While dentures and bridges are great tooth replacements, they aren’t the only options to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are restorations we surgically place in your jawbone to serve as new tooth roots. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip. Dental implants are a high-quality restorative dentistry treatment we offer in Garland, TX, that delivers durable and natural results.
Implants are known as the gold standard for tooth replacement. Compared to removable, traditional options, implant restorations improve tooth function, appearance, and longevity.
Parts of a Dental Implant
A dental implant consists of three parts. These parts work in harmony to restore your teeth and your smile.
- Implant Post: The implant post is a small titanium screw a surgeon places in the jaw bone. This post is biocompatible, meaning it will easily become a part of your mouth without any negative effects. Over time, the jaw bone grows around the post to secure it in the mouth. The implant posts act as new, replacement tooth roots that stabilize restorations.
- Abutment: This piece connects the implant post to the restoration. We may place the abutment directly after the post. Sometimes, we may wait until you heal.
- Restoration: The implant restoration is the tooth-colored false teeth above the gums. We work with dental labs to create restorations made of strong yet natural-looking porcelain materials. A single dental implant uses a dental crown or cap. Multiple implants can secure bridges or dentures in place. After you heal from the implant and abutment placement, we will place the final restoration.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Traditional restorations, such as bridges or dentures, lie on the gums. These restorations do not support the health of the gums or remaining teeth. Dental implants offer many benefits over removable restorations. Implants:
Support the jawbone
After you lose permanent teeth, you can experience jaw bone recession. Without support from natural teeth, the jaw bone recedes. Jaw bone loss leads to facial sagging and difficulty eating and speaking. Rebuilding and supporting this bone with implants keeps the jaw bone healthy.
Restore bite function
Because implants replace teeth at the root, they make biting and chewing easier. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants do not have dietary restrictions. Dental implants restore as much as 80 percent of your bite force. Implants also ensure your teeth do not slip when you eat.
Last for years
Implant posts are permanent. While you may replace your restoration over time, you do not need to rebase or reline it as often. The implants stay in the jawbone as long as you maintain good oral health.
Improve appearance
Implant-supported restorations use porcelain materials that we color-match to natural teeth. We customize these restorations to the measurements of your mouth. Additionally, implants can change your face shape because they support the jaw. Implants combat facial sagging, which can make you look older. When implants replace your teeth, they help naturally lift your lower face.
The Dental Implants Process in Garland, TX
Before treatment, we ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants. We will take X-rays to see if you have enough jaw bone and are in good oral health.
Pretreatment
If needed, we provide pretreatments to address bone loss or infection. If you do not have sufficient jaw bone to support implants, we recommend bone grafting. Bone grafting uses donor bone or bone from another part of the mouth and places it in areas with minimal jaw bone.
If you have infected or injured teeth, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment are other pretreatments. Once you are ready, we will begin implant treatment.
Surgery
Our office partners with an experienced oral surgeon to ensure your dental implant procedure is smooth and successful. The surgeon will use an anesthetic so you feel comfortable during treatment. Then, they place the implant posts in the jawbone beneath the gums. They will also place a healing cap.
Healing
Over three to six months, your dental implants will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This helps the implants become strong and secure, just like natural tooth roots.
Once you heal fully, we will place the abutments and take impressions for your final restoration. You will need more time for your gums to heal after we place these pieces, which connect the implant post to your restoration.
Final Placement
Finally, once your final restoration is complete, you will return to our office. We will remove your temporary restoration. Then, we will double-check for fit and comfort before we place your final crown, bridge, or denture.
How to Care for Implant Restorations
Once you receive your final restoration, you can brush and floss like natural teeth. Our office will provide tips on properly cleaning your crown, bridge, or denture. We often recommend threaded floss or water flossers, although traditional floss can get between your restoration.
Implant failure is rare because implants have a success rate of over 95 percent. However, there are some scenarios where you are at an increased risk of failure.
We will ask that you do not smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products during the dental implant process. The nicotine in tobacco restricts the blood vessels. This means that it will take longer to heal after you get your implants. As a result, your implants may not heal fully, which can lead to implant failure.
Peri-implantitis is another cause of implant failure. This infection often occurs if you do not brush or floss thoroughly after you receive your implants. If you notice loose implants or a change in the fit of your restoration, please call our office.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in Garland, TX, with answers to these common questions:
Am I a dental implant candidate?
The best candidate for implant treatment has all three:
- Good Oral Health: We ensure you have a healthy mouth before we start implant treatment. This means your gums, teeth, and surrounding structures should be in good condition. If you have dental problems like gum disease or untreated cavities, we will treat these issues first. Gum disease, in particular, can weaken the tissues around the implant and affect its success. Our dentist will evaluate your oral health and recommend any necessary treatments to prepare for your implants.
- Healthy Jaw Bone: Your jawbone must be strong and dense enough to support a dental implant. The implant post needs a sturdy foundation to fuse with the bone during healing. If you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth or other factors, you may need a bone graft to restore enough healthy bone for the implant. Our dentist will take X-rays to assess your jawbone and see if you need grafting.
- Good Physical Health: Your overall physical health is also essential. Since dental implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure, you must be healthy enough to heal properly. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain medications can affect your body’s ability to recover. Our dentist may ask about your medical history and health to ensure you’re ready for treatment.
How much are dental implants?
The cost of implants depends on multiple factors:
- Number of implants
- Type of restoration
- Pretreatments (grafting, gum disease treatment, etc.)
- Sedation
While implant restorations may cost more than traditional options, they last much longer. After a thorough exam, we will provide an estimate of your treatment cost.
What is implant failure?
Implant failure happens when a dental implant doesn’t heal properly or work as it should. For the implant to be successful, it must fuse with your jawbone. If this doesn’t happen, the implant may become loose, cause pain, or even fall out.
Implant failure can happen for several reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, infection, smoking, bone loss, or pressure from teeth grinding. If an implant fails, we may remove it, treat the problem, and replace it later.
What is Teeth in A Day?
“Teeth in a Day” refers to removing teeth, placing implants, and placing a temporary restoration in one visit. This process ensures you have a restoration during the implant process. You don’t have to worry about living with missing tooth gaps while you wait for your final implant restoration.
Restore Missing Teeth
Is a lost tooth affecting your self-confidence? Get same-day dental implants in Garland, TX, to restore one or more lost teeth. Call Cornerstone Family Dentistry today at 972-848-7749 or schedule an appointment online.
At your next visit, let us know if you have questions about implants or missing teeth. We will be happy to help.