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Dental Implants – Center, TX

A Seamless Solution to Tooth Loss

Smiling older man and woman

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

a dentist consulting with a patient

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.

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The Initial Consultation

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

a smiling man with glasses

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. Here are the benefits you can expect from this treatment.

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Day-to-Day Benefits

a woman enjoying a healthy salad plate
  • Convenient Maintenance : Dental implants can be treated in the same way as natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing as well as routine checkups with your dentist.
  • Lifelike Function : Implant-retained teeth are very durable and can be used to enjoy a full diet again without worrying about the restorations coming off when eating or talking.
  • Natural-Looking : Most people won’t even be able to tell the difference between your dental implants and your natural pearly whites. The materials used will perfectly mimic natural enamel, allowing you to feel free to show off your stronger and healthier smile.

Health Benefits

mature man jogging on a trail and smiling
  • Comprehensive Solution : Since dental implants serve as your new tooth roots, they’re the only tooth replacement option that can also reverse jawbone deterioration. This means they can help preserve the foundation for the rest of your smile as well as allow you to enjoy a more youthful facial shape in the long run.
  • Comfortable Results : With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about any discomforts that are more typical with traditional options, such as jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, or gum sores. Some patients even forget that they have their dental implants in.
  • Tooth Protection : Dental implants support themselves while also serving as placeholders for any remaining teeth, preventing them from shifting out of place after tooth loss.

Long-Term Benefits

a mature couple smiling and laughing together
  • 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.
  • Cost-Effective Solution : Since you won’t have to purchase special products or tools to maintain your dental implants, and you won’t need to replace them as often as traditional restorations, you can end up saving more in the long term.
  • Successful Results : Dental implants tend to have a success rate of 95% or more, even 10 years after being placed. This means you can be sure that your new teeth will be as reliable as you need them to be so that you can make the most of your full smile again.

 

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Dentist showing patient implant supported fixed bridge model

Dental implants can help nearly anyone with missing teeth. After all, they don’t usually have strict treatment requirements. However, you should consult our office before deciding anything. We’ll look over your smile and see if implants suit you. Once that’s done, our team will draft a custom treatment plan that fits your needs. We can even share the details with you now. To get these facts, just keep reading or call our office today!

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Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

A dentist showing his patient a dental implant

As stated before, most healthy adults can qualify for implants. Ideal treatment candidates simply need three basic qualities. These are the following:

  • Good Overall Health – Implant placement is a minor surgery. As such, your body needs strength to bear it. You’ll face adverse post-treatment effects otherwise.
  • Great Oral Health – If your mouth is unhealthy, you may have cavities and gum disease. Such issues can cause implant failure, so they must be addressed first.
  • Proper Jawbone Density – A patient’s jawbone needs sufficient density to support implants. Without that trait, it can’t keep the prosthetics secure.

Rest assured: If you’re not a good candidate initially, you can become one later. It’s just a matter of getting preliminary dental work. These procedures can span tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, and bone grafting. Whatever your needs, though, we’ll help you book services so your mouth is ready for implants.

Missing One Tooth

A 3D illustration of a single-tooth dental implant

If you have a single gap in your smile, an individual implant and crown are best. This pair will replace your missing tooth and blend seamlessly with your smile. Even better, it won’t make big alterations to your mouth. That means you’ll likely forget your new “tooth” isn’t an original after some time.

A single tooth implant has great benefits. In particular, it lasts longer than a dental bridge and won’t remove pre-existing enamel.

Missing Multiple Teeth

A 3D illustration of an implant bridge

When you lack several adjacent teeth, an implant bridge is the ideal option. It’s made of two implants fused to a pontic (i.e., an artificial tooth). When the posts are anchored, the resulting bridge fills the smile gap and restores your full grin.

Naturally, an implant bridge has advantages over single implants. It’s more cost effective than replacing each tooth individually. Furthermore, the treatment is less invasive.

Missing All Teeth

An implant denture placed in a model jaw

When you need to replace all your teeth, an implant denture is your best bet. It relies on four to six implants to restore an entire arch.

Unlike a standard one, an implant denture is highly secure. It connects to dental implants that fuse with your jaw. Therefore, it won’t slip or fall like other restorations might.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

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

happy man talking to dentist

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.

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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!