Dental Implants
Ideal Choice for Replacing a Missing Tooth
There are many ways to replace missing teeth. In many circumstances, dental implants are the ideal replacement option, particularly for one to three missing teeth. Dr. Atkins and Dr. Ripperger will evaluate your oral health and surrounding hard and soft tissues to ensure dental implant treatment is the right treatment for you.
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an option for most people. Generally, age and gender do not affect your ability to have dental implants placed. To determine the best treatment option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Atkins or Dr. Ripperger today.
Treatment
Planning – At your first appointment, your oral surgeon will take a Cone Beam CT scan of your teeth and jaws. They will then review the findings with your dentist to determine the best location for your implants. When dental implants are being placed, it is critical to ensure there is adequate space for placement of a tooth or teeth while avoiding important anatomical structures.”
Treatment – The surgery to place the implant will be carried out under general or local anesthesia. This procedure requires a small incision in your gums and can often be combined with the extraction of your tooth.
Custom Healing Abutment – A custom healing abutment is fabricated following a healing period of the dental implant. Dr. Atkins and Dr. Ripperger utilize the custom healing abutment to protect the implant while shaping the surrounding gum tissue for the most aesthetic result. When your implant crown is placed, it will be surrounded by the gum tissue creating a natural looking tooth that will be easy to keep clean.
Temporary teeth – For certain patients and situations, we can provide you with temporary replacement teeth that can be worn while the implant heals within the bone. Dr. Atkins, Dr. Ripperger, and your restoring dentist will determine if you are a candidate for immediate temporization of your implant. Once the dental implant has fully healed and our oral surgeons are satisfied it is strong and stable, your dentist can make your new crown.
Recovery
During the first few days after the placement of your dental implant, you may feel some mild discomfort. We will advise you on the best over-the-counter pain medications to use or, if necessary, can provide you with a prescription to decrease discomfort. You may need to take antibiotics and use a special mouth rinse during the first few days. Dr. Atkins and Dr. Ripperger will also give you detailed instructions on how to care for your dental implant during this initial healing period. We are always available if you have any questions or concerns after surgery.
Advantages
Dental implants can be the most aesthetic and natural option for tooth replacement. When appropriately maintained, dental implants can last for many years.
Long-Term Commitment
All dental implants require extensive planning and time to complete the treatment plan. Although dental implants can last a very long time, this does rely on good patient compliance. Routine follow-up and continued care with your general dentist is critical for the long term success of your dental implants. Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping dental implants free from plaque and will increase the longevity of implants.
Success Rate
Dr. Atkins and Dr. Ripperger achieve very high success rates due to their extensive surgical experience, in depth pre-operative treatment planning, and by utilizing premium, high-quality dental implants. This success comes in part from the extensive planning procedures carried out before surgery. When a dental implant is correctly placed, you will enjoy your new smile for many years to come.
Dental Implant Alternatives
Traditional dentures are a common alternative to dental implants, but people find them uncomfortable to wear. Dental bridges may be a possibility if the existing natural teeth around any missing teeth are strong enough to support the bridge. Your general dentist will discuss these possibilities with you.
Contact Lone Star Oral Surgery of Amarillo
Economical Long-Term Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth.
Dental implants can be used to support dental restorations that involve a single tooth or multiple teeth. Where multiple teeth are missing, two or more dental implants can be used to support a bridge. This treatment makes for an ideal long-term solution for replacing multiple missing teeth.
The cost of treatment depends on the number of implants required and the type of restoration planned. There may also be additional costs if bone grafts or soft tissue grafts are needed prior to or during implant placement. This treatment frequently offers a near ideal long-term solution.