Dental Implants Dallas Texas

Today, there are many options available for dental implants. Ranging from different materials used or to the multiple manufacturers who make dental implants. All treatment options will be presented to the patient and the patient will decide which option is best for their mouth. Not all doctors are capable of providing different implant treatment options. This is why it is important to choose the right specialist for you. 

Advantage of an implant over a bridge

• It functions and looks like a real tooth.
• The health of surrounding teeth is not sacrificed like it is with a bridge.
• The integrity of the jawbone is preserved.
• An implant is easier to keep clean than a bridge.
• The gums around the implant do not recede.

Dental Implant Cost

The price for one implant ranges from about $1,500-$3,000. The crown and abutment can range anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. On average, the total cost of a single dental implant is usually from $3,000 to $5,500. The total cost may be even higher depending on your case and if you have dental insurance. 

Keep in mind, other factors can affect the cost. There are different types of implants and depending on how many teeth you need to replace, it can affect the price. 

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgery performed in stages:

Here is an example of the stages of dental implant surgery:

• The bad tooth/ teeth are extracted.
• If necessary, bone grafting is performed to prepare the jawbone for the implant.
• The implant post is placed in the jawbone after it heals (if grafting was needed).
• A couple of months are needed for the implant to fuse to the bone.
• The healing cap abutment is placed with a minor procedure. (If not placed at the time of implant surgery).
• When the gums have healed, molds are made of your teeth.
• The artificial crown is placed.

From start to finish, the entire process can take 6-9 months. 

Dental Implant Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting may be needed before implant surgery if the patient’s jawbone is too soft or not thick enough to support the implant post. A solid base is created for the implant with bone grafting. This necessary so the implant can withstand the great pressure exerted from chewing.

Bone grafting can be done using artificial bone or sterile human bone. Several months of the healing time is needed for the bone graft to heal so it can support an implant.

The condition of your jawbone will determine how a bone graft may be done. Sometimes, if only minor grafting is needed, it can be done at the same time as the implant procedure.

Placing the healing cap abutment

After osseointegration has taken place, a second procedure may be needed to place the healing cap abutment. The abutment is the piece that allows the tissue to grow naturally around the surgical site where the abutment crown will be placed. Most often, this is done with just a local anesthetic to numb the area. For some patients, when the post is initially implanted, the healing cap abutment is attached to the metal post. This eliminates the need for a second procedure. However, the abutment sits above the gum line making it visible when your mouth is open. Some patients prefer to have the healing cap abutment placed in a separate procedure because they don’t like the appearance of it.

Choosing your Tooth

Impressions are made of your mouth to make the new tooth. Your gums need to heal for 3 weeks after the healing cap abutment is placed before the crown can be attached.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental Implants have been used for more than 30 years and have a proven track record of being safe and effective for replacing teeth.

The strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth is made of a biocompatible material, usually titanium. The bone attaches itself to the implant, locking it into place. Implant teeth need to be very strong and stable, to withstand daily use like natural teeth.

When performed by an experienced and skilled dental implant surgeon, dental implants are one of the most predictable and safest procedures in the field of dentistry. The strongest replacement available for a missing tooth is a dental implant. Dental implants not only look natural but also feel like real teeth. Additionally, this is the only method of tooth restoration that can stimulate natural bone from a missing tooth.

Dental Implant Recovery

Some discomfort can be expected immediately after the procedure and for the first few days. Any pain you experience can be relieved with Ibuprofen or your doctor may give you a prescription for stronger pain medication. You should use an ice pack or package of frozen vegetables after dental implant surgery to reduce swelling. Use the ice for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, as needed. For 7 days following the procedure, you should eat soft foods and do not chew on the surgical site. For the next few days following the procedure, very gently rinse with warm salt water to soothe the gum tissue for additional relief.

Dental Implant Specialist

You might have been led to believe that dental implants are available at every dental practice, based on the amount of advertising. Unfortunately, the surgical placement of dental implants can not be done by any dentist, and that the quality of treatment received is not the same regardless of where it’s done.

The truth of the matter is that any licensed dentist can legally perform dental implant surgery on a patient. Dentists are legally held to the same standard of care as surgical specialists who went to school for an additional 3 years. However, this does not mean they have a great abundance of experience performing the procedure or have the same level of skill as a dental implant specialist. We recommend that you use a board-certified surgeon, for all your dental implant needs. Our specialists are qualified to also offer IV Conscious Sedation. A transformed approach to dentistry in which you are sleeping during your surgical procedure, lowering patients’ anxiety and increasing overall satisfaction. 

Complications with dental implants are rare and the treatment is very successful when done by a skilled surgeon. A dental implant specialist can provide a level of comfort and safety that may not exist with a general dentist.