Do you have missing teeth affecting the look and health of your smile? Dentists have several ways to replace teeth, but only one option replaces the tooth roots: dental implants. With dental implants, Dr. Courter can place strong and stable replacement teeth. This ensures your jaw continues to get the stimulation it needs to stay healthy.
Dental implants are a restorative treatment that replaces missing teeth by restoring the tooth at the root. They let you speak, eat, and smile comfortably, just like before.
Our Midland dental office offers dental implants to hold a bridge or denture that looks like your natural teeth. Implants are long-lasting, secure, and look natural.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Before getting dental implants, Dr. Courter will check that your mouth is in good health. We may need to treat things like gum disease, infections, or jawbone loss first. In some cases, we might suggest a bone graft to strengthen your jaw for the implants. Once your mouth is ready, we can use implants to replace any number of missing teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that a dentist or oral surgeon places in your jaw. It acts as a root for replacement teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures. These implants hold your new teeth in place securely. Some benefits of dental implants include:
- Comfort: Implants fuse with your jawbone, making them feel like your real teeth.
- Stronger Jaw: Implants keep your jawbone healthy by providing the same stimulation as natural teeth.
- Improved Speech: Implants stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about dentures slipping. This makes it easier to speak clearly.
- Improved Diet: Implants give you strong biting power, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods.
- Long Lasting: Implants are very durable and can last many years, even a lifetime.
Dental implants are the top choice for replacing missing teeth. They are the only option that replaces both the tooth root and the crown.
The implant fuses with your jawbone, restoring full bite function. It also prevents bone loss that can happen when you lose a tooth root. Because the jawbone stays healthy, your new teeth fit securely for life.
Since implants give you full bite strength, you don’t have to change your diet. You can eat whatever you like without worrying about your new teeth slipping or falling out. They also feel natural, so you can speak and eat with confidence.
Implants are low-maintenance. You brush and floss them like regular teeth and see the dentist for checkups. There’s no need for messy adhesives or taking them out for cleaning.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or even a full set of teeth. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, implants can support different types of dental restorations.
- Replacing One Tooth: If you’re missing just one tooth, a single dental implant can take its place. We’ll top the implant with a custom-made dental crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your other teeth, so it blends in naturally. In some cases, the implant can be placed right after the tooth is removed.
- Replacing Multiple Teeth: For multiple missing teeth that aren’t next to each other, we’ll use single implants for each one. But if the missing teeth are next to each other, we can use an implant-supported bridge. Instead of relying on natural teeth to hold the bridge, we use implants to secure it in place.
- Replacing All Teeth in an Arch: For patients missing all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, we use implant-supported dentures. These dentures are held in place by 4 to 6 implants, so there’s no need for adhesives or suction. You treat them like natural teeth—brushing and flossing daily. They stay in your mouth permanently and don’t need to be removed for cleaning.
The Dental Implant Process
Dr. Courter typically handles the entire dental implant process in his office, from start to finish. This means you won’t need to see a specialist or go to a different office for your surgery.
Consultation Before the Procedure
Before any work is done, we’ll have a consultation to make sure dental implants are the best option for you. We’ll talk about your medical history, dental goals, and budget, and Dr. Courter will do a full oral exam.
You must be in good overall health to get dental implants, and you need to have enough healthy bone in your jaw to support the implants. We may need to treat any oral health issues, like gum disease, before the procedure. If there are any broken tooth fragments, they will also need to be removed.
We’ll also discuss your sedation options. Most patients prefer sedation for the procedure, and we offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral-conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide works quickly and wears off fast. If you choose oral-conscious sedation, you’ll take a pill about an hour before the procedure and will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
The Surgical Procedure
To begin, we will numb the area around the implant site with a local anesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable. Then, we’ll surgically place the implant post into your jawbone. It takes about 3 to 6 months for the implant to fully heal and fuse with the bone. During this healing time, we’ll give you a temporary restoration.
Once the implant has healed, we’ll attach an abutment to the top of the implant post. This abutment connects the post to the final restoration, whether it’s a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Courter will make sure your final restoration blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Dental Implant FAQs
How do I clean my dental implants?
You can care for dental implants the same way you do for your natural teeth. Brush and floss gently to remove food and bacteria. For a deeper clean, especially between the implants, we recommend using an interdental brush. This type of brush is great for getting between the teeth and is gentle on implants and other restorations.
Do dental implants look like regular teeth?
Yes, dental implants are made to look just like natural teeth. We color-match the dental crowns that go on top of the implants so they blend in perfectly. These crowns are porcelain caps that cover the implants, and they’re the only part visible above your gums. They not only look natural but feel natural, too.
What can I eat after implant surgery?
Before your implant surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare some soft meals ahead of time. For about a week after the procedure, you should only eat soft foods to protect the healing areas. You’ll have stitches around the implants, so it’s important not to disturb the healing process.
Also, avoid using straws during this time. Sucking through a straw can affect the blood clots that form on your gums and could lead to complications.
When can I brush my teeth after implant surgery?
Wait at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth again. During this time, rinsing with warm salt water can help the healing process. Avoid using mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinses for at least two weeks after surgery to allow your mouth to heal.
Will my gums grow around the implant?
Yes, over time, your gums will grow around the implant, just like they do with natural teeth. We’ll keep an eye on your healing progress to make sure everything is on track. If needed, we may suggest certain products or techniques to help your gums heal faster and better.
Can I be a candidate for dental implants?
Most people can get dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support them, we may recommend bone grafting. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, we’ll treat those first to ensure your mouth is healthy enough for implants.
The best candidates for dental implants have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implants in place. We’ll help make sure you’re ready for implant treatment and restorations.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors. How many implants do you need? What type of restoration are you getting? Will you need any extra procedures, like bone grafting? We’ll go over all of this during your consultation and provide you with a clear price estimate.
Keep in mind that dental implants last much longer than other tooth replacements. They’re an investment in your smile and your quality of life.
If you’ve recently lost a tooth or are thinking about replacing dentures, schedule an appointment today. Get in touch to see if dental implants at our Midland, TX office are the right choice for you. Call Dr. Courter at 432-287-9531 to set up a consultation.
We’re here to help you create a plan for your dental implants or implant-supported restoration. Our office proudly serves Midland County, the Permian Basin, and nearby areas.
To learn more about our dental implant services, see: