Dallas, Texas area and board-certified periodontist Dr. Bradley Dean offers many types of dental implants for patients that are missing a single tooth or an entire set of teeth. Dental Implants have many benefits but most importantly, they can improve your quality of life and self-esteem.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of 3 parts: a small titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown. An oral surgeon implants the titanium post into the jaw bone. The titanium post acts as a prosthetic tooth root which stimulates natural bone growth. Thus, it reduces the risk of jaw recession, which is a common side effect of missing teeth.
Titanium is a strong metal that the human body does not reject, and will easily fuse with bone. Your dentist can place anywhere from one to eight implants to secure a new, custom-made dental restoration.
Dental implants have a very high success rate of over 95%. Unlike other tooth replacement options, they help avoid bone loss and gum recession. They will not cause slurred speech, slip around in your mouth, or fall out unlike traditional dentures. Implants are more comfortable and come with little to no food restrictions.
Implant Dentistry in Dallas from D. Bradley Dean, DDS, MS
Dr. Dean offers many different types of dental implants in his Dallas, TX area periodontist office. These options include cosmetic dental implants, removable and non-removable implant dentures, all-on-four dental implants, and implant supported bridges.
The procedure for dental implants requires multiple visits over several months. After the comprehensive evaluation to see if you qualify for dental implants, Dr. Dean will schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Dr. Dean is licensed and has extensive training in sedation dentistry as well.
After the dental implant placement procedure, he will work very closely with your general dentist to assure you receive top quality care. If you have any questions about the dental implant process or would like more information on the cost of dental implants, please contact our office.
Dental Implant Process
The first step to filling the gaps in your smile with dental implants is an examination and consultation with Dr. Dean at his Dallas, TX area periodontal office. At your appointment he will be able to determine what your options are and if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
If you do not qualify, he will help you get the treatment you need. This may involve alternative replacement teeth treatments, gum disease treatment or bone grafting.
Next, we will schedule you for oral surgery. On the day of surgery, Dr. Dean will surgically place the dental implant posts into the jaw bone. The posts will secure the dental restoration and replace the missing tooth roots. Your mouth will need time to fuse with the implant posts. Typically, this can take anywhere from three to six months.
The last part of the process involves attaching a small connector piece, or abutment, to each post. Dr. Dean will need to uncover the posts to place the abutments. After another brief healing period, he will finally attach your permanent dental restoration. The new restoration can be a dental crown, dental bridge, partial denture or a full implant denture. Finally, you will be able to eat and chew normally without restrictions.
Risks with Getting a Dental Implant
There are some risks that you should be aware of when getting a dental implant. These risks usually relate to the surgery and aftercare, not the implants themselves. How well you take care of your dental implants can manage these risks. The most common risk is infection. This can happen if the patient does not take care of the implant area properly or if there is an issue with the implant itself. If this happens, it can lead to other complications and eventually the need for another implant surgery.
Another risk is that the implant may not integrate well with your jawbone and will not be able to support it well enough to keep it in place. This can lead to pain and discomfort as well as the need for another surgery in order to remove the implant and replace it with a new one.
Other risks include:
- Gingivitis. Infection and inflammation of the gums, and gum tissue death can cause dental implant failure.
- Jawbone death if not enough bone exists in your jaw. This happens if you have a weak jaw bone structure and do not get a bone graft before treatment.
- Peri-implantitis can occur. Peri-implantitis is inflammatory process that happens at the root of the implant. Here, the soft and hard tissues deteriorate over time causing failure of the dental implant.
Answers to Your Questions About Dental Implants
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies since each patient is different. We encourage you to schedule a visit so we can give you a better idea of the costs. Dr. Dean works with CareCredit and Lending Club to help you restore oral health with affordable options.
How long will a dental implant last?
If cared for properly, dental implants can last forty years to a lifetime. It’s important to consistently brush, floss, and follow treatment recommendations given to you by your dentist. Your genetic history, oral hygiene habits, and diet influence how long dental implants last.
Will insurance cover my dental implants?
Most dental insurance companies do not cover the surgical placement of the implant. You will need to contact your dental insurance provider to see how much of the dental implant procedure they will cover.
What is the best age for dental implants?
The best age to get dental implants is 18 or older. Generally, the patient’s jawbone and other surrounding teeth should be fully developed for the dental implant to succeed. Waiting until mature adulthood allows for greater success with any type of oral surgery, including the placement of tooth implants.
Can you get dental implants after having dentures for years?
Yes. Dental implants provide a more stable and long-term solution. Your dentist, however, will need to assess your jawbone’s health. Long-term denture wear can lead to bone loss. As a result, you might need a bone graft procedure before getting implants. It’s best to consult your dentist for personalized advice.
How long does swelling last after a dental implant procedure?
After a dental implant procedure, swelling peaks at around 48 hours post-surgery and can last for 5 to 7 days. Applying a cold pack to the affected area in the first 24 hours can help reduce this swelling. Every patient’s body responds differently to surgery so this timeframe can vary. If swelling is not decreasing after a week, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
