If you have one or more missing teeth, you’ve likely looked into dental restorations. Dentures and dental bridges are common. While they are the traditional options, they may not be the best options for your needs. Dr. Bradley Dean offers implants to restore tooth comfort, function, and appearance. Here, we will answer dental implant FAQs patients have about treatment in our Plano, TX office.
Dental Implant FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in Plano and Dallas, TX, with answers to these frequently asked questions:
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants act as replacement tooth roots that your periodontist surgically places in the jaw bone. They either support fixed single crowns, bridges, or removable dentures. A single implant consists of a metal post, abutment, and restoration.
The surgeon places the post in the jaw bone. After the post heals, they place the abutment. This connector piece links the post and restoration. Finally, the tooth-colored restoration attaches to the abutment.
How long do dental implants last?
If you take great care of your dental implants, they can last a lifetime. Many patients have successfully had functional implants for over 15 years, and the likelihood that your restoration will be fully functional past 10 years is 90%. Dental implants are a durable option for tooth replacement!
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
We will perform a thorough exam to see if you’re a good candidate for implants, or to give advice on how you can become a candidate. Dr. Dean offers Zygoma implants, a great new option for patients who have been denied implant dentures or bridges because of bone loss in the jaw. The All-on-Four dental implant technique uses four dental implants to secure a cosmetic denture.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of 95%. Implants are so successful for multiple reasons:
- High-quality materials: Implants use titanium metal, a material often used in medicine. Titanium is biocompatible, which means the body will easily accept it without negative effects. The implant posts will last for years once they fuse with your natural jaw bone.
- Pretreatments: Our office ensures you are a good candidate for implants before we even schedule your implant surgery. You must have enough healthy jaw bone to support the implant posts and should be in good oral health. We can treat gum disease, cavities, and other problems so you are ready for surgery.
- Expert Surgery: Dr. Dean has years of experience as a periodontist and oral surgeon. Before treatment, he will take X-rays to plan optimal implant placement. Implant surgery will ensure proper healing and reduce the chance of implant failure.
Are there age restrictions for dental implants?
There is no specific age restriction for dental implants. However, the patient must have a fully developed jawbone and ample bone density. There is no age restriction for dental implants other than needing to have a fully grown jawbone and enough bone density to support them.
What are the costs of dental implants?
The final cost of dental implant treatment will vary between patients. We encourage you to visit our office for a consultation to discuss your treatment. Our office will provide you an estimate of your implant cost before treatment.
Are dental implants costly?
Breakthroughs in technology have made receiving implants more affordable and within reach than ever before. An assessment of different treatment outcomes will show that with a little more spending, the strength and longevity of implants are a better investment in the long term.
Do I have the option of being sedated during surgery?
Yes. Two types of sedation are available to you. We offer oral sedation, which helps you feel relaxed, or I.V. conscious sedation, which allows you to be in a natural sleep during your surgery. Our office will find the best sedation option for your needs and safety.
Should I be concerned about radiation from multiple X-rays?
Fortunately, with the advancement of dental tools and the use of digital X-rays, we can use less than half of the standard radiation. X-rays are not only safe but also a great tool in diagnosing dental problems. X-rays are essential in implant planning. We use high-resolution images of your mouth to find where to place implants to maximize healthy jaw bone tissue.
What do you do to make your patients more comfortable during surgery?
Most surgeries are not painful; however, you may experience some tenderness associated with the surgical site. In most cases, patients will not need a narcotic prescription. Dr. Dean will prescribe an anti-inflammatory, which will not hinder you from your daily routine or activities.
Will Dr. Dean fabricate the crown for my implant?
No, your general dentist will fabricate the restorations for your implants. Dr. Dean will perform the surgical part of your dental implant plan. He and your general dentist will work closely throughout the entire process.
What are the benefits of laser treatment?
For select surgeries, Dr. Dean uses the Biolase laser to decrease the amount of trauma and speed up healing times. This laser also enables Dr. Dean to perform some surgeries without the use of sutures. Compared to traditional surgical tools, dental lasers like the Biolase laser is quieter, quicker, and more comfortable.
Get Implant Treatment Today
Are you interested in dental implants? Restore your lost teeth today. Call (972) 666-1594 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean online. Please let us know if you have more questions or concerns. We’re here to assist you.
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