Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can also impact your ability to eat, speak, and maintain proper oral health. Dental implants in Waco may be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting and reliable solution to missing teeth. At Acre Wood Dental, Dr. Benjamin Johnson and Dr. Steve Kennedy are highly skilled dental implant experts in Waco who offer advanced solutions to restore your smile and confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent replacement option for missing teeth. They consist of three main components: a titanium post that acts as a tooth root, an abutment, and a crown that resembles your natural tooth. The titanium post fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This post creates a sturdy foundation for the dental implant, ensuring your replacement tooth is as strong as a natural one.

Implant-supported dentures can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a permanent solution.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants comes with numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Natural Appearance: Dental implants are custom-designed to match your natural teeth’ size, shape, and color. Once in place, they blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
• Permanent Solution: Since the implant fuses with your jawbone, it becomes a permanent part of your mouth, unlike removable dentures or bridges that may need to be replaced over time.
• Improved Functionality: With dental implants, you can enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about shifting dentures or loose bridges. Implants provide the same biting power as natural teeth.
• Bone Health: One of the unique benefits of dental implants is their ability to stimulate and preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can deteriorate over time. Implants help prevent this by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots.
• Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective long-term solution for missing teeth.
• Improved Oral Health: Implants don’t require us to alter any adjacent teeth, as dental bridges require. This helps preserve the structure of your surrounding teeth.

The Dental Implant Process at Acre Wood Dental

At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, Dr. Benjamin Johnson and Dr. Steve Kennedy work closely with each patient to develop a personalized dental implant treatment plan. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect during the dental implant process:

1. Consultation and Examination: During your initial consultation, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Kennedy will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, including X-rays and a 3D scan if necessary. This helps determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Factors like bone density and gum health are important considerations when planning the implant placement.
2. Implant Placement: Once we finalize the treatment plan, we surgically implant the post into your jawbone. This step is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. After inserting the post into your jawbone, it will begin to bond with the implant, typically taking several months.
3. Healing Period: During the healing phase, the implant post integrates with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. We may provide a temporary restoration during this time to maintain the appearance of your smile.
4. Abutment and Crown Placement: An abutment is attached to the post once the implant fully integrates with the bone. The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the crown. Dr. Johnson or Dr. Kennedy will create a custom crown matching your natural teeth. The crown is placed on the abutment, completing the restoration.
5. Final Restoration and Care: After the crown is in place, you’ll enjoy a fully functional, natural-looking smile. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting Acre Wood Dental for regular checkups are essential to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are a highly effective solution for many patients with missing teeth, but not everyone is an ideal candidate. To determine if dental implants are right for you, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Kennedy will evaluate several factors, including:

• Sufficient Bone Density: A healthy jawbone is essential for supporting the implant. If you’ve experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be required before the implant procedure.
• Good Oral Health: Your gums should be healthy and periodontal disease-free before receiving implants. If needed, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Kennedy will provide treatment to address gum issues before the implant.
• Overall Health: Patients should be in good general health to undergo the surgical placement of implants. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immune system disorders, may affect your eligibility for the procedure.

Why Choose Acre Wood Dental for Dental Implants in Waco?

At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, we understand how important a confident, healthy smile is to your overall well-being. Dr. Benjamin Johnson and Dr. Steve Kennedy are experienced dental implant experts in Waco who provide personalized, compassionate care to each patient. Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure precision and comfort throughout the implant process.

Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Kennedy are committed to delivering results that enhance your smile’s function and appearance. At Acre Wood Dental, we take the time to explain your options, address your concerns, and guide you through each step of the dental implant journey.

Schedule Your Consultation for Dental Implants in Waco Today

If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants, contact Acre Wood Dental today. Dr. Benjamin Johnson and Dr. Steve Kennedy are here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love for years to come. Call our office or visit our website to schedule your consultation for dental implants in Waco.