Dental Implants – Sweeny, TX

Why Choose Sweeny Family Dental for Dental Implants?

• Restorations custom-made for each patient
• Lifelike results that can last for 30 years or more
• All-inclusive implant care under one roof

Benefits of Dental implants

• Stability: A dental implant is actually a small titanium post that is placed directly into the jawbone to mimic the root structure of a lost tooth, and there, it can be topped with a restoration that shows above the gum line. Because implants are anchored firmly within the jawbone, patients don’t have to worry about their restorations slipping, moving, or breaking no matter what they eat.
• Aesthetics: Unlike with traditional bridges and dentures, implants don’t have any noticeable metal clasps or attachments needed to hold them in place. They are usually topped with 100% white porcelain restorations as well, helping them blend into any smile with ease.
• Jawbone Preservation: After a tooth goes missing, the jawbone in the area naturally starts to shrink and change shape, leading many elderly patients to develop a “sunken” appearance. Implants are the only treatment that can stop and even reverse this process, helping a patient maintain a strong and youthful shape to their face.
• Longevity: Implant restorations can often last for 30 years or more, and with the proper care, for the rest of a patient’s life.

Indications for Dental Implants

Dental implants are actually quite a versatile treatment and can be used to effectively replace any number of missing teeth:

Missing a Single Tooth

Once an implant is in the jawbone, a dental crown can be attached to the top of it using a small connector called an abutment. This new tooth won’t require those surrounding it to be altered in any way, making it a seamless addition to the smile.

Learn More About Single Tooth Implants

Missing Multiple Teeth

For patients missing three or more teeth in a row, rather than replacing them with individual implants, just two can support a strong and reliable bridge. Two implant crowns will be positioned on either side of the gap in a patient’s smile, and these will support the prosthetic that closes it.

Missing All Teeth

Using just four strategically placed implants, we can secure a denture directly to the jawbone, giving patients a security and stability a traditional removable denture simply can’t match.

How Dental Implants Work

In order to get dental implants, a patient must first undergo a minor surgery in which the new roots are placed into the jawbone. Unlike most other dentists in the area, Dr. Funk is able to perform this part of the procedure himself without a referral. This means our patients are able to rebuild their smiles in the same convenient location and work with the same trusted team the entire time. This makes the entire treatment much more efficient and affordable. After a patient has had time to recover from placement (which can take a few months), they’ll return to Sweeny Family Dental to receive their permanent restorations.

Learn More About How Dental Implants Work

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

A key thing to know is that the cost of an implant procedure can vary quite a bit from patient to patient depending on their specific needs. For example, a patient hoping to replace multiple teeth will pay more than one who only wants to replace a single tooth.

Regardless of this, implants should be considered a wise long-term investment, not only because of their superior function and aesthetics compared to other options, but because they are extremely durable as well. Regular dentures and bridges only tend to last about 7-10 years before needing to be completely replaced, which is just a fraction of dental implants’ 30+ year lifespan. With implants, a patient will avoid spending thousands on periodic maintenance and retreatments over time.

Learn More About the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental Implants FAQs

Dental implants are considered by most dentists to be the best way to replace missing teeth by far. However, even after reading about all the benefits of dental implants listed above, you might be a bit apprehensive about the treatment. You may be hesitant to invest so much into your new smile. Don’t worry; we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions that we get about dental implants.

Why Do I Need a Bone Graft Before I Can Get a Dental Implant?

When determining the success of your implant, the amount of jawbone mass you have is a crucial factor. Not having a dense enough jawbone means the implant doesn’t have the support it needs, meaning the procedure is likely to fail. During a bone graft, your dentist will place artificial bone tissue onto your existing jawbone, which will strengthen your natural bone to the point where it can support as many dental implants as you need to restore your smile.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

One might think that getting a titanium post placed in your jawbone would hurt, but thanks to local anesthesia (and sedation if need be), you should feel only minimal discomfort during the procedure. In fact, many patients prefer having the implant placed to having their tooth extracted.

Because it is a type of minor oral surgery, you can expect to deal with some degree of swelling or soreness for a few days after receiving your implant. However, it’s nothing that can’t be alleviated by applying a cold compress to your face in 10-minute intervals or taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The main reason that dental implants are seen as worth the investment is their longevity. Implants can be expected to last upwards of 30 years, possibly even the rest of your life, provided you take good care of them. This entails regular brushing, flossing, and checkups with Dr. Funk.

I Smoke. Can I Still Get Dental Implants?

Yes, but there are certain risks involved, such as a higher chance of implant failure. This is because smoking (or chewing) tobacco severely slows down the mouth’s ability to heal, which is critical in the implant’s process of integrating with your jawbone. As a result, the body is more likely to reject the implant, making the procedure a failure. If you currently smoke and are considering getting dental implants, we highly advise you to try quitting beforehand. If you need help quitting, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Funk for resources. He should be more than happy to help you quit smoking and achieve better oral health.