Have you lost a tooth or need a tooth extraction? Every year, dental treatment options seemingly take another technological leap forward. Americans have never had more information and technology at their disposal to fix tooth loss. In the past when this happened, patients were only offered two treatment options: bridges or dentures. Luckily, today there is a third treatment option available, dental implants. Our office is a one-stop-shop full of board-certified specialists who have years of experience in placing thousands of dental implants and restoring crowns. We make sure you leave with a beautiful smile from one office. 

Tooth Replacement 

What are dental implants? There are three main parts to dental implants, the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant is a small titanium screw that is designed to secure itself in the bone socket of the missing tooth. Once the implant is placed, the body will need time to heal. This recovery period is very important to allow the bone to osseointegrate with the implant. Once the bone is strong enough to support the pressure of a tooth, then the crown process will begin. This phase of treatment uses a permanent zirconia replacement tooth called a crown. This crown will be attached to the implant using a device called an abutment.

The first step of the dental implant process is a consultation and 3D scan. North Texas Dental Surgery in McKinney, Texas will then transparently provide recommendations for treatment options. These recommendations are based on the 3D scan taken. The 3D scan is very important to properly plan the implant to ensure the best future prognosis of the implant. The specialist will be able to locate the sinus or nerves and determine the amount of available bone. All these factors are very important to prevent future complications.

Dental Implant Procedure 

The first stage of the treatment is the placement of the titanium implant under local anesthetic or IV Sedation.  A local anesthetic is a shot that numbs the mouth, while IV sedation allows you to sleep during the procedure. The titanium screw will be carefully placed in your jaw bone. This step is important to ensure an excellent fit when the abutment and crown are attached. Bone grafting may be necessary after the tooth extraction or at the time of implant placement. Bone grafting is necessary if the patient’s bone is not thick or high enough to support the implant post. A solid base is needed for the implant to function properly. With the bone grafting the surgeon adds, it will allow the implant to withstand great pressure exerted from chewing. Bone grafting can be done using artificial bone, cow bone, or sterile human bone. Several months of the healing time is needed for the bone graft to osseointegrate with the surrounding bone. 

The next phase of treatment is the healing stage. This is arguably the most important part of the whole process and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Minor discomfort may occur after treatment but taking pain medications as prescribed will prevent this. Antibiotics will be given as well to avoid any postoperative complications. Following the rest of the post-operative instructions will be very important. During this time the body’s natural healing processes will enable the bone to grow around the titanium implant. This effectively fuses it in place and is what provides the extreme stability of dental implants. 

Once the healing phase has been completed, the next part of the process can begin. During this phase, a connector called a healing cap abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This small but essential object allows the tissue to form around it. This ensures a secure and aesthetically pleasing fit for the crown.

Finally, impressions will be taken. These impressions will be carefully modeled after the patient’s current bite pattern. The crown will have the perfect shade match, one of the most impressive esthetic parts. The color-matching technology and processes are extremely precise. There will not be any obvious difference between the new tooth and any existing ones. When the tooth is ready, it is then attached with an abutment and the process is finished. 

DENTAL IMPLANTS COST 

The price for one dental implant ranges from about $1,300-$3,000. The crown and abutment can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. If the patient has dental insurance, they decide the fixed rate for the overall procedure. This price can also fluctuate depending on how skilled the surgeon is at performing the procedure and where the patient is located in the country. The total cost may also increase depending on the case if bone grafting is needed or the patient wants IV sedation. Keep in mind, other factors can affect the cost. There are different types of implants, bone grafting, surgical specialist, and depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.

Dental Implant Failure 

Dental Implants have been used for more than 40 years and have a proven track record of being safe and effective for replacing 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. However, if not performed by someone with experience and technique, dental implants can have complications. If the implant is not placed with enough stability, it can lead to implant failure. Implant failure can lead to infections. Dental infections if not treated promptly can lead to major complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Seeing a highly skilled professional in the art of dental implants is a very important decision. 

Implant Specialists 

Dental implants are at the cutting edge of dental technology. They are one of the most advanced and complex procedures that a dentist can perform. Ensuring you choose the right surgeon is as important as brushing your teeth.

This is true for two main reasons. One, the invasive nature of placing the dental implants. This means that while the procedure is painless, it can be uncomfortable if not performed correctly. A highly experienced dental specialist will be able to perform the procedure with speed and efficiency, minimizing your discomfort. Two, the dental implant procedure is a technique-sensitive treatment and requires great skill to be performed with accuracy. This skill is imperative to prevent implant failure. We provide some of the most competitive rates in the state and have extensive experience in dealing with dental implants. Come experience a revolutionary change in your dental perception with North Texas Dental Surgery.