Financial Policy
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, as well as Care Credit. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients (our fees have not increased since 2014). Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 830-895-3494.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These serve as a substitute for the tooth root. The bone heals with the implant over 3-6 months, creating a strong foundation. An abutment will be placed on the implant and protrude through the gums for the final crown to be attached to the implant. Implants also help prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has healed to the surrounding bone, the second phase requires placement of the abutment. After a couple of weeks, your restorative dentist will make impressions of the abutment and implant to make the final crown. The entire procedure usually takes about six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental Implant Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, please watch the following introduction video. More videos can be found under the Patient Information tab.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Lussier is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Lussier performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Most implant cases can be safely managed in an office setting under local anesthesia, with or without IV anesthesia.. Occasionally, inpatient hospital implant surgery is necessary patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.