Dental Implants in Frisco, TX
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? | THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE EXPLAINED | ADVANCED DENTAL IMPLANT TECHNOLOGY | WHAT TYPES OF PROSTHESIS ARE AVAILABLE? | IT’S A TEAM EFFORT | WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS? | HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST? | WHY SELECT DENTAL IMPLANTS OVER TRADITIONAL RESTORATIONS? | ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS? | WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED? | DO IMPLANTS NEED SPECIAL CARE?
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone integrates with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts (abutments) that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure Explained
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually integrating with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has integrated into the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Stamboulieh will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Advanced Dental Implant Technology
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Stamboulieh is able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in implant placement sometimes allow for implant placement and a crown in the same appointment. This procedure is called immediate loading.
What Types of Prostheses Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth; each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (overdenture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
It’s a Team Effort
Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a general dentist. While Dr. Stamboulieh performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the general dentist fits and makes the permanent tooth. Your dentist will also make any temporary teeth needed during the implant process.
Dr. Stamboulieh performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility and patient safety. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, iliac crest (hip), or tibia.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth—whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years—chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Brånemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant post itself is a permanent fixture in the jawbone, while the visible crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years before requiring normal wear-and-tear maintenance.
How long does the dental implant healing process take?
Osseointegration (the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone) typically takes between 3 to 6 months. After healing, the permanent crown or bridge is placed.
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. In-office implant procedures are performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure complete comfort during surgery.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants will vary depending on the patient, insurance coverage, and how many teeth are being replaced. Your dentist will give you an estimate on the total cost of the implant procedure and review financing options with you.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types of Restorations?
There are several reasons. Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding healthy teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or partial at night can be inconvenient, and dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, methods to improve outcomes—such as bone grafting—may be recommended.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office with IV sedation.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you care for them and keep your mouth healthy. This means committing to good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.