partial dentures or bridgework to replace missing teeth. We have a lot of experience at South Austin Dental helping our patients find the best dental implant plan possible that will help them restore their smile to its original look as fast as possible.
What Makes Dental Implants Different?
Unlike dentures or dental bridgework that sits above the gums, dental implants act as an artificial anchor or root for replacement teeth. Once they are put into place they are not meant to be moved or removed. Instead, they are a permanent base that is implanted directly into the gums and attached to the jawbone.
Because they are so firmly attached to your jawbone, replacement teeth attached to dental implants do not move around like dentures or bridgework. The material used to make dental implants is also more resistant to decay or damage than dentures or bridgework.
Dental implants can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. They can even be used for full upper or lower teeth replacement procedures. Each implant is made up of three parts. The first part looks like a screw and is surgically implanted into your jawbone with a small piece left above the gum line. The second piece is called an abutment, and it connects the screw to the actual replacement tooth. The third piece is the actual replacement tooth itself, which is also called a crown. Crowns are custom made for each patient so that they match the shape and appearance of your natural teeth.
Dental implants typically do not require the alteration of any remaining natural teeth before they can be installed, unlike with bridgework which requires those teeth to be altered to fit attachment points.
Benefits from Implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide the closest experience to your natural smile. Their permanent nature means you no longer have to worry about them falling out or have to store them in a special solution at night to keep them clean.
And since they are fused directly into your jawbone, less bone is lost after the tooth removal process as resorption is limited. This helps your jaw maintain its original shape, which promotes a healthier-looking smile. Patients also report being able to speak better and experience less discomfort with dental implants compared to using dentures.
Even eating is easier with dental implants, as they are more resistant to hard or sticky foods and don’t slide around the inside of your mouth.
Dental implants are designed to last for the life of the patient. So, while the cost to get dental implants may seem high at first, their long lifespan and durability mean they don’t need to be adjusted or replaced as often as dentures and bridgework.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants
At South Austin Dental, our dental professionals will do an initial evaluation and assess if you're a candidate for dental implants. The good news is that most people with good gum health and bone density qualify for the implant procedure.
History of Dental Implants
The history of dental implants have been relevant all throughout human history. Early civilizations knew the importance of repairing any missing teeth. There have been records of early attempts to reconstruct teeth during the Mayan Civilization, dating back to 600 AD.
Dental implants are a big commitment. We have a lot of experience at South Austin Dental helping our patients choose the tooth replacement procedure that makes the most sense for their specific situation. Give us a call today at (512) 441-8922 to see if dental implants are right for you and to schedule a consultation with our team.