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.

What is the lifespan of a dental implant?

implant dentistry PlanoImplant dentistry offers a significant advancement of tooth replacement technology for many reasons, including the longevity of these devices. When the conditions for implant placement are appropriate and the patient takes proper care of dental implants, this type of tooth replacement can last for decades. Contrast this with conventional bridges and dentures, which typically need to be replaced after several years when they lose their fit due to changes in the shape of the jaw.

Dental implants are so durable because of the osseointegration process that takes place after the oral surgeon places the dental implant in the jaw. This is possible because dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible. That means that the bone in the vicinity is able to form a strong bond with the dental implant, and that bond leaves the implant as a permanent fixture in the patient’s jaw.

However, there are two important factors that can interfere with the success of implant dentistry. The first is bone loss at the implant site. Before developing the treatment plan, your oral surgeon will thoroughly examine your jaw, including taking x-rays, to determine whether you have sufficient bone material at the implant site to support osseointegration.

Additionally, the patient must make a concerted effort to care for the dental implants. If active gum disease develops, it could ultimately attack the bone and threaten the stability of the bond. Therefore, patients need to be conscientious about brushing and flossing as directed, along with performing any other oral hygiene activities designed to reduce the presence of oral bacteria. You should also continue to get routine care from a dentist as well as professional cleanings by a dental hygienist.

When you are a good candidate for dental implants and you stick to a dedicated oral hygiene routine to maintain them, this treatment can last for a patient’s entire lifespan. To learn more details of the steps you must take to maximize the benefits of your dental implants, consult with one of our expert surgeons at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates.

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods with Dental Implants

dental implants PlanoDid you know that tooth loss does not have to affect your ability to chew food comfortably or speak properly? With dental implants, you can enjoy a variety of foods without difficulty. This is because dental implants are incredibly durable and supported by the jawbone. With implants, a patient can eat tough and chewy foods whereas one with dentures might struggle. Dental implants allow for a full restoration of oral function and even appearance.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are unique to other tooth replacement methods because they address the loss of the roots of teeth. By embedding a dental implant into the jaw, our oral surgeons can initiate the process of osseointegration, a biological process that allows bone mass to integrate to the implant. Osseointegration is possible because implants are made from titanium, a metal that is biocompatible with the body’s tissue. The bone will not reject titanium as a foreign object and will instead fuse to it.

Once the implant is stabilized by bone tissue, a permanent, custom prosthetic can be attached to its abutment. Most of the time, one dental implant is used to support a crown. In some instances, however, an implant or two might be placed to support a bridge, which can replace up to four teeth in a row. Bridges and crowns provide a replacement for the visible structures of teeth that bite and chew food. An implant paired with its permanent restoration will complete the tooth replacement process.

Benefits of Dental Implants

A dental implant is the ideal replacement for a missing tooth for a few reasons. Since an implant replaces the roots of teeth, it will prevent bone atrophy by keeping hard tissue stimulated and active. Its prosthetic will also support neighboring teeth, preventing them from collapsing into empty tooth sockets. Beyond restoring oral function, an implant is low maintenance compared to other prosthetics. Dental implants stay in the mouth at all times and are brushed and flossed just as biological teeth are. Lastly, if patients choose white materials for their restorations, they will enjoy a very natural looking smile.

Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to learn more about your tooth loss treatment options.

How do implant-supported dentures differ from conventional ones?

implant supported denturesPatients who are concerned that conventional dentures won’t feel comfortable or look natural may want to consider implant supported dentures as an alternative. Long-term denture wearers who want to upgrade their appliances can investigate this treatment option as well. Implant supported dentures have a number of features that make them more appealing than conventional dentures for many patients.

Implant supported dentures tend to be more stable than conventional dentures because the dental implants function like artificial tooth roots and keep the jawbone intact. In contrast, conventional dentures lack such a root-like structure and the jawbone erodes over time, causing the dentures to lose their fit.

Those root-like characteristics also make implant-supported dentures more functional when it comes to chewing. The bond between the bone and the dental implant facilitates the prosthetic’s ability to withstand stronger chewing forces. This means that fewer foods are off-limits with implant supported dentures. Of course, patients should still use common sense, as trying to chew non-food items that could damage your biological teeth could easily harm an implant supported denture as well.

If you are interested in implant supported dentures, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon who will place the dental implants. This procedure is a surgical one, although it can be completed in as little as a few hours.

A technique known as All-on-4 is often used for patients who need restoration of a full upper or lower arch or their entire smile. This approach, in which the oral surgeon places just four dental implants in the jaw to secure the denture, gives more patients the opportunity to take advantage of dental implants, even if they’ve lost a fair amount of bone after losing their teeth. The four dental implants are located toward the front of the jaw, where jawbone erosion unfolds more slowly.

Implant supported dentures are vastly different from standard dentures. To learn more about the characteristics of dental implants and how implant supported dentures may benefit you, schedule a consultation at our office.

Will dentures affect my speech?

dentures DallasOne concern that patients may have about conventional dentures is that the appliances will make it difficult for them to speak normally. In fact, it can be difficult to adapt to dentures and your speech may suffer as a result. However, you can turn to an alternative treatment method known as All-on-4 for a more secure denture that should have minimal effects on your speech.

All-on-4 uses four dental implants to secure a prosthetic arch. The bone will form a bond with those dental implants after the oral surgeon places them in your jaw, so the appliance is much more secure than a conventional denture. You don’t have to worry about your teeth shifting out of place as you are trying to talk.

Furthermore, the dental implants prevent the jawbone atrophy that typically unfolds after tooth loss. Therefore, a denture supported by dental implants is much less likely to lose its fit over time. When a conventional denture doesn’t fit as well, it can also present a challenge to speaking properly.

All-on-4 does require a surgical procedure, but because the oral surgeon is only placing four dental implants, the appointment only takes a few hours. Depending on the circumstances, the patient may be fitted with a temporary appliance that same day. For this reason, this treatment is sometimes called “teeth in a day”. After the dental implants have osseointegrated fully, the stronger, permanent appliance will be placed.

It’s important to note that bone loss can jeopardize dental implant stability, but All-on-4 often can overcome this obstacle because the dental implants are placed toward the front of the jaw, where the bone is thicker and erodes more slowly. As such, patients who have already suffered some bone loss at the back of the jaw may still be good candidates for All-on-4.

If you are interested in a tooth replacement option that looks and feels more natural, which will help you to keep speaking normally, consider All-on-4. Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates for more information about this treatment option or to schedule an initial consultation.

Does insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

cost of dental implants DFWA common question our practice receives is whether insurance covers the cost of dental implants. This is a difficult question to answer because the coverage provided by dental insurance varies wildly among carriers and plans. Fortunately, our insurance specialists can help you navigate what your coverage provides when it comes to the cost of dental implants. We also have financing options available to help our guests get the healthcare they need and deserve.

Are dental implants expensive?

While the cost of implants is higher upfront than other alternatives such as dentures, implants tend to cost less than other prosthetics over time. Dental implants are very durable and long lasting. Compared to dentures or bridges, they do not require frequent repair or replacement.

How do I know what my insurance covers?

There are a couple ways you can find out what is covered by your dental insurance plan. You can call your insurance provider’s call center and speak with a customer service representative about your plan’s benefits and what, if any, out-of-pocket costs you might have when it comes to receiving dental implants. You can also speak with our insurance specialist to see which carriers we work with and what they typically cover depending on your plan.

What forms of payment does your office accept?

In addition to accepting many insurers, we take cash, check, major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.

What are my financing options?

If your coverage falls short, or if you do not have dental insurance, we do accept financing from third-party lenders. Our front desk personnel will assist you with the application process if you want to finance treatments like receiving dental implants. We work with nationwide lenders, CareCredit and Lending Club. These lenders will cover the costs of your treatment and you will repay them on a monthly basis until your account is paid. The terms of your repayment and the duration of your repayment period will be determined by the lending company you work with.

To learn more about the costs associated with dental implants, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule an informative consultation.