Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss — mostly due to tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But, today, many people are choosing dental implants.
Dr. Damien Garcia and Dr. Lisa Gortari offer dental implants to provide you with a long-lasting solution that mimics the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth; and restores your smile and your oral health. Call Oasis Family Dental at 956-661-1000 to schedule your consultation with our skilled dentist, and to learn if you are a candidate for dental implants in McAllen, Texas.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with the bone, they become permanent.
- Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the dental work can slip within your mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
- Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require removing the enamel from other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
Getting a Dental Implant
The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by a team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.
Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post — called an abutment — is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The new tooth or teeth is based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.
Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.
Your dentist also will match the color of the new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.
If you have further questions about dental implants, please feel free to contact our office.
FAQ about Dental Implants
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.
After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin.
Why should I choose Oasis Family Dental for my dental implants in McAllen, Texas?
At Oasis Family Dental, our dentists bring together years of experience, advanced training, and a compassionate approach to dental care. At Oasis Family Dental, we leverage advanced dental technology to make your implant experience efficient, minimally invasive, and comfortable. Our goal is to restore your smile and confidence with results that perfectly mimic your natural teeth in function and look.
What makes dental implants a better option than bridges or dentures?
Dental implants at Oasis Family Dental outshine bridges and dentures by offering a lifelong, seamless match to your natural teeth, without the need for adhesives or altering nearby teeth. They also protect against jawbone loss and help maintain your face’s natural shape, boosting both your oral health and overall quality of life in a concise, comprehensive solution.
Is everyone a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are a viable option for many with tooth loss, yet suitability hinges on key health criteria like adequate jawbone support and the absence of healing-impeding conditions. During your consultation at Oasis Family Dental, we’ll closely evaluate your oral and overall health to determine if implants are the right choice for you.
How do I maintain my dental implants after the procedure?
Dental implants require the same level of care as your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Oasis Family Dental. By maintaining diligent oral hygiene, your dental implants have the potential to serve you for a lifetime, ensuring a permanent and radiant smile.
What is the success rate of dental implants at Oasis Family Dental?
At Oasis Family Dental, we’re renowned for our exemplary track record with dental implants, a testament to the skill and meticulous attention to detail of our dentists. Their expertise ensures that every phase of the implant journey is conducted with the utmost precision, guaranteeing outcomes that not only meet but often exceed our patients’ expectations. This commitment to excellence underpins our reputation for enhancing smiles and bolstering oral health, solidifying our status as a premier destination for dental implant services.
Are dental implants noticeable?
A standout feature of dental implants from Oasis Family Dental lies in their exceptional ability to mirror the aesthetics of your natural dentition. Our dentists take meticulous care in crafting implants that are a perfect match for your original teeth in terms of hue, contours, and proportions. This personalized approach ensures that once your treatment is complete, your dental implants integrate flawlessly with your surrounding teeth, offering an undetectable and cohesive appearance.