ClearChoice Dental FAQ

AUSTIN (KXAN) - What is a Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw which acts as a replacement for the root portion of a natural tooth that is missing. Dental Implants may be used on both the upper and lower jaws. Because titanium is biocompatible, Dental Implants fuse with the natural bone, thus making them a good anchor for a replacement tooth or even an entire set of replacement teeth.

Why Dental Implants?

There are a number of reasons which make Dental Implants a good choice, including the following:

• When the root structure of a natural tooth is not present, this can cause the jawbone to shrink, which in turn can lead to premature aging of the face.
• Because Dental Implants are fixed in place, there are no loose parts to worry about. They are stable, comfortable and able to last a lifetime.

Are Dental Implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare Dental Implants, and even higher for the bridges they support.

Who places the Dental Implants?

At ClearChoice in Austin, Oral Surgeons put the Dental Implants in place and Prosthodontists perform the restoration. Because Implant dentistry is a surgical procedure, it’s important that only an Oral Surgeon perform the procedure. Oral Surgeons are required to have a minimum of three additional years of surgical training which includes training in sedation, anesthesia and potential surgical and dental complications. Prosthodontists are dentists who have received extra specialized training in the treatment planning, replacement and restoration of missing teeth.

How much do Dental Implants cost?

There are several factors which help to determine the fee for tooth replacement with Dental Implants. This can include the number of teeth requiring replacement as well as the number of Dental Implants needed to support the replacement teeth. The Immediate Function™ procedures performed by ClearChoice have two benefits in this regard: they minimize the number of Implants necessary and typically remove the need for additional procedures like bone grafting. Furthermore, all Implant services provided by ClearChoice can be performed at one location for one guaranteed price that is often lower than other conventional treatment plans.

Who Is a Candidate

Are Dental Implants right for me?

Potential candidates for Dental Implants include anyone missing one or more teeth due to disease, tooth decay or injury. Dental Implants can be a good alternative to additional surgical procedures for those patients with extensive periodontal disease. The amount of available bone is frequently the determining factor. ClearChoice offers free consultations at their Austin location using Panoramic X-ray. This is the best way to determine whether or not Dental Implants are a good solution for you. ClearChoice also offers free consultations for second opinions.

Is old age a concern?

Older patients may be concerned that their age will keep them from enjoying the benefits of Dental Implants. It is, however, health and not age that is more often a determining factor. Patients who are healthy enough to undergo tooth extraction are typically healthy enough to receive Dental Implants. Patients with certain chronic diseases may not be good candidates for treatment with Dental Implants. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your dental and health history to determine if Dental Implants are right for you.

Benefits over Traditional Treatment

How are Dental Implants better than dentures or a dental bridge?

Improved appearance – When an entire tooth – including both the crown and root – is lost, the jawbone can shrink and cause the face to appear older. This process can be stopped with Dental Implants but not with a traditional denture or dental bridge.
Preserve natural teeth – Traditional dental bridges often require that teeth adjacent to missing teeth be ground down so that they can be used as anchors for a dental bridge. With Dental Implants, healthy teeth typically do not need to be modified.
Permanent solution – Dental Implants involve no loose parts and are instead stable, comfortable and able to last a lifetime. Receiving Dental Implants can be a life altering experience that promotes a more healthy and active lifestyle. Adjustments are not necessary and the implants can last a lifetime.

Expected Results

How will Dental Implants affect my life?

Dental Implant-supported replacement teeth look and feel like natural teeth. Furthermore, they function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you please. They are also fixed in place. Because of all of this, Dental Implants can vastly improve quality of life. People who were once embarrassed of and worried by their tooth problems are often amazed by how dramatically new permanent teeth can improve their appearance and their self esteem.

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