Dental Implant Procedure
Oral Surgeon Dallas
Whether you have experienced facial trauma or had a tooth extracted, dental implants are often considered the standard prosthetic restoration for a missing tooth. These implants are virtually identical to a real tooth in both appearance and function. When placed, dental implants provide remarkable stability, structure to nearby teeth, and can stand on their own. In our office, our surgeons recommend receiving dental implants to maintain your oral health, your overall health, and your smile.
The Effects Of Tooth Loss
After losing a tooth, many patients first consider how tooth loss affects their appearance. However, there are serious consequences associated with untreated tooth loss that can cause permanent damage. Some of these effects include:
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The alignment and spacing of your natural teeth shifting to accommodate for the missing tooth
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The risk of the jawbone degrading, atrophying, or becoming weaker
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Gum recession as a result of jawbone recession
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Accelerated aging around the face (as lost teeth cause the bone height to collapse, decreasing the height of the face)
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An increase in the risk of hypertension or stroke (when severe tooth loss is present)
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A reduced ability to chew, resulting in intestinal problems |
Dental Implant Procedure Process
The dental implant procedure can be divided into three sections: preparation, bone grafting, and abutment placement. Like most surgical procedures, this treatment can be complex, and each section has unique steps to accomplish an ideal end result.
Preparation
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A consultation appointment will be scheduled to determine the best treatment options for your needs.
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To determine your oral and overall health, a thorough examination will be conducted using x-rays, impressions, and color matching.
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Our team will conduct a complete review of your medical history.
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A treatment plan will be designed specifically for you based on your health, medical history, and your desired treatment outcomes. |
Bone Grafting
A bone graft is only necessary if your jaw is not strong enough to support the implant or the pressure of chewing. If your jawbone has deteriorated or atrophied due to tooth loss, a bone graft will be necessary.
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Bone material is collected from the jaw, hip, chin, or donor material; artificial material may also be used.
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The collected bone material is grafted onto the jaw.
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The bone graft allows for the body to generate bone mass as it heals over the course of several months. |
Abutment Placement
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After the implant is placed, a healing cap is placed on the abutment.
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The gums surrounding the implant site must be allowed to heal completely over several months. |
During the recovery process, a healing cap will be placed to disguise the implant and surgical site. This healing cap will be replaced by the implant crown once the implant has fully healed.
The abutment is responsible for connecting the crown to the implant screw. Depending on your desired treatment outcome, your preferences, and your doctor’s recommendation, this crown can be permanent or removable.
Dental Implants Vs. Bridges
The two most common treatment options for replacing teeth are dental implants and bridges.
Dental Implants
Dental implants involve surgically placing an implant screw. After the surgical site has healed, the artificial tooth is placed on top, closely resembling a real tooth. Dental implants have a ~97% success rate and can last anywhere from 15 years to a lifetime when properly cared for. The full dental implant treatment process can take up to 6 months.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a much less invasive treatment option than dental implants. The replacement tooth is held between the surrounding teeth, which are filed down to fit the bridge. This will reduce the gap caused by the missing tooth and secure the bridge to the two neighboring teeth. With age, the dental bridge will lose its natural shape and appearance, needing to be replaced every 5-6 years.
Contact Us
Unsure of what to expect from your dental implant procedure? Give us a call at 214-363-9946 to schedule a consultation or learn more. |
