Dental Implants – Sachse, TX

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots, usually made from titanium, that are surgically positioned within the jaw. Their biocompatible properties encourage the jawbone tissue to grow around the implants until they’re just as securely attached as the roots of your natural teeth. Then, we can restore the implants with a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture and rebuild your smile with a stable, long-lasting solution no matter how many teeth you’ve lost.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Thanks to Dr. Wiese’s experience and training, he can perform every phase of the dental implant treatment process right here in our dental office for your convenience. These phases include:

• Initial consultation – You and Dr. Wiese will discuss your goals for your future smile, and then he’ll examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine whether you’re a good candidate for implants.
• Dental implant surgery – During oral surgery, Dr. Wiese will carefully insert the implant posts into your jawbone.
• Osseointegration/abutment – The implants will merge with your jawbone after about four to six months. Then, Dr. Wiese will attach connectors called abutments to the opt of your implants.
• Delivery of final restoration(s) – Lastly, we’ll secure your crown, bridge, or denture onto your abutments to recreate the visual portion of your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

What makes dental implants better than regular dentures or dental bridges? They rebuild the entire structure of the teeth, which gives them multiple unique benefits, including:

• Stability that matches that of natural teeth.
• Chewing power that lets you enjoy your favorite foods.
• Results that can last for 30+ years.
• Easy daily maintenance.
• Prevention of jawbone loss.
• Support for your facial muscles.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

The only way to know with any certainty whether dental implants are right for you is to visit Dr. Wiese, but generally, most healthy adults qualify for the treatment. As long as you have a healthy mouth and a strong jawbone, chances are that we can use implants to bring back your full smile and replace any number of missing teeth:

Missing One Tooth

For a single lost tooth, we’ll vertically insert an implant post into the gap, then top it with an abutment and a tailor-made dental crown. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, an implant doesn’t require us to modify any of your existing tooth structure.

Missing Multiple Teeth

We can replace two or more missing teeth in a row by securing a dental bridge onto two implants – each of which is placed at an end of the empty space. Again, this solution doesn’t require your remaining teeth to be shaved down. If you’re missing several teeth throughout an arch, we can use implants to secure a partial denture.

Missing All Teeth

Even a full arch of teeth can be brought back with implants. In most cases, all it takes is between four and six implants to anchor a full denture that doesn’t slip or fall out like conventional dentures notoriously do.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

When you look at the initial price tag of tooth replacement options, dental implants tend to be the most expensive. However, consider that they have the potential to last for many decades – several times longer than dentures or bridges. Your implants might actually save you money in the long term, as you won’t need to pay for frequent replacements or specialized maintenance products. Our team can help you understand the factors that go into the cost of your dental implants and explore your financing options.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dental implants in Sachse are a permanent solution to treat tooth loss, but they are a big commitment. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns because Dr. Wiese will explain everything at your consultation for a complete smile. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to ease any apprehensions.

 

Can I take dental implants out?

No, only a trained dental professional can remove them. A dental implant is unlike any other tooth replacement method because it replicates both the root and crown. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone to serve as the root. Your bone will fuse to it through a process called osseointegration. As a result, it can stay in place for a lifetime. Although you can’t take out the post on your own, some implant dentures are removable for easy cleaning.

 

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last for decades. It’s not uncommon for them to thrive for 30 years or longer; however, your lifestyle and oral hygiene will affect the longevity of your new smile. You can ensure your investment serves you for a lifetime by brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthwash to keep your smile healthy. Your implant dentist in Sachse will recommend avoiding anything that can compromise your dental implants, like smoking, using your teeth to open packages, or chewing on inedible objects. Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months.

 

Does it hurt to get dental implants?

You don’t have to worry about a painful procedure because your dentist will use a local numbing agent and sedative to keep you comfortable. Not to mention, your jawbone doesn’t have any nerve endings. Although you won’t feel anything while in the dental chair, your mouth will be a little sore for a few days after your placement surgery. You can manage any discomfort using a prescribed or OTC pain reliever. Applying a cold compress will numb the area temporarily and also reduce swelling and bruising. It is best to eat softer foods until your pain subsides. If your discomfort doesn’t improve or worsens after a few days, contact our office for further instructions.

 

What are the signs of dental implant failure?

The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, but it’s important to watch for any signs of complications, like pain, inflammation, or redness. Don’t wait to contact our office if you have any symptoms of dental implant failure. Delaying treatment can lead to the loss of your new tooth.

 

What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?

After your bone has integrated with the post, it should never feel loose. If your dental implant doesn’t feel stable, it’s a sign of a potentially big problem, like infection or bone loss. Contact our office right away for an appointment. Dr. Wiese will pinpoint the source of the issue to safeguard your smile from failure.