Smile Again With Dental Implants

We know how crucial it is to feel good about your smile. Led by the experienced and compassionate Dr. Morgan, our team is committed to offering the best dental implants in Lubbock to transform your smile and renew your confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Modern dental advancements have allowed for improved solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are long-term restorations that aim to give complete functionality back to your smile while also addressing aesthetic concerns. Each of our implants is designed to feel and look just like your natural teeth so you can smile confidently again.

They consist of titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, a connector known as an abutment, and custom-made crowns to mimic your natural teeth. They integrate with your jawbone to provide a stable and durable foundation for your new teeth.

Are Implants Right For You?

Dental implants aren’t just for those missing a tooth or two. They’re a fantastic solution for those who want to:

• Eat with confidence without needing to avoid certain foods.
• Smile without hesitation in a way that will boost your self-esteem.
• Speak clearly and confidently again.
• Improve your overall oral health by preventing bone loss.

Types of Dental Implants

We can help your smile with various implants, all depending on your needs! Regardless of the restoration you need, Dr. Morgan takes the time to listen to your concerns and review your oral health before suggesting a treatment. If we do recommend implant dentistry, you will likely undergo one of the following traditional procedures:

Single-Tooth Replacement

We follow an advanced, proven process for replacing single missing teeth to ensure high-quality results in a timely manner. First, Dr. Morgan will gently numb the tissue near the implant site so you can feel comfortable during the procedure. A small opening is created in the gum tissue, and the implant is securely placed into the bone. It takes a few months for the implant to integrate, after which Dr. Morgan will place a permanent crown on top of it.

Multiple-Tooth Replacement

We can restore multiple missing teeth without using implants for each tooth. In fact, Dr. Morgan can install two dental implants and then attach a fixed bridge on top to permanently restore several teeth in a row without you having to wear a partial denture.

Full Arch Implants

If you need to restore all of your teeth at once or want an alternative to dentures, options like All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants provide a streamlined, comfortable solution.

Full-arch dental implants are a series of four to six dental implants that restore an entire arch of missing teeth. After the implants are placed and healed, our dentist will create a pair of permanent or removable dentures that attach to the implants. These full-arch implant designs allow you to eat and smile with confidence with as few as four implants per arch (upper or lower jaw.) This is a popular option amongst senior patients who are tired of uncomfortable dentures and would prefer a permanent solution. Learn more about dental implants for seniors.

The Dental Implant Procedure

This restoration takes several steps, which are typically spread out over several months. During your first consultation, Dr. Morgan can provide a more detailed timeline based on your unique procedure.

1. Implant Placement: The titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone.
2. Healing & Osseointegration: The implant fuses with your jawbone over several months, anchoring it securely in your jaw.
3. Abutment Placement: A connector (the abutment) is attached to the implant.
4. Crown Placement: A custom-made crown designed to match your natural teeth is attached to the abutment, completing your smile.

The Benefits

• Simple maintenance
• No food restrictions
• Permanent restorations
• Custom designed
• Appropriate for single or multiple teeth

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dr. Morgan carefully assesses all potential implant candidates to determine if this treatment suits them. Safety is one of our chief concerns, and we never want to recommend a procedure that will yield unfavorable results. Fortunately, there are minimal restrictions on implant dentistry. While this list is not exhaustive, an ideal implant candidate will be someone with:

• Healthy teeth and gums
• Good oral hygiene
• Sufficient bone support
• No current habits of tobacco product usage

The Success Rate of Dental Implants

Dental implants have a high success rate, generally between 95 to 98%. The factors that will influence their success include your overall health, the quality and quantity of your bone, the location of where the implant is placed, and your oral hygiene habits.

Under the careful guidance of Dr. Morgan, the chance of implant failure is greatly minimized. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the highest success rates for our high-quality implants.

The Recovery Process After Dental Implant Surgery

Patients typically report mild tenderness for the first few days after a dental implant procedure. Dr. Morgan will prescribe appropriate medication and home care instructions to reduce these side effects, which are minor and temporary. Recovery can take as little as one to two days for single-tooth implant procedures and up to one week for more extensive treatments.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups. While implants cannot decay, the health of your gums is crucial to maintaining your implant. Dr. Morgan and our team will provide detailed instructions on caring for your dental implants.

Dental Implants vs Bridges or Dentures

While dentures and bridges can replace missing teeth, they do not offer the same benefits as dental implants. Dentures are removable, which can lead to insecurity about them slipping or falling out and can sometimes be uncomfortable. Bridges require the reduction of your adjacent teeth to support the false tooth.

Dental implants, however, are surgically implanted into your jawbone, acting just like a natural tooth root. This prevents bone loss, provides a stable foundation for the replacement teeth, and doesn’t impact the health of adjacent teeth. Additionally, dental implants offer a more natural look and feel than dentures or bridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are safe and effective. They have been used successfully in dentistry for over 50 years, and our dental implants are placed by our cosmetic dentist, who has extensive experience and training in implantology.

How long does the dental implant procedure take?

This procedure occurs in multiple stages over several months. Initially, your implant is placed into your jawbone. Afterward, a healing period of a few months is required for the implant to fuse with the bone. Only once this healing process is complete can our team attach your artificial teeth to your implant.

Does getting implants hurt?

While the process may seem daunting, most of our patients report minimal discomfort. We use local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, and options for sedation dentistry are also available. Any post-operative pain you have can be managed with over-the-counter pain reliever.

How much does this restoration cost?

The cost of your procedure will vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced and your case’s complexity. Our team believes everyone deserves a beautiful smile, which is why we offer various financing options to ensure affordable care.

Are implants as strong as natural teeth?

Dental implants are designed to be durable and strong, often even more so than natural teeth. They are made from titanium, a material well-tolerated by the body and known for its strength and durability. Once fully healed, dental implants can handle the same forces as your natural teeth. This means you can eat your favorite foods without worry.

What happens if I don’t replace my missing teeth?

If you don’t replace a missing tooth, you might experience the following dental issues:

• shifting of surrounding teeth
• changes in your bite
• difficulty chewing
• speech problems
• a sunken-in face
• an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• bone loss or deterioration of the jawbone surrounding the missing tooth

Dental implants can help prevent these issues by providing a complete tooth replacement solution.

Restore Your Smile With Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Lubbock

Our office provides professional, compassionate care and never stops short of perfection (or as close as humanly possible!). Dr. Morgan has unparalleled years of experience and truly enjoys seeing patients improve their quality of life with treatments like dental implants. Each member of our team is hand-selected to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care and unrivaled service.

Getting started with dental implants in Lubbock is as simple as scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Morgan. During this appointment, he will assess your oral health, discuss your goals and preferences, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. We believe in personalized dental care and will work closely with you to ensure your dental implant experience is as comfortable and successful as possible.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry today. Your journey to a confident, beautiful smile starts here.