Dental Implants

Replace Your Missing Tooth with a Dental Implant

If you’ve lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason, you may have assumed your only options were dentures or living with the gap. At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, we can replace missing teeth with dental implants and restore your smile. We serve patients from Hutto, Taylor, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Georgetown from our office just off US-79.

Through a process called osseointegration, a material—typically titanium—is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefits of implants are significant:

• They don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support
• They are permanent and become as strong and stable as your natural teeth
• They look and feel completely natural
• They preserve jawbone health

Guided Implant Placement Technology

We use cutting-edge guided implant placement technology that has radically changed the dental implant process. Our approach is different:

1. We combine a 3D CAT scan with a 3D camera to take precise images of your mouth
2. We design a custom implant using computer technology (a 15-minute appointment)
3. A lab creates your custom mouthpiece guide and implant within 10 business days
4. The guided mouthpiece ensures the implant is placed within one tenth of one millimeter of where it needs to be
5. In approximately one and a half hours, you leave with your implant in place

This technology is not only faster—it’s also more affordable and more successful than traditional dental implant procedures.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have adequate bone density in the jaw to support the implant
• Have healthy gum tissue
• Do not smoke (smoking significantly reduces implant success rates)

Patients with certain health conditions — such as uncontrolled diabetes — may need to address those conditions before implant placement. We will thoroughly evaluate your situation during the initial consultation.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is that they require no special maintenance — just good oral hygiene:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily around the implant
• Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups
• Avoid chewing on ice or hard objects that could crack the crown
• If you grind your teeth, ask us about a night guard

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last? With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 15–25 years due to normal wear, but the implant post itself is designed to be permanent.

Is the dental implant procedure painful? No. The area is thoroughly numbed before any work begins. Most patients compare the sensation to having a tooth filled. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain medication.

How much do dental implants cost? The cost varies based on how many implants are needed and whether any preparatory work (such as bone grafting) is required. We accept all major insurance plans and offer financing options. We will provide a detailed cost estimate at your consultation.

How do implants compare to dentures or bridges? Implants are the most permanent solution. Unlike dentures, they do not slip or require adhesive. Unlike dental bridges, they do not require altering healthy adjacent teeth. Implants also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction.

Related Services

If you’re missing teeth or have severely damaged teeth, these services may also be relevant to your care:

• Dental Bridges & Crowns — restore one or more missing teeth without implants
• Dentures — full or partial tooth replacement options
• Cosmetic Dentistry — finishing touches after implant placement

Ready to restore your smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.