Restoring Your Complete Smile
Dental Implants at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas
At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we are committed to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long-lasting smiles. Dental implants are a cornerstone of modern dental prosthetics because they provide a permanent solution for missing teeth and help maintain oral health.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for dental implants is anyone missing one or more teeth or who is unhappy with their dentures. Key factors include:
- Healthy Oral Tissues: Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
- Good Overall Health: Dental implant surgery is a surgical procedure and requires general health that can handle surgical procedures. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can affect the healing process of dental implants and may reduce the long-term success of dental implants.
- Commitment to Care: Willingness to commit to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits post-implant placement is crucial.
What If You’re Not a Good Candidate Right Now?
If an initial evaluation reveals that you don’t have enough bone density or that your gum health is compromised, there are several procedures that can prepare you for implants:
- Bone Augmentation: This involves restoring or regenerating bone in your jaw when it is not able to support implants otherwise. Techniques include bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge expansion.
- Treatment for Gum Disease: If periodontal issues are present, treatment will be necessary to improve the health of your gums.
- Improving Overall Health: If systemic issues or smoking affect your candidacy for implants, we will work with you to develop a health and wellness plan to help improve your eligibility.
The Process of Placing a Dental Implant
The process of placing a dental implant usually involves several steps, and the entire process can take a few months to complete, largely depending on your oral health, the number of teeth involved, and the type of implant:
- Consultation and Planning: This involves thorough exams including X-rays or 3D images and making models of your teeth and jaw.
- Implant Placement: The implant, made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. This is typically done under local anesthesia. Over the next six to twelve weeks, the jawbone heals and grows around the implant, anchoring it firmly in the jaw.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant bonds with the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth.
- Placement of the Prosthetic Tooth: Once your gums heal, impressions of your teeth are made, and the tooth, or crown, is then attached to the abutment.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth and involves keeping them clean and free of plaque. Here are some tips to ensure your implants last as long as possible:
- Brushing and Flossing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to brush at least twice a day. Floss daily using unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss to remove plaque.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months. During these visits, your dentist can check the condition of your implants and clean the areas that are hard to reach at home.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Items: Chewing on hard items such as ice, hard candies, or pens can damage both natural teeth and prosthetic crowns.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
Contact Us to Begin the Process to Restoring Your Smile
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas in Irving, TX, we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience with dental implants is as comfortable and rewarding as possible. Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth or require a more complex full-mouth restoration, we are here to provide the care and expertise you need. If you think dental implants might be right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you restore your smile and your confidence.
