Dental Implants in Garland, TX
The Most Natural Way to Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth, you don’t have to rely on loose or unnatural-looking restorations. Our modern dental implants in Garland, TX, offer unparalleled stability and are virtually identical to your natural teeth! Dr. Dooley works with skilled local oral surgeons to provide you with the highest quality restorative dental care.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an advanced tooth replacement solution that mimics the structure of your natural teeth, from root to crown. Made primarily of biocompatible titanium, an implant fuses with your jawbone, offering a stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dr. Dooley does not perform implant surgery but can arrange and supervise your entire procedure. After determining that you are a candidate for treatment, he will refer you to a local oral surgeon. Your surgeon will place one or more small implant posts in your jawbone to replace your tooth roots. The number of implants you receive will depend on how many teeth you are missing and the size of your restoration. As your jawbone and gums heal, the implants will become a permanent part of your jaw. Healing typically takes 4 to 6 months, and we can often supply a temporary restoration to wear during this time.
When you have fully healed, Dr. Dooley can attach a crown or denture to the top of the implants. Just like our traditional restorations, our implant-supported prosthetics will be custom-made to match your natural teeth and facial structure.
Types of Implants
Dental implants, as championed by many Garland cosmetic dentists, including Dr. Dooley, have seen significant advancements over the years. These innovations have led to a range of implant types tailored to specific patient needs. Here’s an in-depth look:
- Endosteal Implants:
These are the most common kind of dental implants. They are typically made of titanium and are shaped like small screws to be placed directly into your jawbone.
- Ideal for: Patients with a healthy, adequate amount of jawbone to support the implants.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants sit on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. They’re not inserted into the jawbone like endosteal implants but rather use a metal framework that’s placed under your gum with a post. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed in the jaw.
- Ideal for: Patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and do not want to, or cannot undergo, a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.
- Zygomatic Implants: These are the least common type and are used in more complex cases. They’re placed in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone.
- Ideal for: Patients without enough jawbone for endosteal implants and where bone grafting may not be ideal.
- Immediate Load Dental Implants (Same-Day Implants): These implants allow for the placement of a temporary teeth during the same appointment as your dental implant placement. The implant and temporary tooth are placed in one session, allowing for immediate function.
- Ideal for: Patients with sufficient natural bone and an implant secure enough to handle immediate placement and pressure on the new temporary tooth.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): These are narrower than most other implants. They’re placed through less-invasive techniques and are used primarily to stabilize a lower denture.
- Ideal for: Older patients who have minimal bone mass in their jaws but still want to stabilize their dentures.
- All-on-4® Dental Implants: This method provides full-arch rehabilitation with only four implant screws. The back implants are typically angled to take advantage of existing bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting.
- Ideal for: Patients looking for a full arch restoration without multiple implant placements.
What Are The Benefits?
- Implants are permanent. When you maintain regular dental checkups and good at-home hygiene, your implant posts can last for life.
- Implants are stable. They will never slip out of place, and, in most cases, you will not have to change your diet to accommodate your restorations.
- Implant-supported restorations look natural. Like biological teeth, the top part of your restoration will sit right on top of your gum line.
- Implants will protect your jawbone health. They are the only type of dental restoration that can prevent jawbone degeneration.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Because implants go inside your jawbone, you must have a solid foundation for the posts. Unfortunately, if you have been missing teeth for some time, you have likely experienced jawbone degeneration. Dr. Dooley will use our digital X-rays to examine your jaw and ascertain whether you have enough bone volume to support the implant posts.
Even if you have lost some bone, in many cases, your oral surgeon may still be able to position the implants in a way that will maximize the remaining structure. In other cases, he or she may recommend an advanced surgical option, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, to enhance your jaw.
In What Cases Are Dental Implants Contraindicated?
Some factors might deem you unsuitable for implants, including:
- Severe Bone Loss: Without enough bone structure, implants can’t achieve stability.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders might impede healing.
- Lifestyle Factors: Heavy smoking can hinder the fusion of the implant with the bone.
If you do not qualify for implants, we will make sure you receive another lifelike dental restoration to improve your smile’s appearance, oral function, and self-confidence.
Are you afraid your age might affect your qualifications? Visit our page on dental implants for seniors here.
What To Expect
Choosing dental implants in Garland, TX, requires a comprehensive understanding of the journey ahead. Dr. Dooley, a dedicated Garland cosmetic dentist, aims to provide every patient with a seamless and predictable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the dental implant process:
- Initial Consultation: At your first visit, Dr. Dooley will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to determine your suitability for dental implants. This involves assessing the health of your gums and jawbone and understanding your specific dental needs.
- Customized Treatment Planning: If you are deemed a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Dooley will develop a tailored treatment plan for you. He will take into account the number of missing teeth and the desired size of the restoration.
- Referral to an Oral Surgeon: While Dr. Dooley oversees the comprehensive process, he does not perform the surgical placement of the implants. Instead, he collaborates with trusted local oral surgeons to ensure top-tier surgical care for his patients. He will refer you to one of these surgeons for the next step.
- Implant Placement Surgery: During the surgical procedure, the oral surgeon will place one or more small implant posts into your jawbone. These titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots and provide a solid foundation for the upcoming prosthetic teeth.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Post-surgery, a crucial phase begins, known as osseointegration. During this period, the jawbone gradually fuses with the implant posts, ensuring they become a permanent part of your jaw structure. This process is vital for the longevity and stability of the dental implant. Typically, healing and osseointegration take between 4 to 6 months. To enhance aesthetics and function during this period, temporary restorations can often be provided.
- Final Prosthetic Placement: Once the implant sites have fully healed and stabilized, you’ll return to Dr. Dooley’s clinic. He will attach the final prosthetic—whether it be a crown, bridge, or denture—to the top of the implants. These implant-supported prosthetics are custom-designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth and complement your facial structure, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result.
- Aftercare and Maintenance: Dr. Dooley will provide detailed guidance on caring for your new dental implants. Regular check-ups and a robust oral hygiene routine will be essential to maintain the health and longevity of your implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dental implants help prevent bone loss?
Yes, one of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their ability to prevent bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation leads to bone deterioration over time. Dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth and provide necessary stimulation to the jawbone, helping to maintain its density and prevent bone loss.
Will my implants be noticeable?
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. The visible part of the implant called the crown, is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Once the procedure is complete, it’s virtually impossible for others to distinguish between your implant and natural teeth.
Is there an age limit for getting implants?
There’s no upper age limit for dental implants – in fact, they’re excellent for senior patients. They can be an excellent solution for adults of any age looking to replace missing teeth, provided they have sufficient bone density to support the implant and are in good general health. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Dooley can determine your eligibility.
Do they affect eating and speaking?
Unlike dentures, which can slip and cause difficulty with eating and speaking, dental implants are anchored securely in your jawbone. This stability allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, without worrying about your teeth moving or slipping.
Can implants fail? And what can be done?
While dental implants have a high success rate, there are cases where they can fail due to factors like infection, insufficient bone density, or improper care. If an implant fails, it can often be replaced or treated after addressing the underlying issue. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of implant failure.
How long does the process take?
The dental implant process can vary in duration, typically ranging from a few months to over a year, depending on individual factors like the need for bone grafting and the healing process. The procedure involves several stages, including implant placement, healing, and the attachment of the custom crown.
Take the Next Step to a Restored Smile!
Looking to get dental implants in Garland, TX? Trust the expertise of your Dr. Dooley. Call Scott Dooley Dentistry today at 972-846-4182 or visit our Dental Implant FAQ page for more insights. Proudly serving Garland, Dallas, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and neighboring areas.
