Dental Implants Specialist
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Lakeline Ranch Dental
Ardalan Zahedi, BDS, DDS, DMD
General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Austin, TX
Gaps in your smile not only damage your self-image, but they can damage your oral health and cause teeth shifting. Dr. Ardalan Zahedi regularly uses dental implants to help replace missing teeth at Lakeline Ranch Dental in Austin, Texas. Implants provide stable support for prosthetic teeth, offering more long-term durability and limiting the slipping or sliding of replacement teeth. Call or use the online booking tool and schedule a consultation today to find out if dental implants are right for you.
Dental Implants Q & A
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small metal posts or frames that Dr. Zahedi surgically inserts under your gums and into your jawbone. Implants serve as a sturdy support system for replacement teeth.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or more, implants can help fill the gaps. Implant-supported prosthetic teeth are the next best thing to your natural teeth. If you have implants, your replacement teeth won’t shift or slide.
Everyday functions, including chewing and speaking, are much easier with implants. They also help you retain your original facial structure and limit your risk of problems like gum disease and crowding by preventing teeth from shifting into gaps.
How does a dental implant procedure work?
The first step is ensuring your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. If Dr. Zahedi decides your jawbone is too thin or weak, he may opt to graft on a bone-like material to strengthen it.
With a grafting procedure, your jawbone needs ample time, typically a few months, to heal and produce new, strong bone that can support an implant.
Once you’re ready for an implant, Dr. Zahedi uses a tiny drill to insert your permanent implant into your jawbone. Generally, he uses a local anesthetic to make the procedure relatively painless.
After the procedure, it takes several months for the implant to naturally fuse to your jawbone, which is what gives the appliance such excellent support. Dr. Zahedi monitors your progress and determines when the implant can support a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or another prosthetic.
How long do dental implants last?
As long as you take good care of your dental implants, they should last a lifetime. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, keep up with your regular dental appointments and cleanings with Dr. Zahedi, and practice healthy eating habits.
Still, since your mouth changes as you age, minor adjustments to your implants may be necessary over time. Your regular appointments help Dr. Zahedi track when you need an adjustment.
Are you curious to see if dental implants are right for you? Call or schedule an initial consultation online today to learn more.
