Dental Implant FAQ
Austin, TX
 Here at Widner Elite Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we receive lots of questions concerning dental implants. Therefore, the following information can give you the details you need to make an informed decision about these innovative and permanent restorations.
What Are Dental Implants?
While some patients believe dental implants are artificial teeth, this is incorrect. Dental implants are titanium posts that are made to replace the natural roots of teeth. We need to perform surgery to place the implants, which must then go through a process known as osseointegration. This means that the implant, after about six months, will connect and fuse with the jawbone.
This type of fusing gives implants the ability to hold prostheses in place, including crowns, dentures, and bridges. The connections for the implants are called abutments, and may sometimes be customized with ceramic or gold. In essence, an implant tooth features three parts - the titanium implant, an abutment, and a crown.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
People who are good candidates for dental implants may have one or more missing teeth or all their teeth missing. They need to have a strong jawbone with minimal resorption. If the bone density is poor, patients may need bone grafting or ridge augmentation surgery.
In some instances, a patient can bypass bone grafts or similar surgeries and choose an All-on-4 Placement treatment, which features four strategically placed implants. As long as a patient, with a missing tooth or teeth, has healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant, he or she is considered a good candidate.
What Are the Benefits of Implants?
While we have two natural sets of teeth during a lifetime, implants allow you to have a third set of teeth. The restorations improve both dental functioning and a person’s appearance. Therefore, choosing to have implants surgically placed can enhance your lifestyle. Not only can you eat more of the foods you like, you can participate socially without worrying about your smile. The implants are made of the metal titanium. Therefore, you never have to worry about dental decay or getting a cavity.
What Are Some Drawbacks of Getting Dental Implants?
While an implant procedure is a minor surgery, you still risk the chance of getting an infection or experiencing pain and inflammation. Also, if there is not enough bone to hold the implant, you will need to undergo a bone graft or similar procedure to build up the bone.
What Is the Cost of Implants?
One implant can cost the same as the cost of a dental bridge, or around $4,000, but this can vary depending on several factors. While some insurance plans can cover some of the cost, you need to review your policy carefully. This is one investment that pays for itself in terms of improved self-confidence, a better lifestyle, and improved health.
What Is the Dental Implant Success Rate?
The success rate for this type of treatment is around 95%, so this is one dental improvement that usually comes out well. As long as you have good oral hygiene habits, your implants should last a lifetime. Because the implants are not susceptible to decay, they are one of the best restorations you can choose to preserve the looks of your smile.
Are There Non-Metal Implants?
Implants are only made out of a metal titanium alloy. This metal fuses well with the bone, which gives an implant its strength.
Want to learn even more about implants? If so, give Widner Elite Oral Surgery and Dental Implants a call at (737) 309-4351 to find out more about implants and what they can do for you. |
