Missing teeth, broken restorations, or damaged teeth that are in desperate need of extraction make it extremely difficult to bite down, chew, and speak. At Elite Smiles of Pflugerville, we offer dental implant surgery to patients who need secure-fitting, artificial teeth and desire to have a fuller, natural-appearing smile. Dr. Lakshay Sharma works with men and women throughout Pflugerville, TX to help meet their cosmetic and restorative dental care needs.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium, medical-grade posts that serve as tooth roots that are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone. Once dental implants are secured into place, these new roots can host artificial teeth, including single crowns, bridges, and a full set of dentures. At Elite Smiles of Pflugerville, Dr. Sharma assesses the unique needs of each of his patients to determine if dental implants are the appropriate dental treatment for them.
Dental implants provide men and women with numerous benefits, including:
Men and women are excellent candidates for dental implants if they:
Dr. Sharma will review your medical and dental history to determine if you can safely undergo dental implant surgery. Patients with active oral infections or periodontal disease will have to be treated for these conditions prior to surgery. Patients who are active smokers or are pregnant may not qualify for surgery.
The number of dental implants required will depend on the number of teeth you need to be replaced. A single implant can host one artificial tooth or crown. A bridge will need at least two implants for stabilization. A full set of dentures generally requires between 4 – 8 implants for proper security to the upper or lower jawbone. Consult with Dr. Sharma about your unique needs and how many dental implants to expect.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia or sedation, depending on what helps the patient feel comfortable. Dr. Sharma will make a small incision in the gum tissue where a dental implant is screwed directly into the jawbone. The surrounding gum is then stitched back together. This process is repeated for each implant. Each implant is covered with a temporary crown during your recovery period. Once you are cleared for discharge, you may return home the same day as surgery.
During the first couple of days, patients will participate in a soft food and liquid diet, which includes items like pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or food with similar consistencies. Over the course of a couple of weeks, patients can progress to textured soft foods and then eventually upgrade to a normal diet. Throughout recovery, patients should avoid foods that irritate the gums or could potentially compromise the implants, including:
In 3 – 6 months, your dental implants should be fully integrated with your jawbone, at which time you can return to our office to be fitted for your artificial teeth.
Dental implants are restorations designed to last up to 30 years with the proper care. If patients adhere to their recovery protocol, practice good dental hygiene habits, eat healthy foods, and attend routine dental checkups, they can reduce their risk of damaging or shortening the lifespan of their implants.
If you reside in or near Pflugerville, TX, and would like to learn more about dental implants and the restorative process, contact us at Elite Smiles of Pflugerville and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Lakshay Sharma will assess your dental health to see if dental implants are the right restorative approach for you.
