Dental Implants in Plano, TX
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Whether you have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. However, did you know there are different dental implants to choose from? Let's take a closer look at the various options available.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a tiny, titanium screw placed into the area of the missing tooth. Over time, the jawbone and gums will fuse with the dental implant to create a sturdy, artificial tooth root. Once this process is completed and your mouth has healed, you'll return to complete your treatment. We'll attach a natural-looking crown to the dental implant, and your artificial tooth will be restored entirely from the root up!
After undergoing this procedure, patients have reported they regain the ability to eat and chew normally, and with a realistic-looking crown, your confidence will be restored. Placing a dental implant can revitalize your oral health. Without a dental implant, the other teeth along the gum line begin to shift and fill the space left behind by the missing tooth. Dental implants protect your oral health, but they can also help preserve your self-confidence by providing you with an excellent solution for a beautiful smile!
What are my options for dental implants?
- Single tooth implants: As the name suggests, single-tooth implants replace a single missing tooth. This type of implant consists of a titanium screw placed in the jawbone and a porcelain crown attached to the top of the screw. Single-tooth implants are an excellent option for people who are missing just one tooth and want a permanent and natural-looking solution.
- Multiple tooth implants: If you are missing multiple teeth, you may be a candidate for various tooth implants. These implants are similar to single-tooth implants, but they are used to replace two or more missing teeth. Multiple tooth implants can replace teeth in a row or support a bridge, depending on your specific needs.
- All-on-4 dental implants: All-on-4 dental implants, also known as denture retained implants, are an excellent option for people who are missing all or most of their teeth. This type of implant involves placing four titanium screws in the jawbone and attaching an entire arch of porcelain teeth to the screws. All-on-4 dental implants provide a permanent and stable solution that allows you to confidently eat, speak, and smile.
- Implant-supported dentures: If you are missing all or most of your teeth and are not a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures. This implant involves placing a few titanium screws in the jawbone and attaching a removable denture to the screws. Implant-supported dentures provide a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures and can be a good option for people not ready for a complete set of All-on-4 dental implants.
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Why Choose Plano Family Dental?
The Dental Implant Process
Preparing for Implant Placement
First, we address any existing dental concerns, like gum disease, to ensure a healthy foundation. Once you’re comfortable and fully numb, we’ll make small incisions in the gums to access the bone. After carefully drilling tiny openings, we’ll place the implants into your jaw.
Healing and Osseointegration
After placement, it typically takes 3 to 4 months for the implants to heal and fuse with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration. This phase is essential for long-term stability and durability, giving you the natural feel and function of dental implants.
Restore Your Smile
Once healing is complete, you’ll return to our office for the final placement. We’ll create custom restorations for a precise fit and natural look. Soon after, you’ll be able to enjoy a fully restored, beautiful smile.
Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts
One of the requirements for having dental implants placed is having healthy tissue in the affected area to support the implant post. However, without a functioning tooth root in place, the jawbone deteriorates over time, resulting in insufficient quality bone. Here at Plano Family Dental, the office of Dr. Varun Joseph, we can reverse the deterioration with a bone grafting procedure designed to repair your implant site. Healthy tissue can either be transplanted from another area of the body or a separate donor. This allows patients to start on the path towards new, functioning teeth with confidence.
Patients who need upper teeth replaced may find that they require a sinus lift procedure. Your sinuses exist behind your cheeks and are necessarily like empty rooms, with only a small area of bone separating them from the patient's mouth. To create the space to place one or more implants, our team can lift the sinus membrane and put additional healthy tissue in it.