Dental Implants – North Dallas, TX
Strong, Lasting Tooth Replacements
When you lose an adult tooth, it doesn’t just impact your smile visibly. Without the root to stimulate its growth, the jaw bone begins to deteriorate and change shape, appearing saggy and older. Over time, the jaw bone weakens, which potentially leads to more tooth loss. Traditional replacement methods don’t address these problems, but dental implants do! By restoring the entire tooth structure, Dr. Lee can use dental implants in North Dallas, TX to stop these negative outcomes of tooth loss and help you regain a smile that you’ll be proud to show in any situation. Contact us to get started today!
Why Choose Sunny Smile Dental for Dental Implants?
- Highly Trained Dentist Who Performs Implant Placement
- Sedation Options Available
- Friendly, Welcoming Dental Team
What Is a Dental Implant?
Like a natural tooth, a dental implant runs deeper than the gums’ surface. The post acts as a root and promotes new bone growth in the jaw to surround the implant. On top, a porcelain dental prosthetic replaces the missing crown portion, helping the tooth appear and function just as it did before. Basically, when it comes to tooth replacement, no other option is as comprehensive and effective as dental implants.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants offer all sorts of unique benefits that you can’t get with other tooth replacement options. This includes additional stability, longevity, and comfort. To achieve this, dental implants require a unique multi-step process that takes place over several months. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps everyone can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step when getting dental implants is attending an initial consultation. During this time, we will examine your smile and discuss your medical history to ensure that dental implants are a good option for you. Some patients need to have preliminary procedures, like gum disease treatment or bone grafting, before they are able to get implants. If any of these apply to you, we will help you get them scheduled. Once your gums and jaw are in good shape, we will move forward in planning the rest of your treatment.
Dental Implant Surgery
Other dental offices in North Dallas only handle the restoration stage of the dental implant process, sending patients to specialists for implant placement. Dr. Lee has the skills and advanced training to perform every step in our dental office, which means that you don’t have to waste time traveling to different dental offices. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic and providing sedation (if needed), an incision is made into the gum tissue. Each dental implant is placed at a precise location and angle for optimal success. Then, the gums are closed, and protective caps are placed over them to keep them safe throughout the healing process.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
After your surgery, there is a recovery period that can take anywhere from three to six months. During this time, the “osseointegration” process takes place. This is when the dental implants fuse to the jawbone. Once this is complete, you will need to undergo another small procedure in which we attach small connector pieces to the ends of your implants. These are called abutments. Impressions are also taken so your restoration can be personalized just for you at the dental lab.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Once we’ve received your restoration(s), you will need to return to our dental office. Dr. Lee will attach your restoration(s) to your dental implant(s) leaving you with your beautiful, complete smile! If everything looks and feels great, you are free to show off your new pearly whites to the world!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth. As a result, they can provide advantages that traditional bridges and dentures can’t. For example, with the post firmly embedded in the jaw bone, the replacement tooth restores significantly more of your natural biting strength, enabling you to eat a nutritious diet. In addition, this provides added security and confidence, removing the worry that your artificial teeth could slip or come out when you don’t want them to. Perhaps one of the best benefits of dental implants is their longevity. While dentures and bridges need replacement after 10 years at most, dental implants can keep going even after 30 years!
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
In order to qualify for dental implants, you need to have a healthy mouth in general and enough jaw bone to support the implant. Your eligibility, however, does not depend on how many teeth you’ve lost. Whether your smile is missing just one tooth or an entire arch, we can adapt implant treatment to meet your unique needs. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will closely examine you and explain your options and the implant process.
Missing Single Tooth
Replacing one lost tooth entails using one implant post and one prosthetic dental crown. The post is surgically placed into the socket and jaw bone and then allowed to heal before the crown is placed. The implant stands independent of the teeth around it, meaning that these teeth don’t have to be reduced or used for support, such as with a bridge.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For two or more missing teeth, you have a couple of replacement options. Using just a couple of implants in strategic spots, we can hold a partial denture in place without having to clasp onto the surrounding teeth. Patients with consecutive missing teeth can anchor a dental bridge to implants to fill in the gaps.
Missing All Teeth
Have you suffered total tooth loss? No problem! Dr. Lee can certainly replace an entire arch of missing teeth with only four to six implant posts to hold a full denture firmly in place. With the implants providing a healthy foundation, your full dentures can last significantly longer and give you up to 70 percent of the biting power you used to enjoy.
Start to Finish Convenience
Other dental offices in North Dallas only handle the restoration stage of the dental implant process, sending patients to specialists for the implant placement. On the other hand, Dr. Lee has the skills and advanced training to perform every step in our dental office, which means that you don’t have to waste time traveling to different dental offices. You can get all the care you’ll need right here in one location with the same friendly, knowledgeable dental team.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
When you’re considering the different potential methods to replace your missing teeth, cost plays an important role. Dental implants tend to be pricier than other restorations like dentures or dental bridges but with good reason. They’re the only option that’s surgically inserted directly into your jawbone for added strength and resilience, but this does come with some additional fees. However, they also last longer than the alternatives and come with additional benefits.
Continue reading to learn more about what impacts the total due for your dental implants, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
Before you can get dental implants, you must have a consultation with Dr. Lee. During this appointment, she’ll examine your dental condition to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you’re not initially, don’t worry. In some cases, additional treatments must be completed for you to continue.
For example, gum disease can lead to an infection at the implant site, so our team will work with you to clear it up first. You must also have sufficient jawbone density, which sometimes requires a bone graft before you can move forward. Every additional procedure comes with its own fees that will contribute to your final payment.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Your dental implant is made of a titanium support rod, an abutment that attaches to your prosthetic, and then the restoration itself. These pieces can be made differently, which impacts the pricing. Some additional factors that influence the overall rate include:
- How many are required. If you need 4 to 6 artificial teeth, you’ll pay more than someone receiving 1 or 2.
- What they’re made from. Some providers use zirconia instead of titanium poles, which can be more expensive.
- The brand name. Different manufacturers make replacement teeth that cater to different types of patients at varying price points.
- The type of restoration. Dental implants usually anchor a dental crown, bridge, or dentures, and each has its own pricing structure.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Many patients hesitate to get dental implants once they realize these artificial teeth tend to cost more upfront than dentures or dental bridges. As eager as you may be to refurbish your smile, it’s natural to want to avoid overspending. It’s worth noting that although they can be more expensive, they usually tend to last longer, too. In time, they could more than pay for themselves.
For example, dentures are a more cost-effective restoration, but they’re less durable. The acrylic base can be more easily damaged, broken, dislodged, or warped. It’s not uncommon for them to need to be relined or replaced every 5 years or so, which can add up over time. Meanwhile, dental implants are stronger and can last 30+ years with the right care, which can save you money in the long run.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Many insurance policies only cover a portion of the total owed for dental implants, while others don’t have provisions for them at all. Because every plan is different, it’s worth checking the details of what’s included in yours.
If you’re unsure or have challenges finding the information, please let our friendly office staff know. They’re familiar with many different insurance providers and are happy to help you maximize your benefits or submit paperwork on your behalf.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
If your dental insurance doesn’t cover your replacement teeth or if you’re uninsured, don’t worry! We’ve got your back. We know that not everyone can afford dental implants upfront, so we have partnered with CareCredit. Working with this third-party financer allows you to break down your total invoice into more manageable installments if your application is approved. That way, you can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality without breaking the bank!
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have a few questions you’d like answered before committing to dental implants in North Dallas? You’re not alone. If you’d like to speak directly with our fantastic staff, we encourage you to contact our office. On the other hand, if you’d like a bit more information before giving us a call, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions (and their answers!) below.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Thanks to innovations in dentistry, modern technology, and the latest techniques, dental implants today have a whopping 95% success rate. To preserve this impressive statistic, Dr. Lee and our team go to great lengths to qualify candidates beforehand. By ensuring that patients have healthy gums, adequate bone density, and a commitment to good oral habits, we can set up the procedure for the highest likelihood of success in the short and long-term.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 20+ years. To prolong the lifespan of yours, there are a few best practices you should implement following your procedure. First, employ a solid dental care routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash regularly. Next, commit to visiting our office every six months for a professional checkup and cleaning. That way, we can keep an eye on the condition of your dental implant, remove stubborn plaque and tartar, and clean every nook and cranny of your mouth. Lastly, avoid poor dental habits that compromise your oral health, like smoking, chewing on ice, and biting your nails.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid with Dental Implants?
Fortunately, the high-quality materials dental implants are crafted from are incredibly durable. However, like your natural teeth, there are certain foods that can cause them to break or fracture. Therefore, it’s best to be cautious with tough foods, like unpopped popcorn kernels, nuts, and hard candy. We also don’t recommend chewing on other potentially dangerous items, like ice and pen caps.
Will My Dental Insurance Plan Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
The answer to this question really depends on the fine print of your dental insurance. If you need help understanding your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask our team! We’d be happy to file a claim on your behalf and maximize your benefits to the fullest. If your plan doesn’t cover dental implants, then low-to-no interest financing through CareCredit may be the best option. Don’t worry – we will do our best to make the process as seamless as possible.
Are you ready to make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in North Dallas and take the next step toward a full, healthy, beautiful smile? Don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your initial consultation!