Dental Implants
Dental Implants in New Braunfels
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your appearance, it can impact your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in everyday life. That’s why dental implants have become the go-to option for patients looking for a permanent, natural-feeling solution. In New Braunfels, Today’s Smile Family Dental provides implant care that blends clinical expertise with the kind of supportive, personalized environment patients appreciate.
What Makes Dental Implants Different?
Dental implants are more than cosmetic. They’re designed to mimic the function of a real tooth, from root to crown. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. This post acts as a stable foundation for a custom-crafted crown or restoration that looks and feels just like the surrounding teeth.
What sets implants apart is that they replace the tooth structure below the gumline, not just the part you see. This helps preserve jawbone density and keeps your bite stable long-term.
Benefits That Go Beyond the Surface
Implants aren’t the only option for replacing missing teeth, but they offer benefits other solutions simply can’t match:
- Durability: With proper care, implants can last for decades. Many patients never have to replace them.
- Bone Preservation: Unlike bridges or dentures, implants actively prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs after a tooth is lost.
- Natural Function: Implants restore full chewing power, so you can enjoy your meals without restrictions or shifting dentures.
- Independence from Adjacent Teeth: Traditional bridges may require support from neighboring teeth. Implants stand on their own, helping preserve your remaining natural teeth.
For many people, the difference in comfort and function is night and day. Once healed, implants become such an integrated part of the mouth that most patients forget they’re even there.
A Thoughtful, Phased Approach
Dental implant treatment is a multi-step process. Each phase is important, and every patient’s journey is slightly different depending on their health history, goals, and oral structure. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
1. Consultation and Planning
Every implant case begins with a comprehensive exam. We use imaging and diagnostic tools to assess bone health and gum condition, and we’ll discuss whether an implant is the best fit. In some cases, bone grafting or periodontal treatment may be recommended first to support a long-lasting result.
2. Implant Placement
The implant post is placed surgically into the jaw. This may sound intimidating, but the procedure is often easier than expected. Many patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience afterward.
3. Healing and Integration
The healing process, known as osseointegration, typically takes a few months. During this time, the bone grows around the implant, anchoring it in place. A temporary solution may be used during healing to maintain aesthetics and function.
4. Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture is secured to the implant. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth can be candidates for implants. Some health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease, may require additional planning, but those don’t necessarily rule implants out. Smoking can also interfere with healing, and we’ll discuss how to minimize risks if that applies to you.
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you’re not eligible for implants, advancements in technique and materials have opened the door for more patients than ever before.
Your Care, Your Comfort
Getting dental implants is a commitment, and it’s important to feel at ease with your provider throughout the process. In our office, patients are never rushed or talked over. We’re here to answer questions clearly, explain your options, and provide honest recommendations without pressure.
Whether you’ve just lost a tooth or have been living with a gap for years, we meet you where you are and work toward the result that’s right for your long-term health.
Supporting New Braunfels, One Smile at a Time
We serve a wide range of patients from across New Braunfels and surrounding areas, and we understand that no two stories are the same. Some patients need one implant, others are rebuilding their smile after multiple extractions. Whatever your situation, we take the time to get it right.
If you’ve been putting off care due to uncertainty, concerns about comfort, or simply not knowing where to begin, you’re not alone. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the one that gets you closer to eating normally, smiling freely, and feeling like yourself again.
For a Lasting Solution for Missing Teeth, Schedule a Consultation
If you’re curious about whether implants are right for you, we welcome you to call 830-625-6565 and schedule a consultation with Today’s Smile Family Dental. We’ll walk through your options and help you decide with clarity and confidence. Dental implants are more than a solution for missing teeth, they’re an investment in your everyday quality of life. And we’re here to make sure that investment feels worthwhile.