Get a lasting and reliable fix for missing teeth with dental implants from Dr. William Huckin in Dallas, TX. Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. They give you a natural-looking smile that feels secure, and restorations that won’t fall out.
A dental implant is a custom-made replacement for a missing tooth. It has three parts that work together to mimic the look and feel of your real teeth. Best of all, dental implants don’t need special care. All you have to do to keep them in great shape is keep up with your dental routine.
We also recommend dental implants for patients who need full or partial dentures. Implants can hold dentures or bridges securely in place, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping.
Dr. William Huckin, a Dallas dental implant specialist, is your source for implant restorations. Our Dallas dental practice can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even a full set of teeth with implants.
Getting Dental Implants: What to Expect
Our dental implant process is a clear process with a few simple steps. Dr. Huckin will be with you from start to finish. Here’s how it goes:
- The Checkup: We’ll start with a full exam. Dr. Huckin will check your mouth and jawbone to make sure an implant will work well for you. If your jawbone needs to be stronger, a simple procedure called bone grafting can help prepare it.
- Placing the Implant: If you’re ready, Dr. Huckin will create a treatment plan just for you. During a short procedure, a small titanium post is placed into your jawbone. This post acts like a tooth root. Your body will naturally accept it.
- Healing Time: After the post is placed, your jaw needs about 3 to 6 months to heal. This lets the post bond securely with your bone so it becomes strong and permanent.
- Adding Your New Tooth: Once you’re healed, we attach a small piece called an abutment to the post. Then, your custom-made crown is placed on top. It will match your smile perfectly.
Feeling nervous is normal, but we’re here to help. We use numbing medicine and can offer sedation so you feel relaxed and pain-free during the procedure.
Before you leave, Dr. Huckin will give you easy-to-follow instructions so your mouth heals quickly and comfortably. We’ll be here to answer any questions you have along the way. Getting an implant might seem like a big step, but we make it simple. The result is a strong, natural-looking smile you’ll love to share.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth because they offer many benefits for your health. Patients often tell us that their implants meet and exceed their long-term dental needs. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Eat Your Favorite Foods: You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or feeling uncomfortable while chewing. The implant acts like a natural tooth root, keeping everything stable and secure.
- Stimulate Jaw Bone Growth: Losing a tooth can lead to bone loss in your jaw, which can cause facial sagging and make chewing difficult. Dental implants help stop bone loss by encouraging bone growth and keeping your jaw healthy.
- Look and Feel Natural: Implants look and function just like your teeth. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll have a smile that looks completely natural.
- Easy Maintenance: Unlike dentures, which require adhesives and special cleaning tools, dental implants are easy to care for. Just brush and floss like you normally would, and you’re good to go!
A lot of our patients ask about the benefits of dental implants. They’re a great option because they come with plenty of perks compared to other tooth replacement methods.
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Maintaining Your New Implants
On the day of your procedure, gently brush and floss around the implant area. Instead of rinsing, just let everything drip out of your mouth to avoid harming the surgical site. Avoid brushing or flossing directly on the implant area.
The day after the procedure, you can start rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day. This keeps the area clean and supports healing. You might also need to use a cotton swab to clean the abutment.
Care After Surgery
In the days following implant surgery, you may experience some bleeding and discomfort. It’s normal to have slightly bloody saliva for a day or two. To reduce swelling and soreness, use cold compresses and take over-the-counter pain relievers. We might also prescribe pain medication to help with your recovery. If we prescribe antibiotics, take them as directed to prevent infection.
Stick to soft foods for 3 to 4 days after surgery. Avoid hard, tough, hot, or spicy foods, as they can interfere with healing or cause pain. Also, stay away from smoking and alcohol, as they can slow down the healing process. Even after those first few days, try not to bite or chew directly on the implant area.
Care After Final Restoration Placement
One of the best things about dental implants is that you care for them just like normal teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Some products work better than others for implant care.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your healing mouth. Stay away from dental tools that are hard or made of metal. Also, avoid biting down on anything extremely hard, like ice, because it could crack the dental crown. The better you care for your teeth, the longer your implant will last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Cost of Dental Implants?
The cost of a single dental implant can vary based on several factors, like where the missing tooth is located and the type of implant you need. Dental insurance might help, but many plans don’t cover implants because they’re often seen as optional. Don’t worry, though. We can help you look into financing options and payment plans to make implants more budget-friendly.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
We use anesthetic to numb the area during the dental implant procedure, so you won’t feel pain. The implant then needs 3 to 6 months to heal and fuse with the bone in your jaw. You might experience some temporary pain during healing, but it should go away after a few days. Call our office if your pain lasts longer.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are key to keeping your implant healthy and your smile looking great. Our dentist will check on your implant during your routine visits to make sure everything is going well.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants have a high success rate, but they can fail for certain reasons. For example, your implant won’t fuse properly with the jaw if you smoke or use tobacco during the healing process. This is because nicotine restricts blood flow and slows healing.
Infections around the implant can also cause issues. We’ll make sure you’re in good health before starting implant treatment to reduce the risk of failure and peri-implantitis.
Do Dental Implants Affect MRI Scans?
No, dental implants won’t interfere with MRI scans or other medical tests. The small amount of titanium used in implants doesn’t affect these scans. However, it’s always a good idea to let your doctor know about your implants before undergoing an MRI.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you have more questions or concerns about dental implants, we’re here to help. Request a dental exam with Dr. Huckin in our Dallas office, and our team will help you find the best treatment options for your smile.