Before dental implants, dentures were the only way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. At Henderson Family Dental, we can restore missing teeth with one or more dental implants in our Dallas, TX office. Our Dallas dental office also provides additional restorative dentistry treatments for new and existing patients.
Implants are titanium metal posts that we place in the jaw bone to replace the tooth root. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. Implants can secure a crown, dental bridge, or denture.
A single dental implant comprises a post, abutment, and crown. The abutment connects the implant post to the restoration.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to traditional restorations, implants offer many advantages to patients with one or more missing teeth. Tooth implants:
- Offer a Natural Look: Dental implants use tooth-colored restorations that match the shade of remaining natural teeth or your desired tooth shade. Our office works with labs that use materials like porcelain for crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Support the Jaw: Several months after you lose a permanent tooth, you begin to lose your jaw bone. Jaw bone loss can lead to facial sagging, making you look older than you are. Implants support your jaw bone. When the implant posts support the jaw, they also help maintain your facial structure.
- Support the Bite: Missing teeth can make biting and chewing difficult. Restorations like dentures have restrictions against hard, tough, and crunchy foods. Because implant posts replace the tooth roots, they restore bite function. Implants ensure an even and strong bite so you can eat the foods you love.
- Provide Permanent Results: While you must replace crowns, bridges, or dentures after many years, the implant post is permanent. The post will act like a new tooth root and will not require replacement. As long as you care for your implants, they should last for years.
We recommend implants if you have missing teeth or need to replace an old restoration. If your restoration is in good shape, we can support your bridge or denture with implants. Otherwise, we can provide a new restoration that looks and acts like natural teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and a strong immune system. However, we may recommend bone grafting, extractions, root canal treatment, or other treatments before implant surgery to ensure patients are good candidates.
Grafting takes healthy jaw bone tissue from a donor or other part of the mouth. Then, we place this tissue in areas lacking jaw bone. Building up the jaw ensures the implant posts stay stable.
In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Dental implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic. These materials are biocompatible because they will become a part of your body without negative effects. Brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist will ensure your implants last.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Dallas, TX
Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. An oral surgeon will place the implant post in the jaw bone during this treatment. The surgeon will also place a healing cap on the implant.
After this procedure, you need three to six months to heal. During this period, called osseointegration, the jaw bone grows around the implant post for support.
Then, during a follow-up procedure, we insert abutments to connect the restoration to the implant. Once your gums are fully healed, we will place the implant restoration.
Because implants require surgery, we provide anesthesia. If necessary, we provide antibiotics to prevent infection following the procedure. We will ensure your comfort throughout dental implant treatment.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants, like any restoration, require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to last a long time. We recommend using soft-bristled brushes and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean implant-secured restorations. At regular dental appointments, we can examine your smile and ensure your implants are healthy.
We also recommend that you avoid smoking or tobacco products during implant treatment. Nicotine restricts the blood vessels, which makes it harder for you to heal. Your implants can fail if they do not fuse with the jaw bone.
Peri-implantitis is another problem for some patients. If you do not properly brush and floss, you can develop an infection in the gums surrounding your implant. As a result, your implant can loosen or fall out.
The good news is that implant treatment has a high success rate of over 98 percent. Most patients will not experience implant complications. However, if you begin to notice pain surrounding your implants or a change in your bite, contact our office.
Are Dental Implants Affordable?
The cost of dental implants depends on the type of restoration, number of implants, and pretreatments. For many patients, dental implants are worth the initial investment. Dental implant posts are permanent and ensure restorations last longer than traditional options.
Our office also accepts most traditional dental insurance plans. We accept CareCredit, which offers payment plans and financing. Our team will ensure that dental implants fit your budget.
Replace Missing Teeth
Do you have one or more permanent missing teeth? Dental implants may be right for you. Schedule an appointment with Henderson Family Dental online. You can also call 214-253-4868.
Contact us if you need to replace missing teeth but are unsure if you are an implant candidate. We will examine your smile and determine the necessary treatments to restore your missing teeth.