Dental Implants — Irving, TX

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Your first step will be to come visit us for a consultation. We’ll carefully review your medical history and examine your mouth, which will typically include X-rays and CT scans of your jaw. Issues like untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or inadequate jawbone density will threaten the success of your dental implant treatment. If any problems are detected, we’ll work with you to schedule the necessary preliminary treatments, such as a tooth extraction or bone grafting, before moving on. Once you’re considered a good candidate, we’ll work with you to design a custom treatment plan and answer any questions you may have about dental implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

Next, we’ll schedule your dental implant surgery with one of our implant surgeons: Dr. Jeff Roy, Dr. Ashley Bristow, or Dr. Andrew Barnett. Most other practices need to refer their patients to an outside specialist for this step of dental implant treatment, but that’s not the case here at 21^st Century Dental of Irving! Our talented team has years of advanced training and experience in implant dentistry and can perform your entire procedure in-office from start to finish.

We’ll apply local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgery, and we are pleased to offer sedation options as well to help you feel relaxed. Then, your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums to expose the jawbone. Your dental implant or implants will be placed into pre-determine places in the bone tissue. Then, the gums are closed, a protective cap is placed over the post, and you’ll be sent home to heal.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment 

After your dental implant placement surgery, you’ll need to wait three to six months before moving onto the next step of your treatment. While it will only take you a few days or weeks to recover from your procedure, your jawbone will need much more time to heal. Over the coming months, a process known as osseointegration takes place, where the dental implant and bone tissue fuse together.

Once it’s done healing, you’ll have a strong, stable foundation for your new replacement teeth. However, before your restoration can be placed, you’ll need to undergo one more minor surgery to expose the top of the dental implant and have a small connector piece called an abutment placed. During this appointment, we’ll also take impressions of the area to create your restoration.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations 

When your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is ready, you’ll return to our office for the final step of your treatment. We will securely attach your restoration to the implant via the abutment and check to make sure that your bite feels comfortable. After ensuring that you’re happy with your results, you’ll be ready to go out and enjoy your newly rebuilt smile!

Lifestyle Benefits

Many denture wearers (roughly one-third, according to one survey published on PRN Newswire) believe that their dentures limit their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. If you can relate to them, dental implants in Las Colinas may be ideal for you. Some of the lifestyle benefits they offer include:

• The ability to eat what you want. Implants are anchored in the jawbone, a fact that makes them extremely sturdy. You will not have to worry about them becoming destabilized whether you are enjoying a crisp apple, a savory steak, or your favorite movie night treats.
• A confident smile. The restorations on top of dental implants are usually crafted out of dental-grade porcelain, which is almost identical to natural teeth. Onlookers will notice your beautiful smile, not that you have had some dental work done.
• Speak easily. With non-implant dentures, there is a risk that they will slip in your mouth while you speak, especially if they do not fit well. The stability of dental implants mean they stay in place while you are talking.
• Easy maintenance. You won’t need to drastically change your daily dental routine or invest in any expensive brushes, cleaners, or pastes. For the most part, you can take care of your dental implants in Las Colinas as if they were natural teeth!

Health Benefits

The benefits of dental implants in Las Colinas extend beyond improving daily quality of life. They offer some outstanding health advantages as well, including:

• Jawbone preservation. Dental implants are the only tooth loss solution that replaces the roots of missing teeth. This stimulates circulation in the jawbone, which prevents it from deteriorating and shrinking away. They can therefore prevent the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
• Protection for oral tissues. Traditional fixed bridges require the removal of healthy tooth structure for support, while dentures place pressure on your gums, which can cause irritation. On the other hand, dental implants are fully self-supporting. You won’t need to worry about tooth sensitivity or gum sores.
• Systemic health benefits. Research indicates an association between tooth loss and an increased risk of several diseases. Because dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, it is reasonable to believe that they may help to lower suck risks.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants may last for 30 years or longer with proper care. In fact, they have the potential to last a lifetime. This makes them an excellent monetary value, and it can grant you peace of mind as you move through all of life’s big and little important moments.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Almost any healthy adult can benefit from dental implants. Usually, you will need these three things in order to be a good candidate for this treatment:

• Good overall health: Because dental implants require a small surgery, you must be well enough to undergo a minor procedure.
• Great oral health: Problems like gum disease and cavities can potentially cause implant failure, which is why we must first treat them before you can replace your teeth.
• Adequate jawbone density: Your jaw must be strong enough to support dental implants in order for your treatment to be successful.

Does it sound like dental implants are right for you? If not, no worries! Our implant dentist in Irving can provide you with preliminary treatment options like gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, and bone grafting to ensure that you can take advantage of dental implants. Once we get your smile back on track, we can develop your personalized treatment plan based on the number of teeth you’re missing.

Missing 1 Tooth

Our team can anchor a single dental implant in place within the jaw to replenish one tooth at a time. We will design a beautiful, all-porcelain dental crown that fits over the implant without threatening the health of the natural teeth on either side. We know our patients will be amazed by how seamless the final result is – implant-retained single teeth are an ideal match for the rest of your smile in terms of appearance, function, and durability.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Have you lost multiple teeth that used to appear next to one another? Traditionally, dental bridges were the best method for replacing this needed structure, but the technique of filing down natural teeth to accommodate new crowns can actively harm your continuing oral health. Instead, our dentists strongly recommend implant-retained dental bridges, which are attached to dental implants anchored into the jawbone for support. The final result looks better, feels better, and is a big improvement for your wellbeing too. If you’re missing teeth randomly throughout your smile, we can use implants to anchor a partial denture.

Missing All Teeth

Many people believe that dental implants can’t be used to replace several teeth at once – but this isn’t true! Implant dentures can be anchored in place over a small number of strategically placed implants, which makes them more cost-effective than if our dentists were to match each implant to its own individual restoration.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

All-On-4 dental implants is a state-of-the-art reconstructive technique that involves replacing an ENTIRE arch of teeth with just four little implants. Each implant will be angled in just the right position to provide optimal support to the custom-made full denture. Better yet, our dentists can plan to place your brand-new “teeth” immediately after the implants are surgically positioned – there’s no waiting! After a few weeks of wearing a temporary All-On-4 denture, patients will need to return to the practice for their permanent prosthetic.

Learn More About All-On-4

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

If you have preexisting dental issues, we must treat them with common services like extractions, gum disease therapy, and bone grafting. These preliminary treatments will add to the total cost of your dental implants in Irving, but they are essential for the health of your smile. Thankfully, many of these services are covered by dental insurance!

Your surgery with our implant dentist in Irving will incur its own cost. We provide the entire placement and restoration process in-house, making your fees more convenient, compact, and simple. Plus, you’ll enjoy peace of mind by completing the entire treatment at the same familiar location.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The number of dental implants that you need will directly impact the price of your treatment. Typically, one implant will be used for each missing tooth, however an average of 4 to 6 implants can support a full denture. Additionally, the type of restoration that you need will influence your overall cost. Usually, smaller restorations like crowns will cost less than larger ones like dentures.

Keep in mind that dental implants are made in different sizes and materials to fit a variety of needs. Some are made of zirconia or titanium, which can affect your cost. We will always be transparent about the type of implants we use – don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

While implants do tend to cost more than other options, their unique health and lifestyle benefits make them well worth it. In fact, dental implants have the ability to last for a lifetime, which can actually save you money in the long run! Traditional dentures and bridges must be replaced every 5 to 10 years, however implants can last for decades, keeping your wallet full and your calendar open thanks to less dental visits.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Usually, dental implants are not covered by insurance but there are some exceptions. Our friendly and experienced team will work with you to review your plan and maximize any benefits that we can to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Portions of your treatment like the final restoration and necessary dental services for preexisting issues may be covered, but this will all depend on your provider. We are happy to communicate with your insurance directly so you can enjoy cost-effective dental care. 

Making Dental Implants Affordable

We do everything we can to make our dental implants in Irving affordable. In addition to accepting insurance, we offer low-to-no interest financing through CareCredit, Compassionate Finance, and Lending Club. With these options, you can choose payment plans that work best for your budget. You’ll simply pay a monthly fee and offset the major costs of your implants. Plus, we offer free second opinions and consultations to make it as easy as possible to get started. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions!

What Is a 3D Cone Beam CT Scanner?

A 3D cone beam CT (computed tomography) scanner is an advanced type of X-ray. It uses cone bean radiography to create detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth, dental structures, sinus cavity, jawbone, and nerves in your face. To use it, you’ll sit down and place your chin on the designated resting space. Then the machine will rotate completely around your head in a matter of moments, taking 150-200 images at various angles. A special software is then used to combine all these images into a digital 3D model of the inside of your mouth.

3D Cone Beam Scanner Vs Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays give us tremendous insight into the well-being of your teeth and jaws, and are ideal for spotting issues like cavities and small cracks. However, they are only two-dimensional images and are somewhat limited in what they can show. A CT scanner provides a far more detailed picture of your mouth that can be rendered into a 3D model on our computers, allowing us to inspect your oral structures from every side and truly understand how they work together. Plus, the cone beam scanner shows more of your anatomical structure, such as your blood vessels and nerve pathways.

Using the 3D Cone Beam Scanner for Dental Implants

3D cone bean CT scanners are often used for a variety of dental procedures that require a detailed understanding of the mouth, including tooth extractions, orthodontics, and TMJ dysfunction therapy. They are especially key for positioning dental implants within the jaw in a way that maximizes their chances of long-term success.

Using the detailed 3D image of your mouth from the 3D cone beam scanner, we can precisely determine the best possible location for your dental implant(s). Plus, it will help us anticipate any potential obstacles we may have otherwise missed and plan accordingly, ensuring your placement surgery goes smoothly and predictably.

Making Oral Hygiene a Priority

Dental implants may not decay, but if you have any remaining healthy teeth, they certainly can. This is why it’s crucial to maintain optimal oral hygiene while wearing these customized prosthetics. You’ve invested in your smile, so allowing decay to spread throughout your mouth will only cause problems that can lead to tooth and implant removal. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly will be a practice you need to adopt when choosing dental implants.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Sugars and starches may be tempting and tasty, but they will wreak havoc on your dental implants. This is why you need to make sure that you are incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy into your diet. These foods will help to build up healthy tooth enamel among natural teeth while also working to combat gum disease, which can negatively impact your entire smile.

Breaking Bad Habits

Smoking, eating ice, biting your fingernails, using your teeth to open containers and packages, and chewing on pens and pencils are all ways you can damage your dental implants. Should this happen, you’ll be on your way to seeing an emergency dentist who will need to survey the damage and determine if the implant needs to be removed. Giving up these bad habits, however, will ensure that your teeth remain in place and free of any damage for years to come.

Protecting Your Dental Implants

A customized mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make after receiving dental implants. The reason is that if you enjoy playing sports, you don’t want to run the risk of damaging your smile. A hard hit, a sudden fall, or a spiked volleyball to the face can cause your new teeth to be knocked out or damaged, resulting in more money being spent to try and fix your smile.

These mouthguards are also helpful if you grind your teeth at night, as they serve to keep your teeth from touching and minimize jaw discomfort.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Your implant dentist is your ally and friend when it comes to keeping your new teeth in place. Seeing these every six months for regular checkups and cleanings is important, especially if you want to make sure that you’re taking care of your smile the right way. After a thorough examination, we’ll offer additional tips to ensure the longevity of your new smile while also recommending any treatment options that might be necessary to fix minor damage.

Are All Dental Implants the Same?

Not all dental implants are alike. For example, most implant posts are made out of titanium, but patients with metal allergies might get one made out of zirconia instead. They’ll also come in various widths depending on the size of your mouth and remaining teeth. Also, some implants might require additional steps to place, and of course, the type of restoration they support will vary from case to case depending on the extent of tooth loss. Some of these decisions will be based on your oral health needs, but other choices will be made based on your preferences.

Will I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

You need to have a certain amount of jawbone mass in order for implant placement to be successful. This might not be a problem if you receive your implants right after an extraction, but if your teeth have been missing for a long time, there’s a good chance that the jaw will have significantly deteriorated. A bone grafting procedure will help reverse this process by placing bone material from elsewhere in your body (usually the hip) to create a stronger foundation. We can examine your jaw during a consultation and determine whether bone grafts will be needed.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure?

If your mouth doesn’t heal properly after the surgery, the bone won’t integrate with the post and the implant will fail. This could be the result of a current infection in your mouth (gum disease, for example), or it could be a side effect of tobacco use, which is why patients are told to stop smoking before and after the procedure. It’s important to be aware of the state of your oral health before you get implants; furthermore, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about practicing good oral hygiene so that an infection doesn’t develop and cause complications.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The lifespan of dental implants in Las Colinas largely depends on how well you maintain them. Fortunately, doing so is as simple as brushing and flossing regularly as well as coming to 21st Century Dental of Irving for regular checkups and cleanings!

When well-maintained, dental implants can last for decades without needing replacement. Many studies have shown that implants often last up to 20 years, and other findings suggest an average of 30. However, in many cases, a patient who practices excellent oral hygiene will be able to keep their implants for the rest of their life!

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

We will always ensure your comfort by numbing your mouth with local anesthetic. We also offer various forms of sedation, giving you a greater sense of relaxation while making it more difficult for your body to register pain. The surgery itself won’t hurt but some slight soreness and discomfort in the days following is completely normal. To manage pain, you should take our medication as prescribed or over-the-counter medicine as directed. You can also use an ice pack or cold compress on your face closest to the surgical site to numb pain. Contact us right away if your discomfort seems to worsen after 2 to 3 days.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants require surgery, which may make you a little nervous. However, their track record speaks for itself. When placed by a skilled implant dentist in Irving like Dr. Roy, dental implants have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years. Your success rate will depend on factors like dental hygiene, attendance of routine checkups, healthy diet, and more. Additionally, the longevity of your implants can also depend on the location – molars receive more pressure compared to front teeth, which may give them a higher chance of failure.  

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. In fact, because they replace teeth from the roots up, dental implants allow your restorations to mimic the way that your teeth emerge from your gums. You can use them just like your original teeth, so you won’t need to hold your jaw in an unnatural position. Plus, we match your restorations to meet your exact specifications, customizing them to copy your smile’s size, shape, and shade.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?

In the first few weeks after surgery, avoid hard or chewy foods because they could cause damage. Additionally, do your best not to consume acidic, sugary, or alcoholic drinks and don’t use a straw. After that quick period of healing, you can eat almost anything that you would with your natural teeth. That said, please keep in mind that some sticky or chewy candies can dislodge your implants so use caution when eating them or skip them altogether.

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

Most people’s jaws aren’t completely developed until young adulthood, which is why prematurely placing implants can result in difficulty with bone development and possible implant failure. We will not recommend dental implants for patients younger than 18, and some may not have fully developed jawbones until their mid-20s. Also, men’s jaws take longer to develop than women’s jaws do – something to keep in mind if you or a family member are considering dental implants in Irving.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Once your dental implant surgery is over, you will need to have someone escort you home from your appointment. The reason is that the local anesthesia you receive will take time to dissipate, so you will be unable to drive. Once you are home, it is best if you take an over-the-counter pain reliever or any prescribed antibiotics before the anesthesia fully wears off, as this will minimize any discomfort you might experience.

You will also need to be mindful of getting plenty of rest within the first 24 hours and avoid smoking, using tobacco of any kind, or engaging in any sort of physical or strenuous activity.

Common Side Effects

Discomfort, soreness, swelling, and minimal bruising are all common side effects after having dental implants put into place. These symptoms will go down after a few days, but should you notice additional bleeding or increasing pain or swelling, make sure to call our office right away.

Diet

A liquid diet will be necessary for the beginning; however, as your mouth begins to heal, you can transition to a soft food diet that may consist of pudding, ice cream, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, warm soup, and more.

You just want to be careful not to eat anything hard, crunchy, or that requires much chewing, as this will apply additional pressure to your jaw joints and your implants.

Health & Oral Hygiene

After a full 24 hours, you can begin to brush and floss your teeth as normal. You will want to be careful around your surgical sites, but it’s important that you keep up with your oral hygiene during this time. Allowing bad oral bacteria and harmful particles to invade these vulnerable areas can lead to an infection that can result in dental implant failure.

When performing your morning and nighttime routine, though, do not swish or rinse with mouthwash. Instead, opt for a warm saltwater rinse. You can do this 2-3 times a day to flush out bad bacteria and encourage faster healing.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Some slight sensitivity is possible once you receive your new teeth; however, this will not last long, and it doesn’t happen to everyone. The exciting component of this last step is that you can begin to enjoy life with new, fully functional teeth. Eating, speaking, and smiling will be a breeze as you navigate your day-to-day activities and enjoy a new smile that can last a lifetime.