Are you considering dental implants, but wondering if they’re worth the investment in time? Let’s cut right to the chase: they are.

Dental implants take a little (or even a lot) longer than any other method of tooth replacement, but once you have them, they’re good for a lifetime. Compare that to other options, like a fixed bridge or denture, which needs to be replaced every five to seven years, and you’ll see that getting dental implants may even SAVE you time over the long run.

Your oral surgeon in Dallas completes each phase of dental implants — from implantation to final restoration — from the comfort of one office.

Phase 1: Implantation

If you are a candidate for dental implants, they will be surgically placed beneath your gum line. Patients who are in good oral and overall health are generally eligible candidates for dental implants.The procedure is completed with local anesthesia that numbs your jaw, while sedation or general anesthesia are available for longer or more complex placements.

Your oral surgeon places each dental implant with extreme precision, making sure it maintains much the same position as your natural tooth’s root. Dental implantation is completed in one visit to your oral surgeon’s office.

Phase 2: Recovery

In the time between dental implantation and restoration, your jaw bone should grow around the titanium dental implant. It’s the process known as osseointegration, and it’s what provides the ultimate in stability for your new tooth replacement.

Recovery between phase one and phase two takes anywhere between three and six months. The length of time it takes for the jaw bone to grow together with the implant(s) depends on the health of your jawbone and where in your mouth the missing teeth are located.

You may wear a temporary tooth replacement between phase one and phase three, if needed or desired.

Phase 3: Restoration

After your jawbone has healed, you return to your oral surgeon’s office to begin the final restoration of the dental implants. The top of each implant will be exposed once again, and a connecting abutment will be placed on top. After one more brief healing period for the gums, the crown, bridge, or denture will be securely affixed to the dental implants.

Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Today’s dental implant procedures are more than 98% successful, but even initially successful implants can fail if not maintained properly. A condition known as peri-implantitis, or an infection that develops around the implant, can cause the implant to become loose and fall out.

With a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene, though, you should be able to enjoy your dental implants for a lifetime! Make sure you’re…

• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Avoiding tobacco
• Brushing teeth at least twice a day
• Flossing teeth daily
• Visiting your dentist as recommended

Your Trusted Source for Comprehensive Implant Care

Dental implants are more effective than any other option currently available, and if you’re searching for an “oral surgeon near me” who will do the job right, it’s the team at Texas Wisdom Teeth LLC. Dr. Charles Chilcoat is an expert in implantology bone grafting, and dental implants are one of Dr. Christopher Bao Brown’s chief interests in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

To learn more about dental implants, including whether or not you are a candidate for this comprehensive solution, you are invited to contact Texas Wisdom Teeth LLC today at (972) 960-1111.