Dental Implants

Dental Implants Offer Many Benefits To Those Impacted By Tooth Loss

Implant dentistry is a solution for tooth loss that does more than make your smile appear whole again. When your smile is not complete, you become vulnerable to several oral health issues in addition to cosmetic ones. You can have a harder time biting and chewing, face a heightened risk of losing more teeth, and become vulnerable to jawbone density loss. By providing a dental implant to hold your restoration, we provide important functional and health benefits that improve your quality of life while also supplying a prosthesis that makes you more confident in how you look.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. They are an effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Dental implants are the most popular tooth-replacement treatment as they function just like natural teeth. At Watauga Dental Center, Dr. Carmichael and his skilled team offer high-quality dental implants in Watauga, TX.

Recognizing The Full Impact Of Tooth Loss On Your Health & Dental Function

Tooth loss is a significant issue for several reasons. In addition to hurting your appearance, this is a problem that will impact your ability to bite and chew, weaken support for neighboring teeth, and rob your jawbone of the stimulation it needs to stay in good condition. These issues are difficult to resolve with other prosthodontic solutions, as they do not account for the loss of a tooth’s roots. With implant dentistry, we can more fully address your condition’s nature and provide more treatment benefits!

The dental implant itself is set directly in your jawbone, entering the space where the lost tooth’s roots were held. In this space, it can offer support for neighboring roots and also create healthy stimulation when you bite and chew. Its presence prevents many of the concerns around tooth loss from affecting your health and quality of life.

We Can Work With You To Restore Your Incomplete Smile

From the initial planning steps through the restoration of your implant with your custom prosthesis, Dr. Carmichael will support you in your journey to a restored smile. Advanced imaging tools produce X-rays, 3D mapping, models, and more images to use in treatment planning. This helps us select the right angle and location for your implant. Our practice will work with specialists relevant to your care to ensure that all steps of your procedure are effectively handled. Between careful advanced planning and care to numb the affected area during your placement, we can make your procedure surprisingly comfortable.

Recovery is important to your overall treatment experience. A period of healing must take place to make sure that your surrounding bone structure is strong enough to absorb bite pressures. After that recovery period has passed, we can bring you back to our office to attach your appropriate prosthesis.

Dental Implants FAQ

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most people with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. However, Dr. Carmichael will conduct a thorough evaluation of your dental health to ensure dental implants are the best solution for you.

How are dental implants installed?

The process of getting dental implants usually involves several stages that take place over a few months. First, Dr. Carmichael will place the dental implant into the jawbone beneath the gum line. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. Once the implant is secure, a small connector post (abutment) is attached to securely hold the new tooth.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last many years, and often for a lifetime. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dr. Carmichael, a leading provider of dental implants in Watauga, TX, ensures his patients receive the best care to maximize the lifespan of their dental implants.

Do dental implants feel like natural teeth?

Yes, dental implants feel and function just like natural teeth. Once healed, you should not notice any difference between the implant and your other teeth. This is one of the many reasons why dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement at Watauga Dental Center.

What is the cost of dental implants in Watauga, TX?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors, including the number of teeth needing replacement and the type of implant. At Watauga Dental Center, we strive to provide affordable dental care, and we offer a variety of payment and financing options. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carmichael to discuss your options and get a detailed cost estimate.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants have a long history of being a safe and successful treatment option. As with any surgery, there are some risks, such as infection, nerve damage, or sinus problems. However, these risks are rare, and Dr. Carmichael is highly experienced in placing dental implants safely and effectively.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are necessary to ensure the health and longevity of your implants. Dr. Carmichael and his team at Watauga Dental Center will provide you with detailed care instructions after your procedure.

Can dental implants be whitened like natural teeth?

No, dental implants do not respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth do. However, the porcelain used for dental implants is stain-resistant. If you’re concerned about tooth color, discussing this with Dr. Carmichael during your consultation is best.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate of dental implants varies depending on the oral health and habits of the patient, as well as where in the jaw the implants are placed. However, dental implants generally have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, most implants last a lifetime.

How do I schedule an appointment for dental implants in Watauga, TX?

You can schedule a consultation for dental implants with Dr. Carmichael by calling our office at Watauga Dental Center, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you and answer any additional questions you may have.

Can I eat normally after getting dental implants?

Yes, one of the major benefits of dental implants is the ability to eat your favorite foods without discomfort or fear. Once the dental implant has healed, it functions just like a natural tooth. However, during the healing process, Dr. Carmichael will recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup.

What happens if a dental implant fails?

Dental implant failure is rare but can happen. If it does, the implant may need to be removed, and the area will be cleaned and prepared for another attempt at an implant in the future. The good news is that with Dr. Carmichael’s expertise and the use of modern techniques and materials, the success rate for dental implants is extremely high.

Can dental implants help if I have dentures?

Absolutely. For patients who are tired of dealing with uncomfortable or ill-fitting dentures, dental implants can provide a permanent solution. They function as stable support for artificial replacement teeth, eliminating many of the problems associated with traditional dentures.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for dental implants varies greatly by provider and plan. Our team at Watauga Dental Center is happy to work with you and your insurance company to understand your coverage and maximize your benefits. We also offer various financing options to help make dental implants in Watauga, TX, more affordable.

Do dental implants require special cleaning products?

No, dental implants don’t require special cleaning products. They can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth. Dr. Carmichael will give you specific instructions about oral hygiene practices after your dental implant procedure.

What if I need several teeth replaced? Do I need an implant for each tooth?

Not necessarily. If you’re missing several teeth, you may not need an individual implant for each missing tooth. Some patients may be eligible for an implant-supported bridge or denture. Dr. Carmichael will evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Remember, every patient is unique, and your needs will be evaluated individually to provide you with the best possible results. We hope this FAQ has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions about dental implants in Watauga, TX.

Talk To Your Watauga, TX Dentist About Treatment To Restore Your Incomplete Smile!

To find out more about dental implants and their role in restoring your incomplete smile, call Watauga Dental Center in Watauga, TX at (817) 485-9018.