Dental Implants in Tyler, Texas
If you have lost a tooth, you may be in the market for a dental implant. If you have lost a number of teeth or even all of your teeth, you will definitely be in the market for dental implants.
You may not know this, but once you lose a tooth, the bone that was previously holding that tooth in begins to shrink. An implant, inserted into the socket of your lost tooth, stops this bone loss. If you decide to use a “flipper” or a fixed bridge to replace your missing tooth/teeth, you will still have bone loss.
An implant is surgically inserted and actually replaces the root of your tooth. It is normally made of titanium, which is the premier material for surgical implants. Once the implant is inserted and has healed, it will be fitted with an abutment (a connector post) and then the actual crown (usually porcelain) which is placed on the abutment. That tooth is crafted from a model of your teeth so that it will match your individual bite for a natural look and a comfortable fit.
If you have more than one missing tooth, implants will serve as anchors for replacing those teeth. Overall, most people find that dental implants are comfortable, convenient, and improve the function and appearance of their teeth.
Model of a mouth with an implant.
Who Is Qualified to Do Your Implants?
A dentist’s ability to successfully treat implant patients depends on his/her training and experience. There are only three dental specialties that teach their residents to do dental implant treatment: Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Prosthodontics.
All of these specialists have trained 3 to 4 years beyond dental school. Periodontists and oral surgeons are highly trained in the surgery needed to place an implant into the bone, but a prosthodontist, who is also highly trained in implant surgery, has additional training in finishing the implant solution above the gums with crowns, bridges, dentures, All-on-4, etc.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Professional?
Your investment in dental implants is going to be costly so you want to be aware of problems.
What about ads for lower cost implants? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is very important that implants are placed properly. If the doctor rushes the procedure, the outcome can be an improperly placed implant. Implants using inferior materials or less customized crowns can also lead to costly mistakes.
Unfortunately, we get a number of consults with patients who are not happy with their prior implant treatment. We find implants in the wrong position, implants that are placed to deep or too shallow, implants too close to sensitive areas like nerves and sinuses. They also complain of problems with the prosthetics above the implants, such as the crowns, bridges or dentures, such as they keep breaking or they are too ugly or they don’t match.
Be sure to ask about the dentist’s qualifications before signing up for the treatment. It is important to choose a reputable provider.
Teeth and an implant with crowns.
I’m Missing All of My Teeth - What Are My Choices?
All on 4
This treatment technique is sometimes referred to as “teeth in a day.” It consists of placing at least four dental implants into the upper or lower jaw and then having a full arch of fixed replacement teeth attached to the implants. These temporary teeth will remain in place while the implants fuse to the jawbone. Then 3-6 months later, a permanent set of replacement teeth are seated.
Traditional Complete Full Dentures
These dentures sit on top of the gums. There are many types of dentures starting with the least expensive acrylic dentures with generic teeth which usually need to be held in with dental adhesive up to the more expensive, custom-made Facelift Dentures. There are disadvantages with all forms of dentures because they do not prevent bone loss, therefore they can eventually become unstable in your mouth.
Implant Retained Dentures
This is also called denture stabilization. The dentures still rest on your gums, but two to four implants are placed in each arch to secure the denture. This is one of the most cost-effective ways of replacing all the teeth in one jaw. There are fasteners on the implants which lock to the inside of the denture to make it easy to remove for cleaning.
Replacing a Full Arch of Missing Teeth
A full mouth dental implant procedure, also called full mouth crown and bridge implants — may require as many as six to eight implants per arch.
The Process
(1.) The first step in our process is to have you come in for a complimentary consult. Dr. Lima can take a quick look in your mouth to get an idea as to what you might need and you can discuss with our treatment coordinator what you want your end result to be and how soon you would like to get there.
(2.) If you decide to go further, you will schedule a full examination where Dr. Lima can take accurate records to evaluate if you are a candidate for dental implants. This exam will include examining your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone. You will be checked for signs of gum disease or decay. X-rays and CT scans will be taken to determine the health of your teeth and gums, and to see whether you have enough bone for implants.
(3.) Dr. Lima sits down and works up a treatment plan after your visit.
(4.) You come back and meet with the treatment coordinator and she (and Dr. Lima) will go over the treatment plan. You will know how many visits, what will happen at each visit, the results you can expect and the cost.
A dental implant with a porcelain crown.
What Materials Are Used for Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been on the market for several decades. As the procedure continues to be more popular, you may see that different brands have been created. As with any product, some brands are of a higher quality than others. Studies show that companies with a proven success rate for their products, using sophisticated materials that have lasted for years without damage or issue, will cost more than others.
Using these implants helps ensure you will not suffer breakage or loss. It is also critical to remember that an implant alone will not completely restore a missing tooth. Once the implant is placed, an abutment and crown must also be made and attached.