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Dental Implants – Keller, TX

The Modern Way to Replace Teeth

The concept of replacing missing teeth is nothing new, but for far too long the loss of the underlying tooth roots has gone unaddressed. Dental implants act as artificial roots for any number of replacement teeth, leaving you with a strong, stable, long-lasting new smile. If you have been considering getting dental implants in Keller, TX to support dentures or to fill in a gap that you’ve lived with for too long, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Walia by calling Ridgepoint Dental today!

Why Choose Ridgepoint Dental for Dental Implants?

  • Expertly Made
    Restorations
  • In-House Placement Available
  • Advanced Treatment Planning Technology

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Dental implants are the only tooth-replacement solution that is designed to rebuild missing teeth from the roots up. For this reason, it involves a much more extensive process than more traditional options like dental bridges and dentures. While the treatment can take a few months to a year to complete, it’s a relatively short waiting period for an effective replacement that can last a lifetime. During your consultation, our team in Keller can show you how dental implants work and provide you with a more precise timeframe for your smile-rebuilding process. Until then, here’s what you should know about the four main steps involved in this restorative treatment.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

a dentist explaining how dental implants work in Keller

Our team will first need to determine if you’re eligible for this procedure. The good news is that most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be candidates for dental implants. However, the treatment will only work if you’re free of oral health problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and insufficient jawbone mass. Since these complications can risk implant failure, we’ll need to address them before moving forward with your treatment. After you’ve recovered and your oral health is ready for implants, we’ll walk you through the details of your procedure, including the timeline and overall cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

an oral surgeon performing dental implant surgery in Keller

Once we’ve completed your initial consultation, you’ll be scheduled for surgery at a later time. Our team can provide the entire dental implant placement surgery in-house, that way you won’t have to worry about driving across town to undergo the necessary procedure. Not only will this help you avoid headaches, but you’ll continue receiving care from a dental team you already know and trust.

To begin, Dr. Walia will create a small incision in your gum line for each implant you’ll get. This will allow her to reach the jawbone so that she can strategically place the metal post into the pre-planned position. Once she’s finished, she’ll suture your gums around the implant and fit it with a protective cap before letting you go home to rest and recover.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

an illustration of a dental implant in the jawbone

Osseointegration is the key component of the dental implant process, as this is where your jawbone will fuse with the titanium post. If successful, it will provide your new restoration with a stable and natural-feeling foundation for a long-lasting and reliable solution. Although every person is unique, this process can usually take around four to six months.

Once you’ve recovered, we’ll call you back to our office to attach your abutment. This small connector piece will be what keeps your new tooth (teeth) anchored to the dental implant. We’ll then take impressions of your mouth and start fabricating your personalized restoration as your gums heal for the next few weeks.

 

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

 

a patient smiling with dental implants in Keller

You’ll return to our office for the final part of your treatment. During your visit, we’ll attach your new crown, bridge, partial, or full denture onto your implant(s). Our team will also ensure your bite is comfortable, that you’re satisfied with your results, and answer any questions you may have. Afterward, you’ll be free to walk out of our office with a brand-new and confident smile!

Benefits of Dental Implants 

woman smiling after getting dental implants in The Colony

Over 500,000 dental implants are placed every year, making them one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement. Because of their unique placement inside the jawbone, they’re able to provide a wide range of benefits unlike any other tooth loss solution. Getting dental implants in The Colony can drastically improve your overall quality of life! To learn more about these benefits, continue reading or give our office a call today and get in touch with an experienced team member.

Day-to-Day Benefits 

older couple smiling after getting dental implants in The Colony

We use our teeth every day for speaking, eating, and smiling. For that reason alone, it makes sense that you’d want a solution that’ll allow you to live your day-to-day life with ease. Dental implants can grant you this freedom with the following benefits:

  • Boost of Confidence – You don’t have to worry about your dental implants slipping and sliding around your mouth because they’re meant to stay firmly in place. As a result, you can perform your daily tasks with complete confidence!
  • Easier Maintenance – Caring for dental implants is as easy as caring for natural teeth. All you have to do is brush, floss, and rinse as you normally would to keep your smile in pristine condition.
  • Restored Chewing Power – Because dental implants replace the entire structure of missing teeth, they’re able to withstand the chewing of virtually any food. That means you can eat all your favorite foods with ease!

Health Benefits

patient smiling after getting dental implants in The Colony

In addition to improving your appearance, dental implants in The Colony offer incredible health advantages. Some of those include:

  • Jawbone Preservation – Thanks to their unique placement, dental implants provide the jawbone with internal support. They help prevent bone loss that’s extremely common after tooth loss.
  • Protection for Natural Teeth – Having gaps in your smile means the remaining teeth will shift to fill in the spaces. Dental implants serve as placeholders to ensure every member of your smile stays exactly where it belongs!
  • Improved Overall Health – Studies have discovered a correlation between tooth loss and an increased risk of multiple diseases. Because dental implants are similar to natural teeth, it’s reasonable to believe they can help lower such risks.

Long-Term Benefits

woman smiling after getting dental implants in The Colony

By choosing to get dental implants in The Colony, you can expect to reap several short-term and long-term benefits, such as:

  • High Success Rate – Dental implants have an impressive success rate of about 95 percent even 20 years after they’ve been placed!
  • Youthful Appearance – Since dental implants stimulate the jawbone, they prevent its deterioration and allow you to maintain a youthful appearance for years to come. You can avoid the sunken, aged look that often accompanies tooth loss.
  • Long-Lasting Results – Unlike dentures and bridges, you don’t have to replace your dental implants every few years. They can last decades or even a lifetime with proper maintenance!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Man's smile compared with dental implant tooth replacement color option

A missing tooth (or a tooth that is likely to be lost or extracted shortly) is a strong indication of needing a dental implant. During your first consultation, we need to check for gum disease and bone loss in the jaw; these oral health issues need to be addressed before implant surgery. We also need to answer the most basic question: how many implants will you need? The answer depends on what kind of tooth loss you’ve suffered.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

a woman smiling after receiving dental implants

Our team will first need to evaluate several various factors to determine if dental implants are a viable solution for you. Most people who are eligible for the treatment will have the following:

  • Good oral health: Your mouth will need to be free of any underlying issues, such as cavities, decay, and gum disease—any of which can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Treating any problems beforehand will be crucial for the longevity of your treatment.
  • Great overall health: Dental implants involve minor oral surgery, so you’ll need to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure as well as recover effectively.
  • Sufficient jawbone mass: Your jawbone tissue will need to have enough density to support your titanium posts, otherwise they won’t integrate efficiently and may fail later on.

Even if you don’t currently qualify for dental implants, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have to look for a different restorative solution altogether. Our team can work with you to prepare your mouth with procedures like bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or even tooth extractions so that your mouth is in its best shape before rebuilding your smile.

Missing One Tooth

Animated dental implant supported dental crown

One dental implant is capable of taking the place of a single tooth. It will be topped with a dental crown that has been shaded to match the rest of your natural teeth. However, you can only receive the crown after the jaw and gum tissues have completely healed around the dental implant post.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Animated dental implant supported fixed bridge

One downside of receiving a dental bridge is that to make room for the crown, small amounts of natural tooth structure have to be removed. This is not an issue if you use implants to support the bridge instead. Three or more teeth in a row can be replaced at once this way.

Missing All Teeth

Animated dental implant supported denture

It’s possible to support dentures with about 4 to 8 implant posts. Doing so typically means that your new teeth are permanently fixed in place, meaning they don’t have to be removed for routine cleanings. The implants also make it possible to chew tough foods that might be too hard to eat while wearing traditional dentures.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Crown and dental implant in Keller, TX next to stack of money

It’s important to stay within your budget when getting new teeth, so we’ll make sure that you’re fully aware of the overall cost of the procedure before we make any plans for follow-up appointments. Because dental implants are so versatile, the price can vary based on any number of factors, and an accurate estimate can only be given after a full examination and consideration of the steps that need to be taken. Here are the basics you should keep in mind regarding the overall cost of implants.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

 Dentist showing patient dental implant in Keller, TX

“Preliminary treatments” can refer to gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, bone grafting, and other procedures that might be deemed necessary for dental implant placement to be successful. They can add to the final cost of the process, but they aren’t necessary in every case, so whether or not you need to pay for them depends on your situation. Of course, the surgery to place dental implants has its own cost that is shaped by the location of the surgical site as well as the type of sedation used (if any). We place implants in-house, so you can avoid the hassle of paying a separate specialist.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Different parts of a dental implant in Keller, TX

Dental implant costs are determined by:

  • The number of implants used to replace all of your missing teeth; normally 1 implant post is used to replace a single tooth, 2 are used for a row of teeth, and 4 or more are required for an entire arch.
  • The type of restoration used, which might include crowns, bridges, or dentures. Larger restorations are naturally more costly.
  • The kind of material used to make the implant posts and the restoration. Cheaper materials may not last as long, which is why higher quality materials are generally worth the investment.
  • The brand of dental implant manufacturer that we select.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Piggy bank next to a tooth and calculator

Traditional dentures cost less than dental implants at first, but this is balanced out by the fact that implants are the better long-term investment. On average, dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are capable of lasting for decades and require no special maintenance to do so. It’s also possible for dental implants to help you maintain good oral health because they’re so much easier to take care of.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental benefits claim form with pen and glasses

A typical dental plan won’t pay for the dental implants themselves, but parts of the final restoration or preliminary treatments might be covered. The specifics are different for every plan though, so talk to your provider first to see what benefits might be available.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Calculating costs with calculator and pen and paper

We have a long list of popular insurance plans that we accept, but for those who don’t have insurance, we also have an in-house savings plan that offers discounts on a variety of procedures, and we accept third-party financing via CareCredit or LendingClub. Talk to our team to discuss your available options.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

closeup of woman smiling

Dental implants are widely known as the top choice for tooth replacement, and with good reason – they have the potential to provide a strong and healthy smile that can last a lifetime! However, achieving this longevity ultimately depends on proper care and maintenance. By taking the right steps to protect your new grin from damage and infection, you can significantly reduce the risk of implant failure. Click on the button below to learn some simple precautions and healthy habits to help preserve your newly restored smile in the long term.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

closeup of woman brushing teeth

Although dental implants are not susceptible to cavities, it's crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure good oral health. Failing to care for your teeth and gums could result in problems such as cavities or gum disease, potentially leading to implant failure.

To keep your smile healthy, make sure to brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and use an ADA-approved mouthwash regularly. These simple practices will help maintain the integrity of your dental implants and promote optimal oral health.

Eat a Healthy Diet

couple shopping for healthy foods

Once your dental implants have fully healed, you can enjoy a wide range of foods. However, it's best to avoid excessively hard, sticky, or sugary foods, as these can potentially harm your implants. Instead, focus on consuming a nutritious diet rich in essential nutrients to support overall health. Foods high in calcium and vitamin C are particularly beneficial for promoting strong jawbone and gum tissue health.

Break Bad Habits

man biting his fingernails

Poor habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, using your teeth as tools, or biting your fingernails can compromise the integrity of your dental implants. It's recommended to break these habits promptly to protect your smile's longevity.

If you struggle with quitting smoking, don't hesitate to ask our team for help. We can provide you with the necessary support, guidance, and resources to make that feat possible.

Protect Your Dental Implants

person holding mouthguard in hand

While dental implants are durable, they are not indestructible. If you play sports, wearing a custom-fitted sports mouthguard can help prevent dental injuries during physical impact. Additionally, if you experience teeth grinding (bruxism) at night, wearing a nightguard can protect your implants from excessive wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

woman smiling while visiting dentist

Having a checkup and cleaning every six months is necessary to maintain optimal oral health. During these appointments, we’ll identify and address any existing oral health issues, preventing them from turning into more serious complications. By staying proactive with these visits, you can minimize the need for invasive and costly treatments in the future, ensuring the longevity of your dental implants.

Dental Implant Failure and Salvage

Illustration of dental implant in Keller, TX after dental implant failure

Dental implant failure may not be common, but it can still occur if there is an infection around the implant post or if osseointegration is not successful. Are you noticing pain around your dental implants or any other concerning symptoms? If so, let our team know immediately; we’ll take a look at your mouth and narrow down the source of the problem. Then we can figure out what steps need to be taken to protect the health of your smile as a whole.

Learn More About Dental Implant Failure and Salvage

Dental Implant FAQs

Illustration of dental implant in Keller

If you’re missing teeth, dental implants could be the ideal solution you’ve been hoping for. However, they are quite an investment, so it pays to be well informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about dental implants in Keller. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to explain more about the process and get you started with an initial consultation.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The lifespan of dental implants typically depends on the health and lifestyle choices of the patient. To ensure that your dental implants last, it’s crucial that you brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash on a daily basis. Attend regular cleanings and checkups, and avoid chewing on anything particularly hard or sticky. With proper maintenance, implants can last upwards of 30 years. This is several times longer than traditional bridges and dentures.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings and your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You will also most likely be sedated, lowering your body’s ability to register pain. While the surgery shouldn’t be uncomfortable, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterwards. This can be managed by taking recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers. Cold compresses can also help. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after three days, give us a call.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

For most patients who have good health, dental implants are very successful when placed by a qualified professional. If you have low jawbone density or gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed beforehand to give your dental implants a better chance of success. If you have diabetes, cancer, or other medical conditions that could make surgery or healing risky, these will be discussed during your consultation. Your health is our number one priority!

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

Most dental professionals won’t place dental implants in patients who are younger than 18. This is because most people’s jaws aren’t fully developed until young adulthood. Some people’s jaws take until their mid-20s to fully develop. If dental implants are placed before the jaw is finished growing, it could interfere with further bone development and potentially result in complications. During your initial consultation, we will discuss whether or not dental implants are the best option for you at this time.