Austin, Texas – Dental Implants and Bridges
"Dental implants and bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The aesthetic impact can be incredibly dramatic. An unsightly missing tooth is replaced by a perfect one."
At our office in Austin, Texas, dental implants and bridges are popular choices for patients who are missing one or more teeth. There are a number of factors that can lead to an uneven smile; some people are born without certain teeth, while others must have them extracted due to splits, cracks, gum disease, or trauma. If you are self-conscious about missing teeth, dental implants or bridges can substantially improve your smile’s function and appearance.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots with aesthetic crowns (made of porcelain, composite, or gold materials) that are surgically placed into the area of the missing tooth. One of the advantages of dental implants is that they are not connected to any other teeth. Better yet, the dental implants function just like your other teeth. At our Austin, Texas office, we provide dental implants that are safe, durable, and placed with utmost precision.
The Dental Implants Procedure
At our Austin, Texas office, dental implants are placed by Dr. Sakos in conjunction with an oral surgeon. The surgeon performs a minor procedure under local anesthetic, which involves the placement of a titanium root in the jawbone. It takes up to six months for the bone and gum tissue to grow around the dental implants; then, the tops of the dental implants are uncovered. Next, impressions are made of the dental implants and surrounding teeth, which are sent to a laboratory where aesthetic crowns are fabricated. Back at our Austin, Texas office, the dental implants are then capped with the crowns.
Dental Bridges
Bridges connect two or more teeth and span a space with an artificial tooth. They are often used in conjunction with dental implants when performing a large-scale restoration. Bridges are made of porcelain or composite resin with or without a metal substructure and fill the gap of the missing tooth or teeth. The dental bridge attaches to the surrounding teeth or dental implants via dental crowns, inlays and onlays, or wings that attach over or to the back of these teeth. The artificial tooth is connected in between these two.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Dr. Sakos will determine which type of bridge best suits your needs, and prepare the surrounding teeth or dental implants. After an impression is taken of the area, a laboratory will handcraft your bridge. A temporary bridge will be placed on your teeth until your permanent bridge is complete (about 10 to 14 working days). These temporary bridges look and function like real teeth. At your second appointment, the bridge is cemented in place.
To learn more about restorative dentistry solutions in Austin, Texas, such as dental implants and bridges, contact Westlake Hills Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Contact our Austin, Texas, office today for more information about dental implants and bridges.