Dental Implants Abilene
The Undisputed Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have been considered the absolute gold standard for quite some time. Simply put, they allow us to restore the entire structure of absent teeth from their roots to their crown. The implants themselves fuse with the jawbone, acting as roots while the restoration on top replaces the crowns in terms of appearance and functionality. To learn more about this unrivaled tooth replacement option in Abilene, feel free to contact 325 Dentistry today.
Why Choose 325 Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Entire Implant Process Completed Under One Roof
- Advanced Technology Ensures Precise, Beautiful Results
- Led by Two Board-Certified Prosthodontists
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small posts made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that are surgically placed into a patient’s jawbone. They’re intended to bond with bone matter in order to support a future restoration. Once the implants have fully fused and the prosthetic is attached, patients will enjoy a greatly restored smile in terms of look, feel, and functionality. Better yet, dental implants are remarkably durable and can last for decades with the right care.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Initial Dental Implant Consultation – The first step of the dental implant process is your consultation with our team. We’ll make sure implants are a viable option by taking X-rays of your jaw and evaluating your oral health.
- Dental Implant Surgery – We’re thrilled to be able to complete the entire dental implant procedure here in our office using a digitally precise process that combines our expertise with the latest technology.
- Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Your mouth will need a few months to heal after your implant surgery so the posts can fuse with your jaw. We’ll give you guidelines to follow during this stage and call you back when things look good to attach your abutments, which support your final restoration.
- Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – We can deliver some of the most impressive, lifelike, and functional restorations that modern dentistry has to offer. When it’s time, we’ll call you back to place them and ensure they look, feel, and operate correctly.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process can seem lengthy or even confusing, and each patient’s journey looks a little different. Still, we want to help you get an idea of what to expect. Below, you’ll find an overview of the four basic steps every dental implant patient has to travel. When you reach the end of your treatment and get to enjoy all the benefits that come with dental implants, you’ll find the wait was well worth it!
You’ll also be glad to know that Dr. Jonathan and Dr. Robert Hawley are both prosthodontists (dentists who specialize in tooth replacements). This means we can provide the entire treatment process, from consultation to delivery, in-office. No outside specialists or external referrals required!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
To start your tooth replacement journey, we’ll meet with you for an in-depth consultation. This allows us to address any questions or concerns you may have in person, and also gives us an opportunity to evaluate your oral health. If you have a condition that could harm your dental implants, like gum disease or jawbone deterioration, we’ll be sure to take care of it before proceeding with your treatment.
Dental Implant Surgery
We’ll have to make small incisions in your gums in order to anchor the implant posts to your jawbone. This might sound alarming but rest assured that we’ll effectively numb your mouth with an anesthetic. After Dr. Jonathan and Dr. Robert place your implants, they’ll seal your gums with sutures, then fix a protective cap to your implants.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
For the next three to six months, we’ll be patiently waiting for your implant posts to fuse with your jawbone. Dental implants use highly biocompatible materials that encourage bone to grow around them. Also known as osseointegration, this merging process is what makes dental implants so stable and strong.
Once we’re confident that your implant posts and jawbone have effectively merged, we’ll have you come to our office for your abutment placement. This is simply a metal connector piece that will allow Dr. Jonathon and Dr. Robert to attach the crown, bridge, or denture portion of your restoration to your implants.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
While you’re completing dental implant surgery and osseointegration, our trusty lab technicians will be working with impressions of your teeth to craft the perfect shade and shape for your new restorations. Their artistry and modern technology can make dental implants look incredibly realistic – even the gloss will reflect light the same lifelike way natural teeth do. We’ll finally attach your restorations to your abutments, and when you look in the mirror, you’ll see a flawlessly seamless smile!
Who Dental Implants Can Help
The ideal dental implant candidate needs to meet two main conditions: they must have sufficient jawbone density so that the implants can properly heal, and their mouth needs to be adequately healthy and free of issues like gum disease since compromised oral health can lead to implant failure. Luckily, if a patient is found lacking in either one of these departments, things can be cleared up before the implants are placed.
Missing One Tooth
A single dental implant can be strategically placed between two healthy teeth without disturbing them, and once it’s fused with the jawbone, it can be topped with a custom-made crown. This high-quality restoration will look just like the rest of the natural teeth and can last for decades thanks to the support of the implant.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, no matter where they’re located within a patient’s mouth. Bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures can all be secured to the implant posts once they’ve fused with the jaw, offering incredible foundational support and leaving any remaining natural teeth alone.
Missing All of Your Teeth
Even patients missing all their teeth can get dental implants to fully restore their smile. We can strategically place multiple implant posts around the mouth that support beautiful, lifelike full dentures. This option offers much more stability than a traditional prosthetic in addition to numerous other benefits such as improved bite force.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great choice for restoring your smile, but they come with an initial cost. Excellent home care and regular check-ups are essential for keeping your investment healthy for years to come. If you have any questions about dental implants, financing options, or recommended third-party financing providers, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you restore and maintain your beautiful smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
What Should I Do if My Implant Feels Loose?
If your dental implant feels loose (or you’re experiencing any other abnormal symptoms, like swollen gums), then you should call our Abilene dental office right away. Our goal is to learn about your symptoms, pinpoint what’s causing them, and determine if further care is needed. In other words, we want to save your dental implant from failing. So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach; the root of the problem will only worsen if left alone.
Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?
Infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers are not candidates for dental implants. If you’re in your early 20s, you may be eligible, but we will need to take X-rays and conduct a comprehensive oral exam to determine if that’s the case. If dental implants are not an option right now, don’t worry – we can restore the look, health, and function of your smile with a dental bridge or denture in the meantime.
Will I Have to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?
Usually, we recommend taking one or two days off following the procedure, but there are some cases where taking three or more days off is more ideal (like if you have a physically demanding job). If your PTO is limited, consider scheduling your appointment on a Thursday or Friday so you have the weekend to recover as well. We will give you helpful aftercare instructions, including what to eat and how to brush your teeth, to ensure the healing period is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
Since patients who smoke often experience dental implant failure, it’s something we need to seriously consider. At the very least, you will need to refrain from using any tobacco products for at least two weeks prior to your appointment and for two months afterward. We recommend using this as an opportunity to kick the habit for good, and we’re here to help with suggestions, recommendations, and tips!
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?
There are some foods that can damage your dental implants, like hard pretzels. That’s why we recommend keeping crunchy, sticky, and sugary foods to a minimum (or avoiding them altogether). As much as possible, stick to softer foods that are higher in essential vitamins and nutrients, like cooked carrots, plain yogurt, and oatmeal. That way, you can enjoy a varied, well-balanced diet that benefits both your oral and overall health.
Can I Whiten My Dental Implants?
Since dental implants are artificial, they do not respond to whitening treatments. The good news is that they are crafted from high-quality dental materials that are stain-resistant, so they should stay nice and bright throughout their lifespan. Of course, if you are no longer happy with the color of yours, you’re more than welcome to schedule an appointment with us! From there, we can learn a little more about your concerns and review your treatment options.