If you are looking for a permanent, reliable solution to missing teeth, look no further than dental implants in Dallas, TX by Dr. William Huckin. Our affordable dental implants offer the most natural-looking option for replacing teeth and permanently securing a beautiful smile.
A dental implant is a custom-made tooth replacement. Our dentist will surgically place it into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth and require no special care beyond your usual dental hygiene habits.
Dental implants can also be recommended to our patients pursuing full or partial dentures to allow for less slippage of the oral appliance. Whether you’re looking to replace a tooth or a set of teeth, Dallas dental implant specialist Dr. William Huckin is here to provide his professional advice on how to proceed accordingly.
With several options for tooth replacement, we understand that some of our patients will be curious to know the benefits of having a prosthetic tooth surgically implanted. Dental implants are worth considering because they offer many advantages over other missing teeth treatment options. Often, patients find that dental implants meet their long-term dental needs and goals.
Some advantages of dental implants include the following:
- Permanent, reliable result
- Reduces bone loss in the jaw
- Natural aesthetic, tooth-like appearance
- No daily adhesives for dentures or partials
- Allows for comfortable speech and eating
- No lifestyle adjustments needed
The Dental Implant Process
To mimic the natural structure of your real teeth, dental implants are put together in three parts. An implant post, which is made of surgical-grade titanium, will be surgically placed into your jawbone. Your jaw will then heal for 3-6 months to ensure that it is integrated into your bone before the next phase. This post is what allows your dental implant to give you the durability that you desire, so it’s important to be patient during the healing process.
After the healing process is complete, we will attach an abutment (dental crown) to the post. Once complete, your crown will function like a regular tooth and blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Most of our patients experience some form of dental anxiety over the surgical portion of dental implants. If this is the case for you, know that Dr. Huckin will help. Our team uses a local anesthetic to ensure that any discomfort is limited. Dr. Huckin will discuss an after-care plan with you prior to the surgery to ensure that you are prepared and well-informed on the process.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dentists consider dental implants as one of the most successful tooth replacement options for their numerous benefits. They offer cosmetic as well as oral health benefits that improve the health, function, and beauty of your smile.
- Patients can enjoy their favorite foods and beverages without restriction. Since dental implants replace the natural tooth root, they offer a more secure, stable solution, which allows patients to enjoy their food without fear of slippage or uncomfortable chewing.
- They help stimulate bone regeneration. Many patients experience bone density loss in the jaw when they lose a tooth. This can result in facial sagging, difficulty chewing, and other complications.
- Implants look and function like natural teeth. You can enjoy a natural-looking smile once we place and attach the dental implants to complete the procedure.
- They don’t require a lot of extra maintenance. Removable options like dentures require adhesive to stay in the mouth. It’s extremely messy and requires specific tools and soaks to clean properly. With dental implants, you can take care of them like you would natural teeth.
Taking Care of Dental Implants
Care After Surgery
In the days after the implant surgery, you’ll experience some bleeding and discomfort. It’s normal for you to notice red saliva the day or two after the surgery. For swelling and soreness, use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications. We may also prescribe prescription pain medications for your recovery. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to take them exactly as the directions state. These lessen the chance of infection after the procedure.
For 3-4 days after the surgery, stick to a soft diet. Avoid any foods that are hard, hot liquids, and spicy foods. All of these can compromise the healing process or cause you pain. You should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as well, as these impact the healing time and can make healing take longer. Even after these few days, try not to bite down or chew directly in the area of the implant site.
On the day of your procedure, brush and floss gently around the implant site, but don’t rinse. Take care to avoid brushing or flossing directly at the implant site. The day after the procedure, you can begin rinsing with warm salt water a few times each day. This helps keep the implant site clean and promotes healing. You may also need to use a cotton swab to clean the abutment.
Care After Final Restoration Placement
One of the biggest perks of dental implants is that they can be taken care of just like natural teeth. You simply brush and floss regularly and come into the office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. There are certain products that are better than others for implant care. First, use a soft-bristle toothbrush made of something like nylon. Make sure you’re also using non-abrasive toothpaste. Otherwise, you can scratch the final restorations.
Any dental products that are hard or metal should be avoided. You don’t want to damage your implants. Try not to bite down on your implants with anything extremely hard, like hard candy, as this can crack the dental crown. The better you take care of your teeth, the longer your restoration is going to last.
Dental Implant FAQs
What are dental implants used for?
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. We also use them in other restorative treatments for a more durable result. They secure dental bridges and dentures as well.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
They can improve a patient’s biting and chewing ability. We craft them from durable material that reflects light for a more natural look. Some patients may even forget that they have dental implants after their treatment because they look and feel like real teeth.
Do dental implants hurt?
No. We use an anesthetic during the dental implant procedure to numb the area. The procedure will also require a healing period of 3 to 6 months, during which they fuse with bone tissue in the jaw. You may feel some temporary pain during the healing period and after treatment. You should call our office if your pain exceeds several days.
How long do dental implants last?
With the right dental care, they can last for a lifetime. Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as scheduling regular dental cleanings, can help you maintain a healthy dental implant and attractive smile.
Request a Dental Exam Today
We understand that you may have questions or concerns regarding the dental restoration process. Our office is here to answer any of your questions. If you would like to know your options for tooth replacement, request a dental exam with Dr. Huckin so that our team may review your needs and help you find the solution for your smile.