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Dental Implants – Copperas Cove, TX

Seamlessly Replacing Your Missing Teeth

Holes in your smile are more than just an aesthetic embarrassment; they’re also an invitation for your remaining teeth to shift, causing jaw pain, headaches, and further tooth loss as time goes on. You have plenty of options at Cove Choice Dental for filling in these gaps, but if you want a replacement that’s as close to your real teeth as possible, then dental implants are your best bet. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the process of getting dental implants in Copperas Cove, TX.

Why Choose Cove Choice Dental for Dental Implants?

What Are
Dental Implants?

dental implant being placed in the lower jaw

Dental implants are different from other tooth replacements in that they offer a much more comprehensive solution for tooth loss. The implant itself is made out of titanium and shaped like a screw; it is designed to join with the jawbone and act as a new tooth root. This merging process, known as osseointegration, is what allows dental implants to support a crown, a bridge, or even a full denture via a metal abutment. Due to the unique advantages that they carry, dental implants are now considered the modern gold standard solution for tooth loss.

The 4-Step
Dental Implant Process

dentist putting a crown on a dental implant model

At many general dental practices, patients are often referred to a separate specialist in order to get the dental implant care they need. Fortunately, the experience of our team of dentists allows us to do everything in one single location. Once we give you a thorough diagnosis, we can get started with treatment as soon as you're ready.

Keep in mind that the dental implant process can take several months at minimum and requires multiple procedures. That said, your new teeth can last for 30+ years if you take care of them, so we think you’ll find that dental implants are worth the wait! We can discuss your treatment in detail at your appointment, but the four basic steps of the process include the initial consultation, the dental implant surgery, osseointegration, and the delivery of your restorations.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

dentist showing a patient their X-rays

First, our team will need to verify that you’re a good candidate for dental implants in Copperas Cove. This is done during a consultation, where our dentists will go over your medical history and review your oral health. If we detect any existing oral issues, such as gum disease or insufficient jawbone density, we’ll create a plan to fix them with various preliminary treatments, such as gum disease therapy or bone grafting. From there, we can walk you through what to expect throughout the dental implant process, including a projected timeline and cost estimate.

Dental Implant Surgery

dentists performing dental implant surgery

Because our Cove Choice Dental team can perform this procedure in-house, you won’t have to worry about visiting an unfamiliar practice. Instead, you’ll be with the team you already know and trust every step of the way.

Surgical dental implant placement is fairly straightforward. We’ll first numb your mouth and, if need, be, help you relax with dental sedation. Then, we’ll make small, precise incisions in your gum tissue, through which we carefully position the implant posts within your jawbone. Lastly, we close up your gums and place protective caps over the implants to ensure they stay safe during the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

dental implant integrating with the jawbone

Next comes osseointegration – the process of your jawbone growing around the implants until they’re essentially a part of your body. This step is key to the longevity, stability, and most of the other unique benefits of dental implants. However, it can take up to six months before it’s finished.

Once your implants are sufficiently fused to your jawbone, we’ll perform a small surgery to install metal connectors called abutments onto your implants. Abutments act as the bridge between the implant itself and the restoration we place on top of it. As you spend a few weeks healing from your abutment procedure, your restoration will be meticulously crafted at a dental lab based on impressions that we’ve taken of your mouth.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

senior man admiring his new smile with dental implants

Finally, you’ll return to our office and we’ll secure your tailor-made dental crown, bridge, or denture (depending on the number of teeth you’re replacing) onto your abutments. Once this step is complete, we’ll let you know how to care for your new smile so that it lasts for decades, possibly a lifetime to come!

Benefits of Dental Implants 

woman pointing to her smile

In recent years, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for patients with missing teeth – and there’s a very good reason for that. Thanks to their unique placement inside the jawbone, they offer many outstanding benefits you simply can’t get with more traditional methods like dentures or dental bridges. If you’d like to learn more about how implants can improve your overall quality of life, continue reading or give our friendly team a call today !

Day-to-Day Benefits 

woman smiling after getting dental implants in coppers cove

Since dental implants replace the entire structure of a missing tooth from the root up to the chewing surface, they’re able to provide several day-to-day benefits, including:

  • Restored chewing power. Once fully integrated with the jawbone, implants will stay firmly in place, allowing you to continue to enjoy all of your favorite foods.
  • Easier maintenance. Caring for dental implants is as easy as caring for natural teeth! Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash will ensure your newly rebuilt smile stays healthy for life.
  • Increased confidence. You can smile confidently knowing that your artificial teeth will not fall out or slip while you’re chewing, laughing, or talking to others.

Health Benefits

man smiling after getting dental implants in Coppers Cove

Dental implants can do more than improve your appearance – they offer many health advantages as well! Some of those include:

  • Jawbone preservation. Since implants help stimulate the jawbone, they ensure it remains strong and healthy, preventing the bone loss that’s common after tooth loss.
  • Protection for natural teeth. It’s common for teeth to shift if there are gaps in your smile. Fortunately, dental implants serve as a placeholder to ensure every tooth stays exactly where it belongs.
  • Improved overall health. Studies have revealed a correlation between tooth loss and an increased risk of multiple diseases. For that reason, it’s safe to assume that dental implants can help lower such risks since they’re the next best thing to natural teeth.

Long-Term Benefits

adult and child smiling together

Are you thinking about getting dental implants in Copperas Cove soon? Not only will you enjoy short-term benefits, but you can look forward to long-term benefits as well, such as:

  • High success rate. Implants have an impressive success rate of about 95% even 20 years after they’ve been placed.
  • Youthful appearance. Since implants stimulate blood flow in the jaw, they help prevent its deterioration and the sunken, aged look that often comes with tooth loss.
  • Long-lasting results. Your new teeth can last for decades, or even a lifetime, as long as they are well-maintained.

Who Dental Implants
Can Help

dentist showing a patient a model of how dental implants work

In addition to losing any number of teeth, a good candidate for dental implants will need to have a healthy mouth and a sufficient amount of jawbone. Those who are suffering from gum disease or tooth loss may need to undergo specific preparatory procedures before moving forward with dental implant surgery. Once we’ve decided to move forward, we can figure out how dental implants can best meet your unique needs, as detailed below:

Missing One Tooth

One lost tooth can easily be replaced with a single implant, which is surgically placed into the gap left behind. The average implant takes a few months to fully integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. We will only top the implant off with a crown once the integration is complete.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row, you can consider getting an implant bridge. Typical dental bridges use natural teeth for support, but you can protect the rest of your natural smile by using a pair of dental implants instead. You can also use implant-supported partial dentures to fill in gaps throughout your mouth.

Missing All Teeth

The idea of replacing all of your teeth with dental implants might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually relatively simple. Dentures can be supported by four to six implants posts that have been carefully placed in strategic spots. Implant dentures are sometimes removable, but more often than not they’re fixed in place.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

man smiling from cost of dental implants in Copperas Cove

The cost of dental implants is not set in stone. The process consists of multiple steps that might vary from case to case, and a different number of implant posts will be required depending on the number of teeth missing. Since these titanium posts can last for decades, they can be considered a long-term investment that will pay off in the long run. We can discuss the cost of the dental implants in Copperas Cove process during your first appointment so that you know what to expect financially. Read on or call our staff directly if you’d like to learn more today!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

money representing cost of dental implants in Copperas Cove

Patients can sometimes require preliminary treatments before they can receive dental implants. This may include extracting a tooth that’s infected or decayed, or getting a bone graft if there isn’t sufficient bone tissue in the jaw. While these procedures may increase your overall costs, they are meant to ensure your new teeth have a strong foundation for a successful treatment.

The cost of the dental implant surgery itself can also be affected by the location of the surgical site and the kind of sedation necessary. Fortunately, we can perform the procedure in-office, meaning you won’t have to worry about visiting a specialist elsewhere.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

illustration of the parts of dental implants in Copperas Cove

The pieces of your dental implant can be constructed from different materials, each having its unique benefits and prices. The restoration used for your dental implant can also have varying costs. The price can increase the more materials that are used, such as a dental crown being more affordable than a bridge. Our team will discuss these options with you to determine which will offer the best results for your needs and how they’ll affect the overall cost.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

dentist explaining the cost of dental implants in Copperas Cove

While it might seem like you’ll save money by choosing dentures or a dental bridge, dental implants are more cost-effective. Firstly, they’ll improve and preserve your dental health, avoiding other oral issues that might require more extensive treatment later on. Secondly, they won’t need to be replaced as often as other traditional options, and you’ll only have to practice minimal maintenance to preserve them.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

woman talking about cost of dental implants in Copperas Cove

Although many dental insurance companies don’t cover the implants themselves, they may make exceptions for parts of your restoration or preliminary procedures. These can include certain treatments like bone grafting or tooth extractions. To know how you can make the most of your benefits, reach out to our knowledgeable staff and we’ll be happy to look at your insurance plan.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

patient after paying cost of dental implants in Copperas Cove

If you don’t have dental insurance, then we can offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit. With the help of our trusted third-party lender, you can pay the cost of dental implants in monthly installments instead of the entire sum at once. Many of these plans also have little to no interest, providing you with a financially stress-free experience!

Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants

smiling man who maintains his dental implants in Copperas Cove

When you get dental implants, you should do so with the expectation that they will last a long time; however, their lifespan will depend largely on how well you take care of them. Doing your part can ensure that your dental implants are still successful even decades after placement. Below are tips from our dentists you’ll need to follow to keep your implants in good condition.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

patients with dental implants in Copperas Cove brushing their teeth

Just as you should with natural teeth, your implants need to be brushed and flossed on a daily basis. Plaque, which contains inflammation-causing bacteria, can still accumulate, particularly near the gumline, and these seemingly small habits can prevent plaque from adhering and causing trouble. Even though brushing and flossing only take a few minutes every day, they can have an impact for a lifetime.

Eat a Healthy Diet

woman drinking water and having a healthy diet for dental implants in Copperas Cove

You may know that sugar can lead to cavities, but did you know it can also sabotage your implants? Although you don’t have to worry about decay, your gums can become infected with a bacteria that thrives on sugar and carbohydrates, so it’s a good idea to limit how much you consume. On the other hand, there are plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, and other food that offer the vitamins and minerals your mouth needs to stay strong. Drinking plenty of water is another way to minimize the negative impact your food can have on your restored smile.

Break Bad Habits

stopping bad habits like smoking

If you have smoked in the past, now is the opportune time to stop. Smoking makes it easier for bad bacteria to grow inside the mouth. Other bad habits, such as chewing on hard objects like pens or ice, can also put your implants at risk for failure.

Protect Your Dental Implants

mouthguard to protect dental implants in Copperas Cove

Do you participate in contact sports or activities where a blow to the face may occur? You need to wear a mouthguard, which absorbs the hit instead of your implants. Like natural teeth, your implants are embedded in the jawbone, but an impact to the mouth can break them loose, undoing all your hard work. We find the best protection comes with a custom mouthguard that fits properly and doesn’t slip around.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

happy patient getting a regular checkup for dental implants in Copperas Cove

Even if you are diligent in brushing and flossing, you’re bound to miss some plaque every now and then. Once hardened, it is impossible to remove, except by a professional with the right equipment and training. That’s why you need to have regular cleanings. Plus, during these routine appointments , we check to see if there are any complications developing. If we spot any, such as a gum infection called peri-implantitis, we can take care of it quickly—before it leads to implant failure.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions 

patient smiling after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

At Cove Choice Dental, we’re able to complete the entire dental implant process from start to finish in one convenient location. Following your oral surgery, we’ll provide you with post-op instructions to help you make a speedy and smooth sailing recovery. Our team wants you to be as well-informed as possible to ensure you have an idea of what to expect throughout the healing process. Should you ever experience anything outside of what’s mentioned here, don’t hesitate to contact us for personal assistance.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

taking pain medication after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

After getting dental implants in Copperas Cove, the most important thing you must do is leave the forming blood clot untouched to ensure the gums heal properly around the implant. To that end, you’ll need to avoid:

  • Spitting (use tissues or swallow saliva)
  • Drinking from straws
  • Smoking or using tobacco products
  • Touching the surgical site with your fingers and tongue

Common Side-Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

patient with swelling after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

Patients who’ve never had oral surgery before may have difficulty knowing what symptoms are normal and which ones are concerning. While you can expect discomfort after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove, it’s temporary and should gradually disappear. If it seems to be getting worse, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. Here are some other side effects you can expect in the first few days after your procedure:

  • Intermittent Bleeding: This is gradual and can be remedied by applying a small amount of pressure on the gauze that’s located on the surgical site.
  • Swelling: Often lasting a week, you can get it to go down more quickly by using a cold compress on the cheek or jaw for 10 minutes at a time.
  • General Discomfort: You can alleviate your discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

woman making smoothie after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

It’s strongly recommended that you stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days following dental implant placement. Make sure you stock up on non-abrasive foods like:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Pudding
  • Soup
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Pasta

While you can return to your usual diet as soon as you feel up to it, you should avoid doing so until your dentist recommends it. Make sure you limit your consumption of crunchy or tough foods and do not chew directly on the implant site.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

woman brushing teeth after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

Keeping your mouth clean is incredibly important after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove. You can brush your teeth as you normally would the day after your surgery, but you need to be careful about brushing near the surgical site. Rinse your mouth two to three times a day with salt water, ideally after meals. You’ll also want to avoid mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol, like Scope or Listerine.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

patient smiling after getting dental implants in Copperas Cove

Once you’re all healed up, you can move on to the last step of the process – getting your new teeth! During your appointment, we’ll attach your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to your dental implants. You may experience mild sensitivity in the gum tissue afterward, but it’s easily manageable with pain medication. Because there’s no extensive recovery, you’ll be ready to show off your improved smile that very same day!

Dental Implant FAQs

woman smiling with dental implants in Copperas Cove

Unlike other traditional restorations like dental bridges and dentures, you can effectively rebuild your pearly whites from the roots up with dental implants. Not only can you regain the majority of your biting power, but you can also preserve any remaining teeth and your jawbone structure in the long run. That said, you probably want to know as much as you can about the treatment before starting any procedures. That’s why we’ve gathered and answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get about dental implants in Copperas Cove. Read on or give us a call if you wish to learn more today!

How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?

After placing your dental implant in your jawbone, you’ll also need to wait for osseointegration to finish successfully before you receive your restoration. This process involves your bone tissue healing over and bonding with the titanium post, creating a comfortable, stable, and long-lasting root for your replacement teeth. This can take anywhere from three to six months to complete, depending on your diet and how well you take care of the surgical site. Make sure you maintain proper oral hygiene and stick to soft, nutrient-rich meals to preserve good health.

Will I Need a Referral to Have My Dental Implants Placed?

Sometimes dentists may need to refer patients to outside dental professionals to perform dental implant surgery. Fortunately, our team at Cove Choice Dental has in-house specialists that can conveniently place your restorations right here in our office! This means you won’t have to worry about going back and forth between locations to receive the treatment you need to replace your missing pearly whites. By using the latest dental technology, we’ll do everything we can to make sure your dental implant process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Do I Brush My Dental Implant Like a Natural Tooth?

Although your new teeth won’t get cavities, you’ll still need to keep your smile clean and bacteria-free to prevent cavities and infection. The good news is you’ll simply need to care for your dental implants just like you would with your natural pearly whites. This will include brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing regularly with antiseptic mouthwash to keep a fresh breath and eliminate debris and bacteria. This can help preserve your dental implants as well as help you avoid more serious health issues from starting in the first place.

Where Do I Start If I’m Interested in Dental Implants?

The first step you should take is to schedule an initial consultation with our team. We’ll evaluate your dental situation and determine if dental implants are the right option for replacing your missing teeth. We might suggest preliminary treatments like bone grafting or periodontal disease therapy if you have insufficient jawbone density or issues in your gums that can hinder the success of your treatment. Once we’ve resolved any oral health concerns, our team will then discuss how best to restore your smile with dental implants. We’ll be sure to formulate a detailed treatment plan that’ll include an estimate of the overall cost and a personalized timeframe, that way you know what to expect before starting.

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