Dental Implants – Center, TX

A Seamless Solution to Tooth Loss

Is it possible to turn back the clock on tooth loss? Maybe not – but dental implants come awfully close to making this goal a reality! At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we love helping patients in need to explore this transformative option and regain a replenished smile that looks and feels virtually identical to the original, even following extensive dental damage. Contact our dental office in Center, TX to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez or if you have any questions we can assist you with.

Why Choose Family Dental Center of East Texas for Dental Implants?

Partnerships with Center’s Best Surgical Specialists
Attentive & Highly Trained Dentists
Individualized Treatment Plans For Unique Patients

Partnered With Center’s Best Specialists

Model smile with fixed bridge restoration

At the Family Dental Center of East Texas, we’re proud to work alongside trusted oral surgeons and periodontists in the greater Center, TX community when providing dental implants. This collaborative approach results in greater success for our valued patients – our recommended specialist will handle the surgical portion of the treatment process (their forte) while our dentists will oversee the design and creation of your new, high-quality restoration. The final result is seamlessly attractive, exceptional in clinical quality, and truly built to last.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Every dental implant treatment that we plan is custom-tailored to meet each of our patient’s individual needs. However, each person undergoing this process can expect to complete an initial consultation, dental implant surgery, and osseointegration/abutment placement before we secure your final prosthetic to your mouth. With our skilled and knowledgeable implant dentist in Center by your side, you can confidently restore missing teeth to regain the complete function and appearance of your smile.

a digital illustration showing how a dental implant works

The first step of every dental implant treatment is an initial consultation with one of our dentists in Center. We’ll capture X-rays and conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums as well as ask you about your smile goals. All of this will allow us to paint a big picture of what the process will look like for you and confirm whether you’re a good candidate. It’s also the perfect time to ask any questions you may have before deciding to move forward.

In some situations, we may inform patients that they require preliminary treatments before they can successfully undergo the next step of the process, like a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or gum disease treatment.

Dental Implant Surgery

an oral surgeon placing a dental implant

Next, we’ll refer you to one of our trusted oral surgeons that we partner with to place your dental implants. You’ll be completely numb during this procedure, so you won’t have to worry about experiencing severe pain during or after it. In fact, many of our patients are able to return to work within a day or two following their surgery.

Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

a digital illustration of a dental implant fused with the jawbone

Once your implants have been placed, you’ll undergo a lengthy recovery period. During this time, which takes between three and six months, your implants will fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This is a crucial step in your procedure, as it will provide a strong and unwavering support system for your new replacement teeth to be attached to.

After osseointegration is complete, you’ll then have small, metal connector pieces attached to the tops of your implants, called abutments. This will attach your prosthetic to your implants so it doesn’t move or shift within your mouth.

Attaching the Final Restorations

Finally, as soon as our team receives your permanent prosthetic from our dental laboratory, we’ll call you back into our office to attach it to your abutments. Before you leave, we’ll show you how you can take care of your new smile as well as what you can expect as you adjust to your dental implants in Center. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us !

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dentist showing patient dental implant model

Traditional tooth replacement options are designed to replace the white, visible crown that sits atop the gum line. While this approach does well enough when it comes to improving aesthetics, the lack of a functioning tooth root causes the jawbone to deteriorate over time and can harm your oral health. Dental implants stand apart from the crowd because they start by replacing the root first, establishing a sturdy foundation that keeps the natural tissue safe and intact before attaching a new, attractive “crown” on top. Additional benefits include:

Lifelike Function – Implant-retained teeth are very durable and can be used to enjoy a full diet again without worry.
Convenient Maintenance – Dental implants can be treated in the same way as natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing as well as routine checkups here in Center.
Unparalleled Longevity – Implants are meant to last for multiple decades at a time, and many patients are even able to enjoy their new “teeth” for the rest of their lives with no costly replacements required.

Indications for Dental Implants

Dentist showing patient implant supported fixed bridge model

Another valuable benefit of choosing dental implants is their versatility. Whether a patient is missing a single tooth or an entire arch, this state-of-the-art treatment can be paired with custom restorations to bring back the needed dental structure in a confident, long-lasting way.

Missing One Tooth

Animation of implant supported dental crown

Do you have a single gap in your smile? We can pair an individual implant with an all-ceramic dental crown. Unlike a traditional bridge, the new addition fits right into place between natural teeth and doesn’t require any big alterations. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll forget the new “tooth” isn’t an original after some time has passed!

Missing Multiple Teeth

Animation of implant supported fixed bridge

All-ceramic dental crowns can be paired with dental implants in multiple places throughout the mouth, but another option for consecutive gaps is an implant-retained bridge. Only two implants will be placed, with one positioned on either side to serve as “anchors” that keep the new, lifelike teeth securely in place.

Missing All Teeth

If a full row of teeth needs to be brought back, an implant-retained denture can work wonders. This option is also more cost-effective because the new prosthetic can be placed over a small number of angled implants instead of requiring one new implant per missing tooth. Implant-retained dentures can be permanently fixed in place or kept removable like a traditional denture depending on a patient’s preferences.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Model smile with implant supported dental crown

There are multiple factors that can influence the cost of dental implants, including the number of implants needed, what types of restorations are deemed ideal and whether or not any health-minded procedures (such as periodontal therapy) are deemed vital beforehand to ensure the most successful procedure possible. For this reason, Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez will need to see a patient for a dedicated consultation before we can determine accurate cost information.

It’s important to remember that while implants are certainly an investment, the benefits are well worth it in the end. While traditional prosthetics like dentures will likely need to be replaced over time, implant-retained solutions are designed to succeed for multiple decades with only minimal maintenance, which means patients may end up actually paying less in the long run.

Dental Implant FAQs

If you suffer from extensive tooth loss, you may be thinking about rebuilding your smile with dental implants in Center. You can review the information above to determine whether this method of tooth replacement is right for you. However, it’s completely normal to have a few concerns about the process before committing to it. To help you, our team at Family Dental Center has decided to answer some frequently asked questions from patients.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are one of the most permanent solutions for missing teeth, capable of lasting well over 30 years. Of course, their exact lifespan depends heavily on your oral health and lifestyle. You can help your upgraded smile’s durability by brushing twice a day along with daily flossing and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Make sure you visit our dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning as well!

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Before the procedure begins, we will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. You’ll also most likely be sedated during your surgery which means your body’s ability to register pain will be much lower. For the first few days following dental implant placement, your mouth may feel sore and irritated. Fortunately, you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication and using cold compresses.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

Most patients can return to their usual activities the day after surgery. However, it’s incredibly important you avoid strenuous exercise for the first 1-2 weeks, as it can hinder the healing process. Although you can expect some bleeding and swelling after your procedure, it should stop within 3-4 days. While you recover, make sure you take your prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. It’s worth noting you may need up to six months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone via osseointegration.

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?

Your restorations are going to be personalized for your smile because your implant dentist in Center takes impressions of your mouth to create them. Once they are placed, people shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. The implants are secured in your jaw like tooth roots, so you won’t need to hold your jaw awkwardly to keep them in place as you might with poorly fitting dentures. The combination of natural appearance and secure fit is unmatched!

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