Dental Implants

Missing teeth, loose dentures, problematic bridges…what’s the alternative? Dental implants can restore complete, dependable function and a natural-looking appearance. Dr. Van Wicklen restores dental implants and works with reputable, local oral surgeons and periodontists for implant placement.

Benefits of dental implants include:

  • Increased self-confidence
  • A more youthful appearance
  • Implant post preserves bone density
  • Freedom from dietary limitations
  • Restored function
  • No slippage, looseness, wobbling (as with a denture)
  • No adhesive or suction required (as with a denture)
  • No crowns required (as with a bridge)
  • No clasps required (as with a partial)

Dental Implant Case Planning

At your evaluation, Dr. Wicklen may use our 3D cone beam x-ray machine to generate precise, three-dimensional diagrams of your mouth. These images allow the dentist and surgeon to identify the ideal placement of your implants. Dense bone tissue creates a solid foundation for implants. Once your case is planned, Dr. Van Wicklen will refer you to a skilled surgeon for implant placement, but rest assured, Dr. Van Wicklen will oversee your entire implant procedure as your general dentist. The specialist will secure small, titanium implant posts into proper position in your jaw. Over the following few months, your bone will integrate with the implants in a process called osseointegration. You may wear a temporary crown, bridge, partial, or denture during this phase of treatment. Dr. Van Wicklen will monitor your situation, and the final prosthetic can be secured after your mouth is fully healed.

Multiple Teeth Replacement

Denture patients who suffer with slippage, looseness, wobbling, or a poor fit – as well as those who find the daily denture care routine to be a pain – may be well suited for implant-retained dentures. A complete or partial denture can be fitted with snaps so that it literally snaps into place on a few, strategically placed implant posts. Implant-retained dentures and partials can be removable or fixed. They require no adhesive, suction, or daily care like traditional dentures and partials.

Single Tooth Replacement

One implant can replace one tooth, as well. Each titanium implant post can hold a single crown. Traditionally, replacing a tooth involved placing a bridge. To permanently affix a bridge, the teeth on either side had to be crowned. These abutment crowns held the bridge securely. With implants, healthy teeth aren’t compromised. The single implant post holds the single implant crown, so the replacement tooth mimics the root-and-crown structure of the tooth that was lost. 

We’re transforming lives in Austin, one smile at a time. Contact our dental office today at 512-448-3131 to reserve your appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen, and experience customized care for a truly fantastic smile.