Tooth loss can rob you of your confidence, health, and even your hard-earned cash. Yes, tooth loss can be expensive. But, replacing missing teeth with Dallas dental implants may help you save your health, time, and money in the long run (learn more about dental implants here).
If you’re living with tooth loss, then it’s time to address it with the team at Lakewood Dental Group. Our trusted dentists in Dallas, TX, have years of experience and training to deliver the highest caliber of care to all patients. So, don’t wait–contact us here or call (214) 827-1885 to request information or appointments.
In today’s blog post, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel explore the wonderful world of Dallas dental implants. From the procedure to expected costs, we explain why dental implants are well worth your time, money, and effort.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants (also called tooth implants) are remarkably small posts that a skilled dental professional surgically embeds into the jaw bone. Once embedded, the posts serve as makeshift tooth roots. In turn, it keeps the mouth (including the jaw bone, blood vessels, nerves, gums, and surrounding teeth) healthy and functional.
Not only do these artificial tooth roots keep the mouth healthy and functional, but they keep dental restorations secure in the mouth. In fact, these tiny, little posts are so good at securing dental restorations that they can support:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Full sets of dentures
Why choose Dallas dental implants?
Today, patients have several options to replace missing teeth, including both removable and implant-supported restorations. Many patients choose removable appliances over implant-supported appliances because removable appliances tend to be slightly cheaper.
But, detachable restorations (like conventional dentures and removable partials) often require additional products and services to maintain their function, comfort, and aesthetic. For example, a patient with removable dentures must buy specialized products, such as:
- Denture adhesives
- Denture cleansers
- Denture repair kits
- Denture removal tools
The additional costs of removable appliances can add up quickly. So, while the front-end costs of the implant procedure may be a little high, the long-term costs of removable appliances can equal or exceed the costs of permanent restorations.
Am I a good candidate?
Tooth loss itself does not always qualify a patient for Dallas dental implants. Indeed, there are several other markers that patients must meet before being considered ideal candidates, such as:
- Healthy remaining teeth and gums
- Sufficient jaw bone tissue
- Good overall health
Experts largely attribute these qualifying factors to dental implants’ incredible five-year survival rate of over 98%.
But, what are some factors that may disqualify patients from getting dental implants in Dallas, TX? Here are a few of the things that may keep patients from getting artificial tooth roots:
- Pregnancy
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Cancer
- Cancer treatment
- Untreated gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Insufficient jaw bone density
Luckily, you don’t have to determine your candidacy alone. The team at Lakewood Dental Group can help you verify your candidacy with a thorough exam and consultation.
What is the procedure like?
If a patient is a good candidate, then the next step is preparation. Some patients may require a dental bone graft to prepare, while others may only need antibiotics or a simple teeth cleaning to prepare.
If you need a dental bone graft, then you need to heal completely before pursuing implant surgery. This may take up to nine months or longer, depending on your healing process.
Once patients are fully prepared for the procedure, then they may schedule their oral surgery. On the day of the surgery, our team can ensure patients’ comfort by offering:
- Local anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Sedatives (like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation)
During the procedure, our team uses state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and software to help guide the placement of the implant for optimal stability and comfort. After making a tiny incision in the gums, our team simply inserts the implant into the jaw bone before closing the incision.
After the procedure, patients must have a friend or family member drive them home. Once home, patients should:
- Drastically limit their activity for approximately 72 hours
- Control bleeding with sterile gauze pads and light pressure
- Manage pain with over-the-counter painkillers
- Keep swelling down with ice packs applied to the face
- Eat softer foods for roughly two weeks (we recommend staying away from sugary treats, like ice cream)
- Stay away from overly hot, acidic, or spicy foods
- Avoid carbonated beverages (including sparkling water)
- Avoid straws (the suction can dislodge newly-formed blood clots at the surgical site)
- Stop using all tobacco products and cease alcohol consumption for approximately two weeks
- Continue gentle oral hygiene, like once-daily flossing and twice-daily brushing
Do dental implants hurt?
Because tooth implants require surgery, there is some pain involved. However, pain during the procedure is minimal, thanks to pain-blocking anesthesia and nerve-soothing sedatives.
The healing process may prove uncomfortable for most patients. Fortunately, patients can easily address residual pain with over-the-counter painkillers. In just one to two weeks, the gum tissue around the implant should be mostly healed, which can make a noticeable difference in pain levels.
If you are experiencing severe or prolonged pain, then contact our Dallas dentists immediately.
How much do Dallas dental implants cost?
The cost of tooth implants is highly variable depending on:
- Insurance coverage
- The number of teeth requiring replacement
- The need for additional procedures (like dental bone grafting)
However, most patients can expect a single tooth implant with an accompanying dental crown to cost roughly $5,000 (without insurance). But, if you want to replace all of your teeth, then this might be a little pricey.
Luckily, patients with total tooth loss can affordably replace entire rows of teeth with All-on-4® dental implants. This unique procedure requires just four implants on either the upper or lower jaw to keep full dentures in place, making it a cost-effective alternative for some patients.
And, because implant treatment is a permanent solution, patients often require very few additional products and services to keep their implants and restorations healthy and functional. So, if you’re tired of spending your hard-earned income on denture supplies, then Dallas dental implants may be right for you!
See How Dallas Dental Implants Save Your Time and Money
Say goodbye to denture adhesives, cleansers, and repair kits, and say hello to long-lasting Dallas dental implants! Schedule your consultation at Lakewood Dental Group here, or call our team at (214) 827-1885 to learn more.
