What Are Dental Implants?
At Abilene Surgical Associates, we offer dental implants as a natural and lasting remedy for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants consist of a visible crown and an anchoring root made of titanium, a time-tested material used in artificial joints.
- Foundation: Surgically placed into the jawbone, they create a robust foundation for artificial teeth.
- Osseointegration: The titanium bonds seamlessly with the bone, providing stability that prevents slipping or shifting.
- Bone Preservation: Implants play a vital role in preserving facial structure by preventing the bone deterioration associated with missing teeth.
The Hidden Cost of Missing Teeth
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone literally "melts away." Generally, patients lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss.
Missing all of your teeth? Learn more about Implant-Supported Dentures and the step-by-step procedure during your consultation.
Why Choose Implants Over Bridges?
While bridges and dentures are options, implants offer distinct advantages:
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone like natural teeth, preventing the bone atrophy that causes facial collapse.
- Protection: A traditional fixed bridge requires grinding down healthy adjacent teeth. Implants leave your healthy teeth untouched.
- Permanence: Unlike bridges, which may need replacing, implants can last a lifetime.
Tooth Replacement Options
We offer a full spectrum of solutions:
The Procedure: Advanced & Efficient
Using recent advances in technology, Dr. Graves and Dr. Tran often place "single-stage" implants. These do not require a second procedure to uncover them. In some situations, we can place the implant at the same time as the tooth extraction (Immediate Placement), minimizing your number of surgical visits.
"My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better... Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends."