Dental implants are for patients who are missing one or more teeth. The implant(s) are permanently attached to the jaw and cannot be removed by the patient. Most dentists will evaluate the patient's problem and then offer either dentures or implants. Implants should fit perfectly and will look as natural as your regular teeth.

There are two stages to dental implants. One involves surgery and the other is restoration. A patient would first see a dental surgeon first and follow-up with a general dentist or prosthodontist for the restoration. There are some dentists who are qualified to do both.

The first step to receiving a dental implant is a complete evaluation by your dentist. This includes a medical history, dental history and a full examination of the mouth, gums and jaw. Once this is completed x-rays are taken that the dentist will review. After reviewing the above information, the dentist will present a treatment plan and begin the implant procedure. Once the implant is completed (depending on the healing time for individual patients), the implant is used to support a crown, bridge or denture. The type of implant and the condition that the jawbone is in usually determines healing time. As mentioned, the evaluation for dental implants includes an analysis of the patient's jaw to make sure that the ridges are in good shape and your gums are healthy. The jawbone has to be in good shape because the implant will eventually bond with it.

In Austin, there are many dentists who have specialization in implant dentistry and its treatment. Check your local phone directory or go online. If you do a search for implant dentistry, Austin, Texas, you will find a list to choose from.