Dental Implants — New Braunfels, TX
The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
Despite the latest solutions in dentistry, tooth loss is a real problem for many Americans. Thankfully, there are more options than ever to replace missing teeth. As an alternative to traditional treatments, many patients are turning to dental implants to rebuild their smile. Dr. David Earnest offers both placement of dental implants and dental implant restoration to lead you through the entire process right here at Comal Dental in New Braunfels, Texas. From start to finish, he’ll be by your side to restore a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. Read on to learn more about this state-of-the-art tooth replacement option and call us today to schedule your consultation!
Why Choose Comal Dental For Dental Implants?
- Entire Dental Implant Treatment Completed Under 1 Roof
- Numerous Options to Ensure Your Comfort, Including Sedation Dentistry
- Dental Team with Advanced Training in Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium and zirconium post that is placed into the jawbone to recreate the root structure of a missing tooth. After it has bonded with the surrounding bone, it’s topped with a crown, bridge, or denture to restore the visible portion of the tooth/teeth. Right now, dental implants are the only treatment that brings back an entire tooth from top to bottom. This gives them unmatched stability, functionality, longevity, and comfort. In fact, your new dental implants will be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth in every way!
The Dental Implant Process
Dr. Earnest is specially trained as an implant dentist to handle the placement surgery and restoration portion of your treatment in-office. He surgically places a titanium alloy post into the jawbone. Once the surgical placement is complete, the post bonds with the bone to create a strong foundation for your replacement tooth.
After your jawbone has healed, Dr. Earnest will have crafted a single dental implant restoration, an implant-supported bridge, or an implant retained denture to replace your missing teeth. He goes to great lengths to make sure that the dental implant restorations are beautiful, strong, and durable.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants differ from traditional treatments because they replace the entire structure of the tooth, not just the crown. This allows them to provide exceptional benefits that aren’t possible using other treatments, including:
- Over a 95% success rate
- Looks and feels natural
- Preserves your jawbone’s density
- Supports your facial tissues
- Stops dental drift
- Improves your oral health
- Cost-effective
- Long-lasting
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants can be used to treat all severities of tooth loss if you’re a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Earnest will evaluate your smile and your oral health to determine which option is best.
Missing 1 Tooth
A titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a new root. An abutment is placed on the post to connect a custom-made crown. Your new tooth will blend in with your natural ones, so no one will notice it isn’t real.
Missing Multiple Teeth
An implant post is used at either end of a bridge to support it. There’s no need to alter healthy teeth to bond dental crowns over them. Your bridge can last for several decades with the right care, so you’ll never need to worry about having it replaced.
Missing All Teeth
4 to 8 implant posts can support a denture to eliminate slipping or irritation. You’ll regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force to enjoy the next best thing to your natural teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
It’s no secret dental implants initially cost more than traditional treatments, but they are more affordable long-term because they should never need to be replaced with the right aftercare. We provide you with a custom estimate during your consultation and explain the costs associated with each step in your treatment. Since the process takes several months, you won’t need to cover the entire amount upfront, which can make it easier to afford your new smile. We’ll work with you to maximize your dental insurance to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We will also explain your payment options, like using CareCredit.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
With modern advancements in dental technology and techniques, dental implants typically have a success rate of 95% or more. This means you can expect your metal posts to remain healthy and reliable for several decades to a lifetime! That said, it’s best to know about the indications of dental implant failure and the steps to take if you notice them. Should your dental implant ever feel sensitive or loose, or your gums start getting tender or swollen, be sure to notify us as soon as possible. Our team may be able to restore a failing dental implant with a salvage technique.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Once your mouth has fully recovered from dental implant surgery, you’ll find that taking care of dental implants isn’t much different from taking care of natural teeth; you’ll continue brushing and flossing like you did before. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose low-abrasive toothpastes that won’t damage the implant.
- Add mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine to wash away food and bacteria from around the implant.
- If you have trouble cleaning underneath the implants, try using a water pick.
Dental Implant FAQs
Before you decide to get dental implants in New Braunfels, it’s important to do your research. Do you fully understand what is going to happen during the procedure and what it will be like to have new teeth supported by an implant? Dr. Earnest is here to make sure you’re fully informed. Read below to see if we’ve already answered your question; if not, write it down so that you can bring it to our attention during your implant consultation.
How Long Will My Dental Implants Last?
If you’re used to having bridges, dentures, and crowns replaced every 5 to 15 years, you’re probably wondering how often you’ll need new implants. The answer is: very rarely, if ever! The implant screws themselves can easily last over 30 years if you continue to practice good oral hygiene and receive regular dental checkups. In fact, they could very well last the rest of your life. Note that this primarily applies to the actual implant. The restoration that they support will be subject to more wear and tear and will likely need to be replaced periodically. Still, you can safely look forward to your dental implants strengthening your smile for a long time.
What is the Right Age for Dental Implants?
Implants are usually recommended for adults with fully grown and developed jaws. They’re not typically placed in children because of the number of changes that still have to take place. However, some older teens might be eligible for the procedure. Girls around the age of 16 and boys around the age of 18 might be able to get implants; we can give you our recommendation once we’ve had a chance to evaluate their mouth.
Will Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Dental implant placement is a surgery, so the proper precautions are taken beforehand to keep you comfortable. Between the local anesthetic used to numb the mouth and the sedation techniques used to keep them in a relaxed state of mind, many people report that the implant treatment feels better than they expected. We’ll give you instructions for taking care of your mouth during the recovery process so that you can keep any soreness you might experience under control. The pain after the surgery will be mild and should go away with time. If it grows worse or becomes severe, call us immediately; you might be experiencing the warning signs of a post-surgical complication.