Restore Your Mouth’s Maximum Function with All-on-4

All-on-4 DallasPatients who choose conventional dentures to restore a missing smile often find that the appliances come up short in terms of functionality. In fact, they are structurally incomplete, lacking root structures, so they are not as effective at chewing. Jawbone erosion is also a problem with conventional dentures. Fortunately, patients have a more structurally – and functionally – complete tooth replacement with All-on-4.

All-on-4 uses four dental implants to secure the denture to the jaw. The denture is specially designed to slide over the dental implants and lock into place.

Dental implants offer a revolutionary tooth replacement option because the bone forms a strong bond with an implant’s titanium surface in the months after the oral surgeon inserts the implant into the patient’s jaw. This osseointegration process leaves the dental implant as a permanent fixture in the jaw and allows it to perform the same functions that a biological tooth’s root does.

Therefore, implant-supported dentures like All-on-4 help to preserve the jawbone’s integrity and prevent its erosion following tooth loss. This results in positive outcomes including improved fit of the appliance over time and consistent facial appearance.

Dental implants also are able to withstand fairly strong chewing forces, so patients who opt for All-on-4 typically can continue to enjoy all of their favorite foods, unlike conventional denture wearers who often need to adopt dietary restrictions due to their limited chewing ability.

Although bone loss can often present an obstacle to dental implant placement, the oral surgeon places the All-on-4 implants at the front of the jaw, where the bone atrophies more gradually. Therefore, even long-time denture wearers who have already suffered bone loss at the rear of the jaw often still qualify for this treatment.

Dental implant placement does require a surgical procedure, although it takes place in an outpatient setting and patients are usually able to resume most normal activity within a few days. Nonetheless, you should discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure thoroughly with your surgeon before making your treatment decision. Also be sure that you understand all pre-operative and post-operative instructions so that you can reduce your risk of complications.

Do you want a more stable, functional restoration for your missing smile? Consider All-on-4 as a possible solution. Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation.

Look at the Whole Picture When Considering the Cost of Dental Implants

cost of dental implants PlanoHave you heard about dental implants? If you have lost teeth, you have probably heard about these revolutionary prosthetics but you might not know much about them. Dental implants are the most lifelike tooth replacement options available. These prosthetics are durable, can last for decades, and complement a smile with very natural looking restorations.

Many people are surprised to learn how affordable dental implants are when they closely consider the bigger picture. When evaluating the cost of dental implants, we strongly encourage you to consider their lifespan and longevity along with the longevity and benefits of existing tooth replacement methods. Following are some points to consider when choosing the tooth replacement solution that is right for you.

Longevity Reduces Costs

Dental implants have a long lifespan. They can last for decades, and depending on the age of the patient when they were placed, they can even last a lifetime. Since dental implants can function for decades without replacement or alterations, their initial cost is actually lower than the recurring costs associated with dentures and bridges.

Bone Loss and Prosthetics

Bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss. The roots of teeth are no longer present to keep bone active following tooth loss. Without stimulation, the bone will deteriorate. Not only will bone deterioration change the shape of the face and make one appear older, it will affect the way replacement teeth like bridges and dentures fit.

When dentures or bridges begin to fit improperly, they will require alterations to accommodate the new shape of a person’s mouth. This process may need to be repeated every few years. Over time, the cost of repairing, adjusting or replacing prosthetics like bridges and dentures can exceed the cost of dental implants.

Viewing Dental Implants as an Investment

While dental implants cost a little more initially, they are actually considered more cost effective when you look at the bigger picture. We prefer to see paying for dental implants as an investment in your oral health.

For more questions, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve a dental implants consultation with our skilled oral surgeons.

Implant Supported Dentures: Options for Restoring Your Smile

implant supported dentures DFWWith conventional dentures, patients typically notice that the appliances begin to fit more loosely after a few years. This happens because the jawbone slowly erodes after the teeth’s roots are no longer available to anchor it. That jawbone atrophy actually changes the shape of the jaw, and eventually, your denture doesn’t fit as well as it did at first.

Patients who want to avoid this outcome do have an alternative treatment option: implant supported dentures. Dental implants are biocompatible, so the surrounding bone can fuse with them and make them a permanent part of the jaw’s structure after they are placed by the oral surgeon. That osseointegration process helps dental implants to function like the roots of biological teeth and prevent jawbone atrophy.

Long-term standard denture wearers who want to upgrade to an implant supported appliance may have concerns that previous bone loss will prevent them from doing so, but that may not be an issue. An oral surgeon can use a technique known as All-on-4 to overcome this potential obstacle.

With All-on-4, just four dental implants are placed toward the front of the jaw – where the bone is thicker and wears away more gradually – and support the entire denture. The outer two dental implants are angled at the bottom in order to better support the weight of the denture’s rear section.

This treatment approach also offers a shorter timeframe. The four dental implants can be placed in a single appointment. Many patients can also get a temporary denture at that appointment, then return to be fitted with a permanent appliance after osseointegration of the dental implants is complete.

If you want to avoid the pitfalls of conventional dentures or have become dissatisfied with the dentures you got originally, implant supported dentures may be an option for you. Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and schedule a consultation to help you make your treatment decision.

How soon can I return to school or work after wisdom tooth removal?

wisdom teeth removal DallasWhen planning for wisdom teeth removal, patients often want to know about various aspects of their recovery process, including how many days they will need to take off of work or school. In cases where healing proceeds as expected, patients usually only need to take a day or two off of work or school. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical activity, however, you may need to take a little extra time to heal after your wisdom teeth are removed.

The biggest risk that can derail your healing process is complications that can occur after wisdom teeth removal. Fortunately, many of these complications are preventable, and your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions for post-operative self-care to reduce your risk.

For example, dry sockets are the most common issue that causes problems for patients after wisdom teeth removal. In this painful condition, the clots that form to protect the empty sockets are either dislodged too soon or fail to form completely in the first place. Using drinking straws and smoking can increase the chances that you’ll develop dry sockets, so your oral surgeon will instruct you to avoid these actions for a period after your extraction.

You should also be aware of the signs of a problem like an infection that warrants attention from your surgeon. You will get a list of symptoms, such as persistent ongoing bleeding or a fever, that should prompt you to call our office for follow-up and further guidance.

In conclusion, most patients will be able to return to work or school within a few days of having their wisdom teeth removed. When you diligently follow the post-operative instructions that you get, you’ll improve your chances of getting back to your routine as soon as possible.

We encourage you to ask any questions that you may have about preventing post-operative complications so that you can reduce your risk of a negative outcome. You can call our office at any time if you have concerns about your healing process.

Achieve a Full Mouth Restoration with All-on-4

All-on-4 PlanoHas tooth lost severely affected your health and daily life? Do you currently wear dentures but are unsatisfied with their many limitations? There is hope. All-on-4 is a method of securing full arches of prosthetic teeth to dental implants.

This tooth replacement option is ideal for many edentulous patients who have recently lost all or most of their teeth as well as those who currently wear conventional dentures. With All-on-4, patients can enjoy restored oral function and an improved appearance because their custom prosthetic teeth are secured to durable and sturdy dental implants.

How All-on-4 Restores Oral Function

All-on-4 involves anchoring custom prosthetics to a series of strategically placed dental implants. Anchoring prosthetics to dental implants increases oral function substantially because it prevents prosthetics from moving. For instance, conventional dentures lie on top of the gums. The curved shape of the mouth holds them in place but they can still move when chewing, biting and speaking. Denture movement is very common when patients begin to lose bone, an issue that often affects edentulous patients.

Benefits of All-on-4

All-on-4 offers unprecedented advantages when it comes to addressing total tooth loss. First, dental implants support bone health by keeping the jaw active. Implants prevent bone deterioration by stimulating the jaw. Retaining jaw density is important for maintaining a youthful aesthetic and comfortable prosthetics.

Those with conventional dentures will have to have them replaced every few years due to changes in bone structure. Bone retention helps extend the life of prosthetic teeth. Most patients with All-on-4 enjoy a longer lifespan with their prosthetics than those with traditional dentures.

With prosthetics anchored to dental implants, people can enjoy a variety of foods that those with ill-fitting dentures cannot. Moreover, All-on-4 prevents the need for sticky adhesives, which allows for low maintenance tooth replacement.

All-on-4 restores oral function and appearance while supporting the whole oral health system. If this tooth replacement option interests you, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation with our talented oral surgeons.

Dental Implants Offer a Long-Term, Permanent Solution

implant dentistry PlanoImplant dentistry has revolutionized the way that we address tooth loss. Dental implants provide biocompatible replacement teeth that last for decades to come. A dental implant is an incredibly durable prosthetic that replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth. Our oral surgeons have extensive experience placing implants to treat tooth loss.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants work by replacing the roots of teeth. First, a titanium post is embedded into the jawbone. The post will function as a tooth’s root because the bone surrounding it will fuse to its titanium structure. By replacing the root of a lost tooth, an implant can then be used to hold prosthetics and restorations. The most common restorations attached to a single dental implant are crowns and bridges. If a patient is edentulous, a series of dental implants can be used to support full arches of prosthetics (dentures).

Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are unique because they address tooth loss below the gums. Conventional tooth replacement methods only address the loss of the visible tooth structure. While replacing the loss of visible tooth structure helps with increasing oral function, forgetting the roots of teeth will leave the jawbones unstimulated, which leads to bone resorption. Bone loss can make a person appear significantly older and affect the health of existing biological teeth.

Another benefit to dental implants is the fact that patients can enjoy low maintenance replacement teeth. For example, bridges must be carefully cleaned with water irrigators and dentures must be removed at night for brushing and soaking. Dental implants, however, are brushed and flossed the same as natural teeth.

Scheduling a Tooth Replacement Consultation

Dental implants can make for wonderful replacement teeth that will help you maintain your confidence and oral health after tooth loss. If you have lost teeth and are reviewing your tooth replacement options, call us today at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to reserve an appointment.

4 Things You May Not Know About Dental Implants

dental implants PlanoAre you considering dental implants? If so, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the accurate information you need to make a decision about this treatment option. Here are four dental implant facts that you may not know.

  • Dental implants are the only structurally complete tooth replacement option available to patients. The jawbone is able to form a strong bond with a titanium dental implant after an oral surgeon inserts it into the patient’s jaw. That bond makes the dental implant behave much in the same way that a biological tooth’s root does. Conventional tooth replacement devices have no such root-like structure.
  • Dental implants can last for decades with proper care. Because they become fixtures in the jaw, dental implants are quite stable over time when you take good care of them. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions about how to maintain your dental implants after they are placed. Be sure to follow these instructions closely in order to get the maximum benefits from your dental implants.
  • Dental implants are suitable for a variety of tooth loss scenarios. Dental implants can support a single crown, a dental bridge or even an entire denture. The quality of bone at the implant site, rather than the number of teeth that need to be replaced, is the most important factor in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implant placement.
  • Patients who choose dental implants can continue to enjoy their favorite foods. While a conventional bridge or denture may not fully replicate the chewing function of a biological tooth, the bond between bone and dental implant allows the implant to tolerate strong chewing forces necessary to process a wide range of foods.

Patients who are interested in learning more about dental implants should call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation. After evaluating your case, we can give you more information about this treatment and whether it might be a good choice for you.

Dental Implants for Renewed Self Confidence and Peace of Mind

implant dentistry DallasIf you have suffered with tooth loss, chances are your confidence and self-esteem has taken a hit. You are not alone. Many people who have lost teeth feel incomplete and sometimes shy about their appearances. Our teeth are a part of our daily lives and losing them definitely has far-reaching effects on our emotional wellbeing as well as our health. Fortunately, you have treatment options. Implant dentistry is one great way to replace your lost teeth with durable and natural looking prosthetics. Our oral surgeons have advanced training to place dental implants so that our patients enjoy optimal oral function and an improved smile.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are a prosthetic that replaces the roots of teeth. They are embedded into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Made from titanium, dental implants allow for the process of osseointegration (bone fusing to metal). Bone will fuse to the titanium structure of an implant over time. This process is what keeps an implant stable. Once stabilized, a permanent restoration or prosthetic will be attached to an abutment on the implant. For instance, crowns and bridges are attached to single dental implants while a group of dental implants can be used to support a denture.

Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Implants are unique because they are the only prosthetic that replaces the roots of teeth. All other prosthetics only replace the visible surfaces of teeth. Since a dental implant is rooted in the jaw, it will hold crowns or bridges firmly for decades. This means that patients with implants enjoy full oral function and a renewed appearance.

Another notable benefit to having dental implants is the fact that these prosthetics support the whole oral health system. They will help prevent bone deterioration by keeping bone active. Once restorations are attached to them, adjacent teeth will have support, too.

To learn more about this revolutionary tooth replacement method, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates. Call us today to reserve an appointment.

Common Procedures Offered By Our Oral Surgeons

best oral surgeons DallasOral surgeons are specialists that provide a number of health services that help improve quality of life and general wellbeing. Many times, physicians and dentists refer patients to our practice for specialized treatments such as oral and facial surgeries including tooth extractions, dental implants placement, and bone grafts. Following are some descriptions of our most common procedures.

Dental Implants and All-on-4 Placement

Dental implants are used to replace single teeth or a series of them can be used to replace a full arch of teeth. Placing a dental implant, whether it is a single implant or All-on-4 for total tooth replacement, is an outpatient oral surgery where the implant(s) is embedded into the jawbone. Over time, implants become stabilized by bone and therefore can support prosthetics like dentures and crowns.

Bone Grafting

A bone graft is a procedure that thickens and widens the jawbone with bone taken from a tissue bank or another part of the body. Bone grafting can be used to correct abnormalities in the jaw to repair damage caused by osteoporosis or bone atrophy. More commonly, however, bone grafts are performed to help increase the success rate of dental implants for those whose jawbone is sparse.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a vital procedure when a tooth is damaged and diseased or threatening the health of surrounding oral structures. Our practice commonly extracts wisdom teeth because they are more complex to remove than baby teeth and anterior adult teeth.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is typically corrective in nature. This procedure may be necessary after a person has endured facial trauma or requires treatment for TMJ disorder or a malocclusion. Jaw surgery can involve rebuilding bone tissue, the TMJ joint, or the positioning of the lower and upper mandible.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

When standard, non-invasive sleep apnea treatments fail to alleviate the side effects and symptoms of this condition, surgery might be necessary. Surgical sleep apnea treatment removes excessive tissue in the throat that blocks the airway during rest.

Our oral surgeons utilize the latest technology and treatment techniques to provide excellent care. Call our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve an appointment.

What are the first steps when considering dental implants?

cost of dental implants PlanoAre you considering dental implants? If you have lost teeth, evaluating your options – especially whether implants are right for you – is a wise decision. Replacing lost teeth is important for improving your quality of life. If you are considering implants, you might be wondering about the cost of dental implants and if you should visit an oral surgeon rather than a general dentist. When considering dental implants, we recommend doing a bit of research by speaking with an oral health professional or searching online for information. Preliminary research is beneficial for patients to develop a basic understanding of how dental implants work so that they can ask informed questions. Following is some helpful information on this tooth replacement method.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are prosthetics that replace the lost root structure of missing teeth. They are made from titanium so that the jawbone can fuse to its structure through a biological process called osseointegration. Dental implants resemble a screw and have ridges. They vary in size but are normally under ten millimeters. Once the implant becomes stabilized, it will be used to support a dental crown or bridge.

Why are dental implants beneficial?

Dental implants support the entire oral health system by preventing bone atrophy, supporting neighboring teeth, and restoring full oral function. Moreover, the restorations attached to dental implants can look and feel very much like biological teeth depending on the materials used to make the crown or bridge.

Should I choose an oral surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is a specialist who has intensive training to place implants. While a general dentist can undergo training to offer dental implants, an OMS has advanced education and training to develop an intimate understanding of the intricacies of oral anatomy. Furthermore, if patients require treatments like bone grafts and sinus lifts to accommodate dental implants, an OMS can provide them.

To schedule a dental implant consultation, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today.