Dental Implants

The staff of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group replace teeth and restore patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown will be screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about dental implants and all the services we provide, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting has become a routine throughout medicine because of how it helps bodies heal.  A bone graft procedure consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body, and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. When a dental patient needs an implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, a bone graft is used to strengthen the jaw. At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group we perform bone grafts for patients to prepare them for a permanent tooth replacement.

If tooth loss or gum disease has left a portion of the jaw bone vulnerable, a replacement tooth cannot be placed until the jaw bone is strong enough to receive the implant. The doctor will harvest bone material from another part of the patient’s mouth and graft it to the jaw bone. This gives the deficient bone a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the site. The healing process can take several months, and should be monitored by a dentist until the bone is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant.

To learn more about bone grafting and all the services we provide at the practice, visit FrederickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Dental Implant Benefits

If you are lacking self-esteem due to missing teeth, Dr. Fredrick Shaw has several restorative treatment options for patients to choose from. The most common method is dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost teeth from trauma or decay.

The dental implant process will be tailored to meet your needs. You will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaw beforehand because you must have adequate tooth structure and healthy gums to support the implant. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a dental crown can restore the tooth to its natural function. If you are missing several teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be necessary. If you decide that implants are right for you, Dr. Shaw will work closely with you to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Bone Grafting Options

When the parts of the jawbone are not large enough, it may keep implants from being an option. Because implants need a good amount of bone to successfully be inserted, at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, we are able to perform bone grafting. This helps patients who desire implants but first need a more built-up jawbone.

Bone grafting is the process of taking bone from another area of the mouth or body and placed in the area where the jawbone needs to be repaired. Some cases may use bone material from a bone bank; a very safe source. After the area is opened up and packed with the bone graft material, the area is allowed to heal for a few months before implants will be installed. During these months, the newly placed bone will heal and it will cause further regeneration of new bone. The end result will be a strong jawbone able to hold an implant for a lifetime.

Sinus augmentations and ridge expansions are very common bone grafts needed for dental implant placement. Some patients need their jawbone repaired because of degeneration after a lost tooth or some need it because they have low sinuses or naturally smaller jawbones.

If dental implants are your perfection option, talk to us about the implant process and bone grafting. To learn more, visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com. To set up an appointment in our Austin, TX office, call Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at (512) 451-7491. 

Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. If this ever were to happen to you, Dr. Fredrick Shaw is here to assess the situation.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, please give us a call. To learn more about Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, call us at 512-451-7491 or visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com. 

Dental Implants Defined

A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. There are three common parts to an implant – the implant device itself (which is inserted directly into the bone); the abutment – the piece that connects the implant device to the third part – the overlying crown or denture. When strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. If you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a dental bridge, talk with Dr. Fredrick Shaw at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group to see if you are a dental implant candidate.

Dental implants are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Additionally, they are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. However, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health.

If you wish to replace your missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.