Dental Implants

Missing Tooth

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. Dr. Atkins will need to carry out diagnostic tests of your oral health 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 you ability to have dental implants placed. To determine your best treatment options, you need to be evaluated by your general dentist and Dr. Atkins.

Dental Implants

Treatment

  • Planning – At your first appointment, Dr. Atkins will take a Cone Beam CT scan of your mouth. He will then review it with your dentist to determine the best location for your implants. When implants are being placed, it is critical to ensure there is adequate space for ideal placement 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.
  • Healing abutment – Depending on the conditions at the time of surgery, Dr. Atkins can place a healing abutment over the implant before stitching up the gums. The healing abutment protects the implant, allowing it to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone while helping shape the gum tissue. Shaping or managing the gum tissue provides the best aesthetic results. When your implant crown is placed, it will be surrounded with the gum tissue creating a pleasing effect 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 to your bone.  Dr. Atkins and your restoring dentist will determine if you are a candidate for immediate temporization of your implant. Once it has fully healed and Dr. Atkins is 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 painkillers 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 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 concerns after surgery.

Single Implant

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 with your general dentist is critical for the long term success of your dental implants. It’s important to maintain regular checkups. Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping dental implants free from plaque and will increase the longevity of implants.

Success Rate

Dr. Atkins achieves very high success rates due to his extensive surgical experience, in depth pre-op 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

Single Implant

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.

Single Implant

If you feel you could benefit from dental implants, call us today to schedule your appointment. 806-398-7228