Dental Implants
Single dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution for missing teeth. Dental implants provide excellent support and if properly maintained with last for years.
If you are considering dental implants in Kilgore, TX, there are many things to consider. One of the most important is finding a skilled and experienced dentist who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. At Silvertooth Family Dental, our dentists have years of experience with dental implants and can help you determine if they are the right solution for you.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by one of our dentists. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and will definitely enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are solid, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for Dental Implants: 
- Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are designed to fuse with bone, providing a secure foundation for tooth replacement.
- Structural Integrity: By replacing missing teeth, implants prevent the deterioration of the bone that occurs when teeth are missing. Implants also stabilize adjacent teeth by preventing them from shifting.
- Improved Speech: With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
- Oral Health: Another benefit of dental implants is that more of your teeth can be left intact because they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This maintains your natural bite and prevents other teeth from shifting into gaps.
- Improved Comfort: Dentures and bridges supported by implants feel more natural than conventional dentures, allowing you to eat your favorite foods quickly and confidently.
What Does Getting Dental Implants Involve?
Consultation and Treatment Plan
The first step is to meet with one of our dentists conveniently located right here in Kilgore, Tx, to see if dental implants are right for you. They will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and determine if you have sufficient bone to support an implant. If it is determined that you do not have enough bone, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended.
Once it is determined that you are a candidate for dental implants, Silvertooth Family Dental will develop a treatment plan. This plan will outline the steps of your implant journey and the estimated cost.
Extraction
The next step is to have the tooth or teeth removed. Our dentist can do this. Tooth extraction is a relatively quick and easy procedure.
If multiple teeth are removed, you may be provided some sedation to help you relax. Local anesthesia will also numb the area around the tooth being extracted.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants might require a bone grafting procedure to ensure enough bone to support the implant.
If you do not have enough bone, a bone graft can be used to build up the existing bone. This can be done using your bone, a synthetic bone substitute, or donated human or animal bone. The graft will provide a foundation for new bone growth. The graft can take several months to fuse with your existing bone.
Placement of Implant
The next step is to place the implant in your jawbone. This is done through minor surgery. First, our dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone. A hole will then be drilled into the bone for the implant to be placed.
Once the implant is in place, your dentist will close the incision with stitches. It can take several months for the implant to fuse with the bone.
Abutment and Crown
After the implant has fused with your natural bone, a permanent abutment will be placed on top of the implant. The abutment is a small connector piece that holds the crown in place.
Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. They will use this impression to create a custom-made crown. The crown will be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: Single Tooth Implant and Full Mouth Implants.
- Single Tooth Implant: A single tooth implant is just what it sounds like — an implant that replaces one tooth. It consists of a titanium screw (the implant) placed into the jawbone and a porcelain crown placed on top of the screw.
- Full Mouth Implants: Full mouth implants are known as All-on-4 implants or Full Mouth Restoration. This type of implant is used to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. It consists of four or six titanium screws (implants) that are placed into the jawbone and a complete set of porcelain teeth that are placed on top of the screws.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the number of teeth replaced and the type of implant used. It is important to understand that no two patients are alike with it comes to implants. Our dentists need to see you in person, and take all needed X-rays to give you a complete understanding of how your personal dental implant experience will be.
Contact us for a consultation to see what treatment options are available to you. At Silvertooth Family Dental, we offer various payment options to make dental implants more affordable.
Who is the right candidate for dental implants?
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and determine if you have sufficient bone to support an implant.
Generally, the ideal candidate for a dental implant is someone who:
-Is missing one or more teeth
-Has enough bone to support an implant
-Does not have any health conditions that would prevent healing
-Is committed to good oral hygiene
If you are missing teeth and want to restore your smile, contact Silvertooth Family Dental to see if dental implants are right for you.
Get In Touch
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.