It’s natural for patients to feel some form of anxiety when getting dental treatment. But this fear can grow when surgery is also required. Dental implants in Dallas, TX, do require surgery and can take a while before treatment is complete. But the more you know about how dental implants work, the more confident you can feel in seeking the treatment you need.
What are Dental Implants in Dallas, TX?
Dental implants are posts, often made of titanium, that look a bit like metal screws. They are placed into your jawbone to mimic the natural root structure of your tooth. An implant on its own can do wonders for maintaining your jaw bone density and preventing facial sagging. However, without a restoration, implants can’t restore your smile or bite.
To help fully replace a missing tooth, single dental implants often get a crown. If you’re missing multiple teeth, your dentist may recommend a parietal denture or bridge instead. By securing these restorations to dental implants, most patients experience greater stability and longer durability.
Eligibility for Dental Implants
Before you can begin treatment, your dentist needs to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure you are a good candidate for a dental implant. Implants require strong jaw bones and healthy gums to function properly. Otherwise, they could fail, causing pain, discomfort, and the loss of the implant.
If your mouth isn’t ready for a dental implant at first, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get one. There are many treatments your dentist could perform that may help improve your oral health. For example, if you’ve lost bone density in your jaw, a bone grafting appointment can help restore jaw strength. You may also need periodontal (gum) therapy if you suffer from gum disease. Your dentist will perform a visual and x-ray exam and can recommend any treatment you may need to prepare your mouth for an implant.
The Process for Dental Implants
Getting an implant can be a lengthy process. To start, you’ll need to do any pre-treatment appointments and allow your mouth time to heal before surgery. After the implant is surgically placed, most patients need to wait between three and six months before they are ready to move on to restoration. This is because the post needs time to integrate with the jaw bone.
After your jaw and gums have healed from surgery, your dentist can begin work on creating your restoration. This is often a two-appointment step. During the first step, your dentist will attach an abutment to your implant. This is what the bridge or crown will attach to. They’ll also take an impression of your bite to fabricate your restoration. After a few weeks, you’ll return to have your restoration placed, finishing off dental implant treatment.
Where to Get Dental Implants
If you’re missing a tooth or need an extraction, we’re happy to help. Give us a call at 214.216.6577 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the dental implant process.