Tooth loss due to decay or disease is a common problem for many people. The result is usually a loss of confidence as well as adverse changes to the facial structure. Tooth loss also results in serious dental health issues, including gum problems and a deteriorating jawbone. Thankfully, there is a way to replace missing teeth seamlessly without using conventional bridges and dentures. Dr. A and the rest of our experienced staff at Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson are equipped to provide their patients with dental implants in Richardson.
Learn more about dental implants and what Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson can do for you and the health and appearance of your smile below. Call our Richardson office for an appointment today!
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which allows the implants to fuse to the jawbone. This creates sturdy supports for the dental restorations. The type of restoration you need will directly depend on the number of teeth that you’re missing.
After about 3 to 4 months of healing, the implant can be mounted with an abutment—an attachment that connects the implant and the restoration. The last part of the dental implant is the restoration. This is a crown, bridge, or denture than is mounted on top of your implant(s) to complete your smile. The result is a beautiful, confident, and strong set of teeth. Because dental implants restore your teeth from the roots up, they look, feel, and function just like your natural smile.
Before you begin the complex process of replacing one or more teeth with a dental implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture, we will walk you through the entire treatment plan step by step to help you fully prepare for this smile transformation process. Part of our initial consultation will be planning out the process, including timeline and pricing. While every patient’s tooth replacement plan is different, you can find some of the basics below. When you’re ready to get started with the tooth replacement process, call our team to schedule your dental implant consultation with the Richardson dentist and team at Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson.
The first step to creating your picture-perfect smile is a tooth replacement consultation. During this appointment, we’ll examine your mouth, review your restoration options, and partner with you to develop a plan to restore your smile, including a step by step timeline to help you prepare for your dental implant plan. We may also recommend one or more preparatory treatments, including tooth extractions and tissue grafts, to help you improve your chances for successful dental implant placement.
Once your smile is fully prepared and we’ve walked you through your tooth replacement plan, we’ll schedule your implant placement procedure. This surgery is relatively straightforward. We make a small incision in the gum tissue. Then, the implant post is positioned into the jawbone. A protective cap is placed over the implant to protect it throughout the healing process and maintain the shape of the gum tissue until the abutment and restoration are placed.
Following the placement of one or more dental implants, we’ll need to wait several months to allow the implant posts to fuse with the supportive gum and bone tissues. This process is referred to as osseointegration. Depending on the number of implants and your body’s healing abilities, it can take anywhere from three to six months for implants to fully fuse with the supportive bone and gum tissues. Once this process is complete, we place abutments that will anchor the restorations to the implant posts. After the abutments are in position, we create a design for your dental crown, bridge, or denture that will be crafted by our trusted dental lab team.
Once we receive the final crown, bridge, or denture from our dental lab, you’ll return to the office, so we can attach your restoration to the implant posts. If we placed a temporary restoration, we’ll begin by removing it. Then, we’ll use screws to attach the crown, bridge, or denture, creating your flawless new smile.
As you contemplate which method of tooth replacement you prefer, you should know the benefits of dental implants in Richardson far outweigh those offered by fixed bridges and traditional dentures. Yes, they can replicate the look of your smile, but with nearly 500,000 dental implants being placed each year, it’s no surprise that more and more individuals are choosing prosthetics that are designed to last longer, look more natural, and provide greater oral health. With a 98% success rate upon initial placement, dental implants can give you a smile that will help you look and feel better and boost your confidence like never before.
Some of the additional benefits you can expect to receive when choosing dental implants include:
Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or you have far more severe tooth loss to address, there’s a good chance dental implants can do so without much concern. Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson is prepared to restore your smile to the fullest extent and give you the one-on-one attention you deserve. During your consultation, we’ll examine your smile and create a treatment plan that’s personalized to your specific needs. To learn more about how the process works and what makes a good candidate for dental implants, give us a call or keep reading!
Thanks to advancements in the field, more people than ever are eligible to receive dental implants. However, there are certain qualifications you should meet to ensure the most successful treatment possible. Patients should have:
Dental implants are strong enough to hold their own dedicated restoration. In the case of a single implant, a crown is attached. Implants are made from titanium and don’t rely on neighboring teeth to remain stable, making them a more reliable and longer-lasting solution compared to dental bridges. As part of the process, we’ll design your crown to blend in with existing teeth. This means the color, shade, and size will be taken into consideration to make your smile as natural-looking as possible. In fact, you may find it difficult to remember which tooth it was that you had replaced!
In the event that two or more teeth are missing, an implant bridge can be attached to a pair of dental implants. Unlike traditional dental crowns and bridges, there’s no need to alter existing tooth enamel just to replace teeth in this way. At the same time, you can fill the gap that exists within your smile and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place as a way to compensate. If there are many consecutive teeth missing, keep in mind that a partial implant denture may be needed instead.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve lost all of your teeth, dental implants can hold a full denture with relative ease. If you already use a denture, you’re likely aware that it can easily slip out of place and lead to some very awkward situations while eating or speaking. Implant dentures combine the comprehensiveness of dentures with the reliability and longevity of dental implants. In most cases, about four to six implants are placed in order to ensure the best stability.
Dental implants are a true investment in your oral health. Although many patients may claim that dental implants cost more money than they are willing to spend, you must think about the benefits of dental implants. They are a life-long tooth replacement solution that provides newfound stability, aesthetics, and improved overall oral health. The cost isn’t even the implant itself; it’s the time, expertise, and resources that are required to successfully place an implant that determine the cost.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants or how to make them an affordable option for you, feel free to contact our office to discuss our various financial options.
One of the main factors behind the cost of dental implants is the specific nature of the treatment. For example, a single dental implant accompanied by a single crown costs less than several implants and an accompanying denture. There are also different types of implants from different manufactures, as well as a range of implant placement techniques. All of these factors can have a significant impact on the overall price of the treatment. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your procedure with you and talk to you about any implant options that may be available for you.
You do not have to pay for the entirety of your new smile upfront. The treatment takes place over several months and across several stages, each of which comes with a separate cost. You’ll thus be able to plan financially to pay for your new smile one procedure at a time. Some of what you may have to pay for includes:
Yes, dental implants are worth the investment! They have the potential to last a lifetime, while alternative treatments may last for just a few years — a fact that makes implants a better long-term value. Moreover, it’s impossible to put a price on the benefits that dental implants offer. For example, unlike other treatments, they are sturdy enough to stand up to practically any food. They also look stunning and provide bone health benefits. The vast majority of people who receive dental implants have no doubt that their restored smile was worth the cost.
More and more dental insurance companies are offering coverage for dental implants; you’ll have to check the specifics of your policy to find out if it will help with your treatment. If it does not cover the implants themselves, it may mitigate the cost of preparatory work or the cost of your final restoration. Low- or no-interest financing from CareCredit may also play an essential role in helping you afford your new smile. Our team will help you explore various resources you may be able to use in order to fit dental implants into your budget.
One of the best aspects of dental implants is their potential to last for a lifetime. However, they only attain this long lifespan if you take good care of them. That’s right – your new teeth will need to be maintained just like your old ones. In fact, it shouldn’t be very different from regular oral health care at all! While Dr. A will be happy to provide you with the right tools to ensure your smile remains healthy for years to come, below you’ll find five simple tips for practicing proper dental implant care near Carrollton.
The good news is that dental implants are cavity-proof; the bad news is that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental implant failure by increasing your risk for gum disease. Additionally, your remaining natural teeth are still susceptible to decay. That’s why good oral hygiene is still critical when you have dental implants. You’ll need to brush twice daily for two minutes, floss at least once, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. Our team can recommend certain products or brands for you based on your unique oral health needs.
Indulging in a slice of pie or a bowl of ice cream every now and then is perfectly fine, but moderation is key. Sugary and starchy treats contribute to buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which may cause gum disease, cavities, and dental implant failure. If you want your teeth and gums to stay healthy, make sure that the majority of your daily food intake consists of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, dairy products, and foods rich in vitamin C.
Dental implants near Carrollton aren’t exactly cheap, so you’ll naturally want to do everything you can to protect the investment that you made in your smile. This includes breaking bad habits that can damage your new teeth. Whether it’s biting your nails, smoking, chewing on pens or pencils, eating ice, or smoking, you’ll need to find a way to kick these habits (sugar-free chewing gum, smoking cessation groups, etc.) if you want your new pearly whites to last.
Playing sports is a great way to stay in shape, but it carries the risk of injuries to your mouth that could damage your implants. Grinding your teeth at night can also harm to your implants, in addition to causing TMJ disorder. In both of these situations, Dr. A can make you a custom mouthguard to keep your teeth and implants safe at all times, whether you’re on the field or in your bed.
Even if you’ve had all of your natural teeth replaced, routine dental checkups and cleanings are still important. Your implant dentist near Carrollton will be able to closely examine your teeth – real and artificial – for early signs of structural or health problems. That way, any issues can be treated as early as possible.
Replacing teeth with dental implants in Richardson is a complex process and a significant investment. It’s to be expected that you have questions about this potentially life-changing procedure. Below, we discuss some FAQs about dental implants. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact us so we can personally answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about how you’re going to replace your missing teeth.
We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible throughout their treatment process. During your placement surgery, you’re unlikely to feel anything at all. As you heal, you may experience some soreness and swelling. Medications, along with a soft diet, can help to mitigate any discomfort. After your implants have established a strong bond with your body and your new teeth are in place, they should feel completely natural in your mouth.
Dental implant failure is rare. In fact, the procedure is successful in over 95 percent of cases! When implants do fail, it may be for any of a number of different reasons. Sometimes, it happens because a patient’s body never bonds properly with the implants. In other cases, trauma, infection due to poor oral hygiene, or misuse can cause problems with dental implants.
If you ever suspect that your dental implants are failing — for example, if they feel loose — contact us right away. We may be able to fix the problem before it becomes so serious that it is necessary to remove the implants.
Once dental implants are placed beneath the gum line, they become invisible. The restorations that go on top of them — crowns, bridges, and dentures — are made out of high-quality materials that closely resemble natural tooth enamel. Unless you want to brag about how much you love your dental implants, no one has to know that you have them!
Caring for dental implants simply requires that you stick to a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouth rinse. If you have a removable, implant-supported denture, you may need to take it out of your mouth to thoroughly clean it. If you have an implant-supported bridge, you’ll need to use a floss threader to clean underneath the artificial teeth. Visiting your dentist in Richardson for a checkup a few times each year is also a key part of maintaining your new smile.
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, we pride ourselves on the experience and skill of our team members. We have helped many patients to enjoy the benefits of dental implants, and we look forward to helping many more. Dr. Azmoodeh has even undergone specialized training in both implant placement and restoration. If you’d like to learn more about our qualifications, we invite you to contact us.