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.

Do dental implants require special care?

best oral surgeons PlanoOne of the major advantages of dental implants is their structural similarity to biological teeth. Because the surrounding bone forms a bond with the titanium implant, it acts like a biological tooth’s root and is able to secure a prosthetic crown without support from surrounding teeth. This makes it easier to care for dental implants than it is to maintain some of the other tooth replacement alternatives.

Dental implants do not require an attachment to any surrounding structures that restrict access to the gumline, so it is easier to brush and floss around them using a normal toothbrush and floss. In contrast, a conventional dental bridge does limit the patient’s access to the gumline, so additional tools are needed for your oral hygiene regimen.

If your dental implants support a denture rather than a single crown, however, you may need to adjust your technique somewhat. The best oral surgeons will give you more information on this as you prepare for your dental implant placement.

You should also notify the dental hygienist who cleans your teeth where your dental implant is located, as special instruments may be needed to clean in the area of a dental implant.

Although caring for a dental implant differs little from maintaining biological teeth, it’s still essential for dental implant patients to practice good oral hygiene habits. Patients who need dental implants often have suffered tooth loss due to extensive decay or gum disease. Active gum disease can compromise the bond between the jawbone and the implant, so patients must take every step possible to reduce their risk of developing this condition. Therefore, in addition to solid home oral care, you should also be sure to follow up with your dentist for exams and professional cleanings every six months.

To learn more about the care required for dental implants as well as other aspects of this treatment, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation. Learn if dental implants are a good tooth loss solution for you.

Why is titanium used for dental implants?

dental implants DFWDental implants are small cylinders that are made of titanium. Essentially, these devices act like artificial tooth roots. They are capable of doing so because of certain properties of titanium. This metal is biocompatible. That is, the surrounding bone is capable of forming a permanent bond with titanium, so the jawbone material integrates the implant into the jaw. It becomes a fixture in the mouth, functioning much like a biological tooth’s root does.

This is why an oral surgeon places implants that are made of titanium into the jaw. No other material performs as reliably in this manner. After the surrounding bone fuses with them, the dental implants can support a single crown, dental bridge or denture that is specially designed to slide over the dental implant.

Dental implants are unique among tooth replacement treatments because they maintain the physical connection between the (prosthetic) crown of the tooth and the jaw. Neither dental bridges nor dentures have such a structure beneath the gum line. Therefore, only dental implants help to maintain continuity of the jaw’s shape.

Additionally, the bond between the bone and the titanium implant also situates the prosthetic to tolerate stronger chewing forces than a conventional appliance. This quality of dental implants means that patients can continue to enjoy most, if not all, of their favorite foods.

While surgery is necessary for dental implant placement, the oral surgeon can complete the procedure in a matter of hours and perform the surgery in an outpatient setting. In many cases, patients can be fitted with at least a temporary prosthetic that same day, minimizing the amount of time they need to spend suffering the aesthetic effects of tooth loss.

Dental implants that are made of titanium can become a permanent addition to your mouth’s structure through osseointegration. They can replicate the functionality of a biological tooth’s root and help to stabilize your smile. Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and explore this treatment option if you need to replace a missing tooth.

How long will it take to recover from jaw surgery?

oral surgeon PlanoJaw surgery involves correcting abnormalities or reconstructing damaged tissue in the jawbone. As with many other types of surgical procedures, one’s recovery time varies based on different factors. When it comes to jaw surgery, there is no standard time frame for recovery. Fortunately, our oral surgeons will offer guidance during the post-operative and recovery phases of treatment to help patients resume normal, everyday activities as soon as possible.

When is jaw surgery necessary?

Jaw surgery is necessary when a patient suffers from discomfort or reduced oral function caused by misaligned or damaged jawbones. Sometimes one jawbone will develop more quickly than the other one. This can lead to malocclusions like underbites, overbites, and open bites that cannot always be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. This type of treatment is corrective in nature. When the jawbones are misaligned, it can lead to diminished oral function and permanent damage to the TMJs (temporomandibular joints) and teeth.

Another reason jaw surgery might be necessary is to reconstruct bone mass. For instance, if a person has lost bone mass to disease or osteoporosis or has endured facial trauma, reconstructive surgery might be required to restore oral function. Reconstructive surgeries typically involve bone grafting. A treatment where excess bone is taken from the hip or knee or from a tissue bank and placed over areas in the jaw where bone is needed.

How will I know if I need jaw surgery?

Normally, patients find out they might need jaw surgery after a visit to the dentist or after a traumatic injury. At this point, those who might need jaw surgery will be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An oral surgeon is a specialist trained to perform a variety of surgeries and treatments throughout the oral cavity and facial region.

After a consultation, which will include a physical examination and the use of diagnostic images, a treatment plan will be developed to restore or correct any abnormalities.

Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve an appointment.

Your Most Common Dental Implant Questions Answered

cost of dental implants DFWWhen considering treatment for tooth loss, many patients will explore dental implants as a structurally complete restoration. These patients initially have many concerns or questions at the initial consultation with the oral surgeon. Here are some of the most common inquiries.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The bond between the bone and the dental implant helps to preserve the jawbone at the implant site, which means that the prosthetic is less likely to lose its fit over time. Dental implants look, feel and function much like biological teeth. Patients who choose dental implants also can chew more efficiently and can include a wider variety of foods in their diets.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Long-term success with dental implants requires sufficient bone material to support osseointegration. The oral surgeon will examine your jaw and take x-rays to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you’ve experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be recommended in your case.

What is the cost of dental implants?

If you are interested in this treatment, it’s important to consider the long-term cost of dental implants in comparison to alternatives rather than just relying on the initial cost as the main indicator of your expense. Dental implants remain stable over time, whereas dentures or dental bridges will lose their fit as the shape of the jaw changes. Those devices are likely to need to be refitted or replaced periodically at the patient’s expense.

Should I do anything special to take care of my dental implants?

Dental implants are convenient in many ways, and one of these is in the care they require. If you get a single implant to replace one missing tooth or an implant-supported bridge, your oral hygiene routine will be nearly identical to what it is now. Of course, you should follow up with professional dental care as recommended, too. Implant-supported dentures may require slightly different techniques, and your surgeon will educate you on those.

Do you have questions about dental implants as a possible intervention for tooth loss? Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons to get the information that you need to make a good decision on your treatment.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What are the health benefits?

oral surgeon PlanoSome patients have qualms about having their wisdom teeth removed if they’re not symptomatic. It’s understandable that they might be reluctant about surgery if they’re not having any problems. However, it’s important to note that the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth can have a number of health benefits for the patient.

Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to developing issues like cysts, tumors, abscesses and infections. Therefore, when an oral surgeon removes those third molars, that risk will decrease. In some cases the entire body can benefit. For example, an infection that begins in a wisdom tooth can easily access the bloodstream and then travel elsewhere in the body.

Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can damage other teeth as they continue to try to erupt. They can bump into other teeth and push them out of the proper alignment. This can negatively affect a patient’s ability to chew or speak.

It’s hard to keep partially erupted teeth clean, so gum disease can develop in the vicinity of impacted wisdom teeth. This too can shock your entire system, as there appears to be some link between the inflammation associated with gum disease and that found in other serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

To avoid such consequences, many patients consult with an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth removal before these problems even arise. In fact, it’s recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth extracted before age 25, because the procedure is more straightforward and recovery quicker in younger people.

The extraction procedure is completed in our office, and patients can choose to have some form of sedation for additional comfort.

Most patients can resume nearly all normal activities within days of having their wisdom teeth removed. Your surgeon will give you guidance on the steps you can take to prevent post-operative complications that could lengthen your recovery period.

If you still have your wisdom teeth, schedule an evaluation with our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to determine whether your third molars are impacted and what the recommended course of action for treatment is.