Dental Implants East Texas
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
Ready for a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels natural? Our experienced oral surgery team is excited to help you! To learn more or to schedule your appointment, don't hesitate to contact us!
Nacogdoches Office Lufkin Office AppointmentsWhat Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If you have questions about whether dental implants are right for you, or wish to schedule an appointment, please call our office:
• Dr. Hurst in Nacogdoches: Nacogdoches Office Phone Number 936-569-1111 and
• Dr. Tate in Lufkin: Lufkin Office Phone Number 936-632-4444.
Dental Implant Surgery | Surgical Advances | Tooth Replacement Options | Why Dental Implants? | Are Dental Implants For You? | Surgery Anesthesia Options| Dental Implant Care | Dental Implant Patient Reviews
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures:
- First, implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
- After the implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. Our doctors will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen.
The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Dr. Hurst and Dr. Tate perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Hurst and Dr. Tate are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Hurst and Dr. Tate perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting, if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
- A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant.
- A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants.
- A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended.
- A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implant Placement?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
Ready for a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels natural? Our experienced oral surgery team is excited to help you! To learn more or to schedule your appointment, don't hesitate to contact us!
Nacogdoches Office Lufkin Office AppointmentsDental Implant Patient Reviews
Please read our testimonials below from our patients. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your dental implant experience with Oral & Facial Surgery Group of East Texas. Call our office if you would like more information: Nacogdoches: Nacogdoches Office Phone Number 936-569-1111 and Lufkin: Lufkin Office Phone Number 936-632-4444.
Oral & Facial Surgery Group of East Texas
Patient Review by Marshall W
This guy is the best.....
- Marshall W