Dental Implants – West Lake Hills, TX
Looking for the Pinnacle
in Tooth Replacement?
It’s true that there are multiple ways to replace teeth. Doing so puts your oral health in the right direction and is a fantastic investment compared to doing nothing at all. However, if you want the most natural-looking replacement that both looks and feels like a real tooth, there’s nothing quite like dental implants. Dr. Long is happy to meet with you directly, confirm your eligibility, and develop a treatment plan for the most advanced tooth replacement treatment in dentistry!
Why Choose Westlake Hills Dental Arts for Dental Implants?
- Partners with Local Dental Implant Specialist
- Calming Sedation Available In-House
- Custom Restorations Look Natural and Lifelike
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dedicated tooth replacements that rebuild not just the crown portion that makes up your smile, but the root that extends deep into the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue. They are typically made up of three components: a titanium post, a tooth-colored restoration, and an abutment to connect them together. Whether you need to replace one tooth or several, you can expect your implants to include these components.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Since dental implants replace the root of the tooth, it can mimic all of its previous functions that were lost when the tooth was extracted. This includes bone stimulation, which helps you maintain your biting strength and makes it possible to eat your favorite foods without much concern. It also means the tooth can remain healthy in the jaw for long periods of time, typically 30 years or longer. This cannot be said for other options, which last between 10 and 15 years, on average, before needing replacement.
On top of feeling natural inside the mouth, dental implants are known for having an incredibly high success rate when placed by a professional. In fact, success rates hover between 95% and 98%, meaning you can smile, eat, and speak with confidence. Unlike dental bridges, you won’t even need to modify existing teeth since the tooth-colored restorations sit directly on the implanted titanium post.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Chances are if you’re missing teeth, you’re likely a candidate for dental implant treatment. Of course, you should have good oral health overall and sufficient bone density and volume so the implants can be placed effectively. Dr. Long can assess your unique situation to determine the best course of action. In the meantime, consider the following treatment options below to get a better understanding of what to expect!
Missing Single Tooth
A single tooth can easily be replaced by inserting an implant into the jaw, attaching an abutment, and covering it with a dedicated porcelain crown to ensure the best esthetics. The restoration can occur once the implant has fully integrated with the bone tissue, which is a process known as osseointegration.
Missing Multiple Teeth
While multiple implants are needed to replace multiple teeth, you don’t need as many as you might think. For example, a pair of dental implants can typically hold a bridge containing three to four crowns. Unlike traditional dental bridges, you won’t need to modify existing tooth enamel just so they can hold your restoration.
Partners with Local Specialist
In order to provide you with the most comprehensive and effective dental implant treatment possible, Dr. Long partners with local implant specialists in Austin. This means the surgical portion will be completed at their office and you’ll come back to us to have the restoration attached. Doing this means we can make sure your tooth replacement goes as smoothly and predictably as possible. Whether you need to replace single or multiple teeth, partnering with the best allows us to provide the best restorative care.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a largely customized treatment, which means that the cost of your care will likely vary depending on your needs. For example, replacing single teeth is cheaper than replacing multiple teeth. Additionally, if preparatory treatments are needed before implants can be placed, this will increase the total cost as well. With that said, dental implants have better longevity and more versatility than other treatment options, making them more cost-effective and a worthwhile long-term investment