Dental Implants – Mesquite, TX

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. As opposed to dental bridges and dentures, they last longer, can replace the roots of teeth, and allow for greater oral and overall health. Placed within the jawbone, the implant posts fuse with surrounding tissues over time and create a stable foundation for the crown, bridge, or denture that is secured on top.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Every dental implant patient will have a slightly different treatment plan; however, the same four steps must be completed if the results are to be successful:

• Initial Dental Implant Consultation – You will meet with a member of our team to discuss the status of your oral and overall health. Based on our findings as well as the density of your jawbone, we will determine if you can move forward with dental implant surgery or if you require any kind of preparatory procedure first. This can include bone grafting, sinus lifts, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction.
• Dental Implant Surgery – We will refer you to a local oral surgeon who will complete the procedure in their office. Using local anesthesia to numb your mouth, they will place each implant into the jawbone so that it remains stable and supportive over time.
• Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – After healing for several months and allowing osseointegration to complete, which is the fusing of the implants to the bone, you will receive your abutments, which help to hold the restoration in place.
• Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – Your crown, bridge, or denture will be positioned and secured on top of the implant(s) so that you can begin to use your new smile immediately.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The benefits of dental implants are unlike any found with dentures or dental bridges. Apart from their ability to provide stimulation to bone and prevent resorption and facial sagging, they also make it possible to feel more confident in your appearance. Knowing that your teeth are not going anywhere and that you can eat the foods you love, speak freely, and smile at everyone you meet are all priceless benefits you can expect with these superior prosthetics.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

No matter how many teeth you are missing, there is a good chance you will be cleared for dental implants. Although, there is a chance you may be unable to move forward with surgery right away, especially if we find signs of cavities, gum disease, or jawbone resorption. Fortunately, we can recommend helpful procedures that will put your mouth in a better position to receive dental implants in the future.

Missing One Tooth

A single dental implant is enough to replace just one missing tooth. There is no need to rely on a fixed dental bridge when we can insert one post into the jawbone and place a customized crown on top. This will not only restore your appearance but also help you return to a sense of normalcy once you begin eating and speaking as you did before losing your tooth.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Instead of replacing each tooth with an implant, we can create a bridge that requires only a few posts that are placed within your jawbone. Complete with artificial teeth, the prosthesis will restore your bite force, make it easier to smile, and avoid the need to alter existing tooth enamel.

Missing All of Your Teeth

Using between four and eight dental implant posts along with a customized denture, we can rebuild your smile so that you never need to worry about your teeth slipping. Implant dentures are a great alternative to traditional ones because of how long they can last and their ability to work just like normal teeth.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

While it is true that dental implants do tend to cost more than traditional tooth replacement options, there are a few things to remember that make them worth the investment. Instead of investing your money in denture adhesives and frequent replacements (every 5-7 years), dental implants can remain in place for decades or even a lifetime. When you attempt to compare the cost, your upfront expenses may be more; however, in the long run, you’ll spend much less. But the only way to know for sure how much you can expect your new smile to cost is to schedule an appointment with a member of our team.