Dental Implants – Garland, TX

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The first step when it comes to restoring the appearance and function of your smile is to schedule a consultation with us. During this visit, we will examine your smile and surrounding facial structures. This will help us to determine whether or not you make a good candidate for the procedure and where and how the implants should be placed. Some patients need to undergo preliminary procedures before getting dental implants, like bone grafting, gum disease therapy, and tooth extractions. Once these treatments are complete, we can move on to planning the rest of your dental implant treatment. We’re happy to walk you thorough the process so you know exactly what you can expect, including the timeline and cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

The implant placement surgery is a relatively simple one. After numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic, your dentist will make small incisions in your gum tissue to access your jawbone. The implants are then inserted at precise locations and angles. Lastly, your gums will be closed, and protective caps will be placed over the implant posts to keep them safe during the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Over the next three to six months, the “osseointegration” process takes placed. This is when the implants fuse with the bone and tissue to create the sturdy foundation that your replacement teeth will need to stay in place. Once this process has completed, we can place a metal abutment on top of the implants. This fixture is what allows us to connect your restoration to your implant, leaving you with your finished results.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

A few weeks after your abutment is placed, your restorations should be ready. You will be able to return to our practice where you will receive your crown, bridge, or denture (depending on the number of teeth that you are missing.) During this time, we will also take a look to ensure that your bite is comfortable, and then you will be ready to enjoy your restored smile!

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Because the implants are embedded in your jaw, you can trust that your new teeth will always stay in place and never shift around or fall out unexpectedly, no matter what you’re eating. The same cannot always be said for dentures!
• Replacing the root structure of your missing teeth will renew almost all of the biting force that you had before tooth loss. You should be able to enjoy all of your favorite crunchy or chewy foods with ease.
• Dental implants are extremely natural-looking because they are always topped with custom-made porcelain restorations, and they also don’t have any extra attachments needed to keep them stable.
• In terms of daily care and maintenance, there isn’t much difference between real teeth and dental implants. All you have to do is brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day, just as you would with natural teeth.

Health Benefits

• Dental implants in Garland are the only tooth replacement that preserves the jawbone after teeth have been lost. They stimulate renewed blood flow to the area to keep it strong, maintaining the foundation for the remaining teeth while also reducing the risk of oral health issues like gum disease.
• Filling the empty space in your grin with a dental implant prevents the surrounding teeth from drifting out of place.
• Placing a dental bridge requires the permanent alteration of the teeth on either end of the gap. Over time, these teeth become weaker and more susceptible to breakage, decay, and sensitivity. Dental implants are the more conservative option because they are self-supporting.
• Because you’ll have a more powerful bite, it’ll be easier than ever to maintain a balanced diet full of all of the nutrients that your body needs.

Long-Term Benefits

• Without stimulation from the tooth roots, the jawbone deteriorates over time, resulting in the sunken, wrinkled facial appearance that is common with dentures. Since dental implants strengthen the jawbone, they help you avoid this look and maintain a youthful glow.
• More than 95% of dental implant cases are successful, even after decades.
• With just regular oral hygiene and routine appointments with an implant dentist in Garland, dental implants can be trusted to look and function like new for well over 30 years.
• If you take good care of your implants and make them last, you won’t need to get them replaced every five to ten years like you would with bridges or dentures. As a result, you can actually save money in the long run!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are only placed in adults with fully developed jaws, as it can cause problems if the bone continues to change after the implant has been inserted. Furthermore, you’ll need to have three things to be considered a candidate for the surgery:

• Good enough overall health that your body won’t have any trouble healing after minor surgery.
• Optimal oral health, meaning any preexisting gum disease and cavities need to be treated beforehand.
• A strong jawbone that’s capable of forming a bond with the implant posts. (Bone grafts might be needed if you don’t currently meet this requirement.)

Missing One Tooth

A dental implant can act as a base for a dental crown. This lets you fill in a single gap in your mouth without having to make alterations to your other teeth, as you would need to for a dental bridge. The crowns that we use to restore dental implants are made out of tooth-colored materials and carefully designed so that they match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth. As such, most people won’t be able to tell which tooth got replaced unless you tell them.

Missing Multiple Teeth

There are multiple strategies for replacing multiple missing teeth. One common solution is to place a dental bridge on a pair of implants; this is usually a good choice if you’ve lost multiple consecutive teeth and are looking to replace them all at once. If you need to fill in more than one gap in a single arch, you can instead get a partial denture that has been combined with a few dental implants. Both procedures will give you a complete, stable smile, and your new teeth will prevent your natural teeth from drifting.

Missing All Teeth

Dental implants can even be used to replace an entire row of teeth. Four to six implant posts can hold a denture in position, preventing it from coming loose while you’re trying to eat or talk. Implant dentures can be designed to stay anchored to your implant posts at all times, but removable versions are also available. We’ll use the minimum number of dental implants needed to give your new teeth enough strength and stability to eat anything you want.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Types of Dental Implants

An extremely versatile option for replacing missing teeth, you can replace one, multiple, or all of your teeth with dental implants.

•  Single Tooth Implant – As the least expensive option, a single tooth implant only replaces one missing tooth and consists of a titanium implant (post), abutment, and a custom-made dental crown.
•  Implant Bridge – Slightly more costly than a single tooth implant is an implant bridge. This requires the use of two posts, abutments, and a customized dental bridge that fuses three crowns and is affixed on top of the implants.
•  Implant Denture – When all your teeth are missing, you can expect to pay more for an implant denture. Whether you just need one for the top or bottom or both, we will place between four and eight dental implants along your jawline before securing a customized denture into place, creating a more stable, permanent smile.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

•  Initial Consultation: During your visit with one of our dentists, you will have your oral cavity thoroughly examined. Once we determine how many dental implants you need as well as their location and type of restoration, you will receive a personalized treatment plan. This visit will incur its own charge, which will be reflected in the estimate you receive for your dental implant placement.
•  Surgical Placement: Another factor that determines your overall cost is the actual placement of the dental implants. Because this requires anesthesia, the cost of your procedure will vary depending on how many implants will be placed.
•  Custom Restoration: One aspect that is often covered all or in part by your dental insurance company is the custom restoration. Whether you need a dental crown, implant bridge, or an implant denture, the cost of your restoration will incur an additional charge.

Some of the other factors that can determine how much you will spend on your dental implant placement include sedation, any pre-dental implant procedures (i.e., tooth extraction, periodontal therapy), how many implants you will need, and where the implants will be placed.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

While this question can be answered by the many satisfied individuals who have received dental implants and are now living with a healthier, more permanent smile, it is clear that dental implants are a worthwhile investment. Are they expensive? Yes. Are they more cost-effective than dentures or other traditional restorative methods of treatment? Yes.

When you consider how long your dental implants will last and the very little maintenance that is required to keep them looking and feeling completely natural, it is obvious that the additional money you’ll be upfront is worth it in the long run. After all, you won’t have to worry about soaking your artificial teeth overnight, being as mindful about the foods you eat or having us readjust or reline your implants like we would if you had dentures.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

This is dependent upon your dental insurance policy. Most companies do not cover dental implants. With this knowledge, you may be wondering, “Can I afford dental implants?” Fortunately, there are other ways you can pay for your restorative treatment. But first, you may want to take a closer look at the different factors that contribute to the overall cost and find out if there are areas in which your insurance will pay.

You might be surprised to learn that they may be willing to pay for your initial consultation, anesthesia/sedation, the metal abutment(s), and your custom restoration. For any additional costs that you incur and will not be covered by insurance, please talk with a member of our team about additional financing options to lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Although dental implants can’t get cavities, you still need to stay on top of your oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash are essential practices that’ll help protect your smile from harmful bacteria. They’ll lower your risk of potential bone and tooth loss while ensuring your grin remains in tip-top shape for life.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Once you’re all healed up, you can eat almost any food you want with dental implants. However, overindulging in sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can be detrimental to your smile. That’s why you should try and stick to a diet full of nutrient-rich foods instead. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, and whole grains will help keep your jawbone strong and healthy.

Break Bad Habits

Do you smoke? Bite your fingernails? Chew on pens or pencils? Use your teeth as tools? While these habits may seem harmless, they can wreak havoc on your smile. It’s best to kick these habits to the curb as soon as you can. If you need help, our team will happily provide you with the resources, support, and guidance you need to make the feat as easy as can be.

Protect Your Dental Implants

If you regularly play sports, ask our team about a custom-made athletic mouthguard. It’ll keep your teeth and gums safe from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. For patients who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect the enamel from the force of teeth grinding. Both devices are easy to use and effective against wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

The best way to keep your smile in optimal condition is by visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments will allow us to catch and treat problems early on. Our team will perform thorough oral examinations and monitor your prosthetics to ensure no issues are developing. With early intervention, you can avoid needing costly and more invasive procedures down the line.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

As with most oral surgeries, you’ll likely feel mildly tired or groggy once your appointment is over. You should have someone there to take you back home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself anywhere. Make sure you plan to get plenty of rest for a few days after your dental implant procedure. You might consider taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers before the local anesthetic wears off, that way you stay as comfortable as possible throughout your recovery process.

Common Side Effects

Some of the typical side effects of oral surgery include discomfort, swelling, and slight intermittent bleeding. You can easily manage mild bleeding by avoiding touching the area with your fingers or tongue, and applying pressure if necessary. Any swelling and discomfort can be handled with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if you notice any of these sensations persisting for too long or getting worse over time, then you should give us a call right away.

Diet

To avoid disturbing your surgical site, you’ll want to stick to a soft food diet that’s both nourishing and safe for your dental implants. These meals can include:

• Scrambled eggs
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Ice cream and frozen yogurt
• Pudding
• Blended soups
• Pasta

Not only can these provide the nutrients you need to keep your smile healthy, but some of them can even help alleviate any discomfort around your restorations.

Health & Oral Hygiene

During your healing process, you should make sure to keep your mouth clean to prevent infection and dental implant failure. That’s why it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene after your surgery. Try brushing your teeth gently and carefully, ensuring the surgical site remains undisturbed as well as free of debris and bacteria. You should also regularly rinse with mouthwash or water, but use non-alcoholic products to prevent dry mouth, and don’t spit it out forcefully.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

After about a week or two after your dental implant surgery, you should begin to feel back to normal. While the blood clot may have formed successfully around your restoration, your jawbone will still need three to six months to completely heal and bond with the titanium post(s). Once the osseointegration process has been completed, we’ll have you come back to our office so that we can attach your new restorations. We’ll then confirm that your bite is comfortable and that you’re satisfied with your results before you leave your appointment. You might feel mild sensitivity in your gums for several days as they get accustomed to your new pearly whites, but you’ll be able to enjoy your fully restored smile for many years to come!