Teeth may be small, but missing even one can take a toll on your quality of life. Thankfully, whether youâre missing one, several, or all your natural pearly whites, we can help you regain the complete smile you deserve with dental implants in Allen! This state-of-the-art tooth loss solution is unlike any other since itâs designed to replace missing teeth from the roots up, making them the next best thing to natural teeth. To learn more or see if dental implants are right for you, donât hesitate to give us a call!
Why Choose PA Dental Arts For Dental Implants?
- #1 Dental Implant Placement & Restoration Performed Under 1 Roof
- #2 Talented & Experienced Team Focused on Your Comfort
- #3 The Latest Technology for Precise, Lasting Results
What Are Dental Implants?
There are three basic parts of a dental implant: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration. The implant post is surgically embedded into the jawbone, where it acts as artificial tooth roots. Since dental implants are primarily made of titanium, the post will gradually integrate with the surrounding tissues to form a strong and reliable base.
After several months of healing, a small connector piece called an abutment is placed and impressions are taken to create the final restoration. Just a few short weeks after that, it will be time to return to our office to have the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture securely anchored in place. The result is a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural!
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Rebuilding missing teeth from the roots up requires a more involved and lengthy process than simply replacing them with dentures or a dental bridge. However, the incredible results are well worth the effort! Better yet, our PA Dental Arts team has completed the advanced training necessary to surgically place dental implants in-house. This makes your treatment more convenient (and affordable!) than having to be referred to a specialist for the procedure.
While every patientâs journey towards a new smile will be unique, there are four main steps in the dental implant process:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
First, youâll come visit us to make sure that dental implants are a good choice for you. We will capture digital X-rays as well as 3D cone beam images of your mouth and jaw to get a close look at your oral structures and plan out your treatment. If we find that you have inadequate jawbone density or an untreated oral health concern, weâll help you schedule preparatory procedures like bone grafting or gum disease therapy to get you ready for dental implant placement.
Dental Implant Surgery
Once youâve healed from any preliminary work and weâve given you the all-clear to move ahead with the treatment, our dentists can perform your dental implant surgery. Theyâll create one or more tiny incisions in your gum tissue, through which theyâll position the implant posts into your jaw in specific, pre-determined ways before closing the gums and placing protecting healing caps over the implants.
While many implant dentists free-hand their surgical procedures, our dentists use i-CAT, a digital imaging machine that aids in computer-guided surgery. This minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring the safest and most precise results possible.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Over the next three to six months, your jawbone will grow around the implant posts. This process â called osseointegration â is essential to the success of your implants, as itâs what allows them to provide such a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for your new teeth.
When weâve determined that osseointegration is complete, youâll undergo another oral surgery. This one is simpler; weâll attach small metal connector pieces â called abutments â to the tops of your implants. Healing from this procedure should only take a few short weeks.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
The final step in the dental implant process is receiving your brand-new pearly whites. Weâll capture impressions of your mouth, which are then used to meticulously craft a crown, bridge, or denture that mimics your natural teeth. After youâre recovered from your abutment surgery, we can secure your restoration into place, and voila! Youâre finally ready to enjoy your newly completed smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Implants look and feel like real teeth: No one (except your oral care team) will be able to tell which of your teeth Mother Nature provided and which we provided. Your smile will still be uniquely yours, and your new teeth will blend in with your existing teeth.
- Implants help prevent – and even halt – bone loss: Because dental implants are installed within the jawbone, they help keep your jaw and mouth strong. That means your smile will stay radiant for years to come.
- Implants maintain the integrity of the rest of your teeth: Unlike bridges, dental implants are not supported by neighboring teeth. They support themselves naturally since they become a permanent part of your mouth.
- Implants are cared for just like your regular teeth: Thereâs no need for special tools or cleaning agents once your dental implants are installed. Youâll continue to brush and floss like you always have.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Not only are dental implants widely seen as the gold standard of tooth replacement, but they are versatile enough to be used to replace any number of missing teeth! Depending on your unique needs and preferences, we will create your dental implant treatment plan around how many teeth youâre missing:
Missing 1 Tooth
Replacing a single tooth is as easy as inserting a dental implant post where the roots of the tooth used to be and topping it with a dental crown. Unlike a dental bridge, a dental implant wonât require altering the healthy neighboring teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For consecutive missing teeth, we can use one or two dental implants to secure a dental bridge to fill the gap. Instead of relying on the remaining healthy teeth for support, implant bridges gain their strength from dental implants. For multiple missing teeth throughout the mouth, weâll use dental implants to fasten a partial denture into place, filling the gaps in your smile like a puzzle piece.
Missing All Teeth
If youâre missing all your teeth and are tired of the frustrations and limitations of traditional dentures, thereâs a new alternative: implant dentures! With just four to eight dental implants placed throughout the jawbone, we can secure a beautiful, custom-made full denture firmly in place, where it will never slip or pop out at embarrassing moments.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Itâs no secret that dental implants cost more than other tooth replacement options initially. However, we firmly believe they are a worthwhile investment. Whatâs more, they can even become the more cost-effective option over time! While dentures and dental bridges need regular replacements and extra cleaning supplies and adhesives, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, can be cared for like natural teeth, and can even lower your overall oral healthcare costs.
Generally speaking, most insurance companies donât cover dental implants for cosmetic purposes. However, with some types of tooth loss, the procedure may be covered when it moves from cosmetic to medically necessary. You should speak to your insurance provider and review your policy to better understand your coverage. Our talented team would also be happy to review the details of your insurance plan and go over all your options for making dental implants affordable.
Dental Implant Technology
Although relatively straightforward, dental implant surgery is extremely precise and planned. The implant screw must be positioned in exactly the right location in the jaw for maximum support and comfort. This means making sure the screw is positioned within a fraction of a millimeter. If itâs too near to the edge of the jawbone, there wonât be enough support for a strong foundation. If the screw is misaligned, there may be undue stress on the entire tooth and/or discomfort as you chew.
Thankfully, we donât leave anything to chance when it comes to your dental implants. Not only do we use top-of-the-line materials, we also use cutting-edge technology. While many dentists and oral surgeons insert dental implants manually, our dentists use the help of the i-CAT, a dental imaging machine that can be used for computer-guided dental implant surgery to ensure the perfect fit.
Replace Teeth from the Roots Up with Dental Implants
As a leader in dental technology, P.A. Dental Arts provides the cutting-edge dental solutions you need paired with the compassionate care you want.
When it comes to getting implants, we understand that you may have some questions about why theyâre beneficial and how we complete this advanced procedure.
Categorized under the heading of cosmetic oral surgery, dental implants have been an option for the last 25 years.
Today, you have many choices, both with the types of implants you choose and the procedure with which they are implanted.
We believe that an informed patient is the best patient, so we want to provide you with all the facts to make a smart choice in your dental care.
When you have missing or broken and chipped teeth, you have a few options:
- Dentures
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Implants
Veneers
Bridges
Dentures
Dental implants
Cosmetic Oral Surgery Options
| Dentures | Bridges | Veneers | Dental Implants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent? | No | Can be fixed or permanent | Yes, but they can shift over time and may need attention from time to time | Yes, treat like the rest of your teeth. |
| Cleaning | Requires daily removal to clean | Clean just like you would your other teeth. | Clean just like you would your other teeth. | Clean just like you would your other teeth. |
| Can they be flossed? | No | On the sides of the bridge | Yes | Yes |
| Will they decay? | No | No | The underlying tooth may still decay. | No |
| Do they look like real teeth? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special tools or cleaning solution needed? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Can I eat sticky food like chewing gum? | Not recommended | Yes (unless they are removable) | Yes | Yes |
| Are they strong? | Yes | Yes | Avoid biting hard foods | Yes |
| Can the color be matched to my existing teeth? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Covered by insurance? | Check with your dental insurance provider. | Usually - check with your dental insurance provider. | Unlikely if it's for cosmetic reasons. | If medically necessary. |
| Mon | 9:00AM â 6:00PM |
| Tues | 8:00AM â 5:00PM |
| Wed | 8:00AM â 5:00PM |
| Thurs | 8:00AM â 5:00PM |
Implants look and feel like real teeth
Implants help prevent - and even halt - bone loss
Implants maintain the integrity of the rest of your teeth
Implants are cared for just like your regular teeth
Why Would You Want Implants Anyway?
You might think that people only lose their teeth due to aging or poor oral hygiene, but it could also be due to injury or illness. And itâs not a smart idea to let this situation linger. Missing teeth can cause issues in your daily life, as well as long-term repercussions.
It gets much harder to eat and talk without a full mouth of teeth.
If it hurts to eat certain foods, you might not get the nutrition your body needs. Itâs been proven that people with sensitive teeth and dental problems tend to eat more soft and/or processed foods, which usually arenât a strong foundation for overall health. A poor diet leads to additional health issues, such as obesity and malnutrition.
Your jawbone is more likely to degenerate without all of your teeth.
When you donât have all of your teeth, your jawbone wonât get the stimulation it needs to stay strong. Strong bones are healthy bones. If theyâre not as healthy, the bone tissue can be reabsorbed into the body. With less bone in your jaw, you can look forward to an altered smile and face shape. And that doesnât even take into account how hard it will be to conduct restoration procedures down the road!
The P.A. Dental Arts Difference
We donât leave anything to chance when it comes to your dental implants. Not only do we use top-of-the-line materials, we also use cutting-edge technology. While many dentists and oral surgeons insert dental implants manually, our dentists rely on i-CAT, a dental imaging machine that provides for computer-guided surgery. This procedure is exceptionally accurate, meaning that you can count on the best results.
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offer flexible payment options.
Schedule Your Free Consultation!
Call 214-383-5511 or fill out the form below to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation or second opinion. We look forward to welcoming you to the family!
Dental Implant Construction
There are three basic parts of a dental implant: the artificial root implant screw, the abutment, and the crown (visible tooth portion). The root is surgically embedded in an opening of the jawbone and gum and then a healing abutment is attached to the implant fixture. Flaps of gum are used as a suture around the abutment. After 3 to 6 months of healing time, the crown is placed into the implant root and abutment.
Traditionally, titanium is used for the implant screw, as bone tends to grow around it unmolested and titanium is extremely strong. 95% of most dental implants use titanium alloys. There has never been a report of an allergic reaction or health problems with this alloy, but some patients who are concerned about having metal in your mouth might consider researching zirconium oxide, a ceramic-looking metal used to make crowns and bridges.
Titanium implants usually consist of two partsâthe implant and the crownâbut due to its appearance, zirconium oxide is often installed as one whole piece. The crown is usually best when made with ceramic or metallic alloys such as zirconium oxide.
How Accurate is This Procedure?
Our PA Dental Arts team uses the latest computer-guided technology to ensure the perfect fit. While many dentists and oral surgeons insert dental implants manually, our dentists rely on i-CAT, a dental imaging machine that provides for computer-guided surgery. This procedure is exceptionally accurate, meaning that you can count on the best results. Â The implant screw must be positioned into the jaw for maximum support and comfort. This means making sure the screw is positioned within a fraction of a millimeter. If it’s too near to the edge of the jaw bone, there won’t be enough support for a strong foundation. If the screw is misaligned, there may be undue stress on the entire tooth and/or discomfort as you chew. Â For a dental surgeon to perform this task manually, it is extremely difficult, which is why our dentists rely on cutting-edge technology to perfect this procedure.
What Kinds of X-rays Are Required for Dental Implants?
Since the procedure to embed implant roots can be tricky and precise, a 3D x-ray is often recommended for increased safety and accuracy during surgery. Often referred to as a CT scan or a cone beam 3D scan, these types of x-rays allow the dentist to perform virtual surgery on your mouth before the procedure. This allows for maximum planning of the approach we will take for your procedure.
Dental Implant FAQs
Still not sure if implant treatment is right for you? We understand there are a lot of different factors to consider. That is why we want to put the following FAQs at your fingertips! Below are answers to some of the most common questions about dental implants in Allen. To learn even more, donât hesitate to contact our office.
How Strong Are Dental Implants Compared to Real Teeth?
Compared to original teeth, dental implants are surprisingly strong. In 1952, Swedish Dr. Branemark realized that titanium placed next to bone would result in bone growing around the metal alloy, making its position permanent. Once the implant is settled into the jawbone, it is as strong asâif not stronger thanânatural teeth.
How Painful Is the Procedure?
There are people who, understandably, have apprehension about dental procedures. Dental implants usually require surgery followed by a longer healing period. The procedure itself is no more painful that having a tooth extracted. Most patients are administered a local anesthesia before the surgery takes place, and for any gum soreness following, over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Dentist for Dental Implants?
While most dentists are general practitioners, some specialize in oral surgery procedures, including dental implants. In our dental office, we focus a large portion of our dental office on fixing bridges, placing veneers, tooth extractions, and dental implants. Other dental offices, by comparison, may not have the extensive training our team does, so itâs important to ask when choosing your dental surgeon.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Generally speaking, most insurance companies donât cover dental implants for cosmetic purposes. However, with some types of tooth loss, the procedure may be covered when it moves from cosmetic to medically necessary. You should speak to your insurance provider and review your policy to better understand your coverage.
How Many Dental Implants Are Completed, and How Safe Is the Procedure?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in the US, 450,000 dental implants are conducted annually. At the practice of P.A. Dental Arts, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure a positive outcome. But, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks. Overall, doctors enjoy a 95% success rate, and the procedure is as safe as getting a tooth removed under local anesthesia.
Should I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist or a Periodontist?
A cosmetic dentist specializes in giving you a great smile. A restorative dentist specializes in correcting issues that detract from the appearance of your smile. Both are excellent choices for your dental implant procedure since both focus on the overall look of your smile. An oral surgeon is another option, although they focus more on surgeries than how your smile looks. Periodontists fall into the same category as an oral surgeon. For dental implants, it is best to choose a cosmetic or restorative dentist.
What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?
While uncommon, dental implant failure usually occurs for one of two reasons:
⢠Peri-implantitis â a form of gum disease that develops from poor oral hygiene and can damage the bone and gums supporting the implant.
⢠Failed osseointegration â an implant may fail to integrate with the jawbone, particularly if the patient had low jawbone density.
Other causes of dental implant failure may include chronic teeth grinding, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, radiation to the head and neck, and certain health conditions (diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, etc).
Our dentists will utilize cutting-edge technology to guide your dental implant surgery to ensure the perfect fit. In addition, they will provide you with guidelines for minimizing your risk of implant failure.
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Feels Loose?
Your dental implant should not wiggle or shift at all. If you notice a loose implant, contact our office right away. Our dentists are experienced implant dentists in Allen and may be able to save your implant and prevent implant failure. However, itâs important to take action as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?
In general, it may take up to six months for your implants to completely fuse with your jawbone. While every patient is different, you should be able to resume your normal activities the day after implant surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or so, as it could delay healing. You can expect some slight bleeding and swelling immediately after the surgery, but this should go away after a few days. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers as directed to ease any mild discomfort.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
While itâs possible for smokers to get dental implants, they do have a higher rate of implant failure. Smoking, chewing, or even vaping tobacco causes dry mouth, slows down healing, and can interfere with an implantâs ability to fuse with the jawbone. In addition, smoking can also cause dry socket, a painful condition in which the protective blood clot is dislodged from the implant site. If you are a smoker, we recommend quitting at least two weeks before your implant surgery and waiting to resume the habit for at least two or three months afterward. Of course, getting dental implants in Allen is a great opportunity to kick the habit for good!
How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dental Implants?
In many cases, a dentist will recommend waiting three to six months after an extraction for the mouth to heal. However, if your jawbone is healthy enough, it may be possible to place a dental implant immediately after removing your tooth. Ultimately, the answer to this question will depend on the unique specifics of your case, which our team will discuss with you.
About P.A. Dental Arts
P.A. Dental Arts is a premium family and cosmetic dentistry service located in Allen, Texas. P.A. Dental Arts utilizes some of the industryâs best equipment and technology in all of our day-to-day activities. We have served hundreds of families in the local community.
To schedule a FREE consultation (including x-rays) at P.A. Dental Arts for your dental implant treatment, call us today at 214-383-5511. Our Allen dental office offers a wide range of dental services, from family dental checkups to cosmetic services to intensive root canals.
New Patient Specials
Donât forget to ask about our new patient specials!. Schedule a FREE Consultation today.
