Dental implants have reformed the field of dentistry, offering a remarkable solution for those grappling with tooth loss. More than just prosthetic teeth, dental implants serve as artificial dental roots, providing a sturdy foundation for various dental restorations.
While this comprehensive guide can be helpful in your quest toward a healthier, more complete smile, it is crucial to talk to a dental professional about this treatment. If you’re interested in dental implant surgery, contact our dentists in Dallas, TX. Reserve your consultation at Lakewood Dental Group by calling (214) 827-1885 now.
To help you learn more about this life-changing procedure, Drs. Mihir Patel and Shaun Sigurdson have created this guide to help you learn more about teeth implants. Here, our team discusses what dental implants are, their versatility, the procedural aspects, benefits, drawbacks, associated procedures and costs, and fascinating facts that make them a standout option in restorative dentistry.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants resemble screw-like posts and require minor surgery to insert. These posts are remarkably strong, as they usually consist of durable materials, like titanium.
Once fully healed, these biocompatible implants serve as anchors for various dental restorations, making them an incredibly versatile option. Unlike conventional bridges or dentures, teeth implants offer a stable and permanent solution that mimics the natural structure, function, and stability of real teeth.
Versatility in Dental Restorations
One of the key advantages of dental implants lies in their versatility. Patients can utilize implants for a range of dental restorations, including:
Single Tooth Replacement
Implants can replace a single missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth, unlike bridges or partial dentures. As a result, implants are an ideal way to conserve one’s overall dental health and smile symmetry
Multiple Teeth Replacement
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option for replacing several missing teeth in a row. These restorations provide stability and prevent bone loss while also limiting dental shifting after tooth loss.
Full Arch Replacement
For those missing all their teeth, implant-supported dentures are an unparalleled option. These restorations offer a secure and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures, which tend to slip and move when in use.
The Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically involves several stages. Each stage is important to treatment planning, ensuring implant success and long-term results. Here’s what to expect from the implant journey:
Consultation and Planning
A thorough examination during an initial consultation allows our team to determine if this procedure is right for the patient. We may gather digital images and X-rays of the patient’s mouth to assess their suitability for dental implants.
Once our Dallas dentists gather all of the necessary data and images, then they can work with the patient to create a customized treatment plan. This step is critical, as it allows patients to discuss their goals and expectations with our team.
Implant Placement
The next step of the journey is implant placement, which requires some minor oral surgery.
During this minor surgical procedure, our team precisely places the titanium implants into the jawbone. By strategically placing these artificial tooth roots, our team ensures the long-term stability of the implants.
Osseointegration
After implant surgery, healing can begin. This process is essential, as the implant must fuse with the jawbone for proper functionality. This process is called osseointegration, and it usually occurs over the span of several months.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, then our Lakewood dentist can attach abutments (sometimes called connectors) to the implants. These connectors allow for the secure attachment of prosthetic teeth, like dentures, crowns, and bridges.
Prosthetic Attachment
The final stage is placing the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture on the abutment piece. Our team employs the help of a licensed dental laboratory to create these prosthetics, creating unique restorations that match the rest of the patient’s smile. Once our team receives the finished restoration, we complete the entire implant process by attaching it to the abutment.
Et voila! The result is a complete smile that looks, functions, and feels like a dream!
Potential Drawbacks of Dental Implants
While dental implants are an extraordinary solution, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks. Here are a few things to consider before moving forward with implant surgery:
Cost
The upfront costs of dental implants tend to be a little higher than traditional alternatives (like removable dentures or partials). However, many patients view them as a worthwhile long-term investment.
Time
The entire implant process, from the consultation to osseointegration, can take several months. Patients seeking a quick solution may find this timeframe challenging.
Surgical Procedure
Implant placement involves minor surgery. While complications are rare, some individuals may be apprehensive about the surgical aspect.
Associated Procedures and Costs
Some patients may need to receive additional treatments before implant surgery. These preparatory procedures help patients establish optimal oral health and stronger oral structures to ensure the success of implantation. Here are a few procedures that patients may need to get before getting implants.
Bone Grafting
Patients with poor bone volume in their jawbones may need bone grafting before implant placement. This procedure utilizes donor tissue to build up and stabilize weak areas in the jaws. While this treatment may be necessary before implant surgery, it can increase overall treatment costs.
Sinus Lift
For implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be necessary to augment the bone beneath the sinus cavity.
Maintenance Costs
Routine check-ups and maintenance are essential for the longevity of teeth implants. These visits to our Dallas dentists may seem unnecessary, but they help prevent costly complications from arising.
Interesting Facts about Dental Implants
Not only are teeth implants a great way to repair your smile, they also come with some interesting facts:
Ancient Origins
There is myriad archaeological evidence to suggest that early civilizations (like the Mayans) used shells and stones as primitive dental implants.
Success Rates
Dental implants have an impressive success rate of over 95%, making them a highly reliable and durable option.
Titanium’s Biocompatibility
The use of titanium in dental implants is due to its exceptional biocompatibility, meaning it integrates well with the body without causing adverse reactions.
Global Popularity
Millions of people worldwide have embraced implants as their preferred choice for tooth replacement, making them a wildly popular choice around the globe.
Ask a Dentist in Dallas, TX: Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants stand as a beacon of hope for those dealing with tooth loss, offering not just a cosmetic solution but a comprehensive approach to restoring oral function and health. Learn more about this treatment and verify your candidacy today at Lakewood Dental Group. Send us a consultation request here or call (214) 827-1885 to reserve your appointment now.
