Our top implant dentists in Plano, TX, are changing lives daily as they replace missing teeth with premium dental implants in our multi-specialty dental office. We anchor implants in the jaw, allowing our patients to eat their favorite food without worrying about slippage and other embarrassing situations. Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth using dental restorations. We also provide additional restorative dental treatments to new and existing patients in Plano, Texas.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant consists of the post, abutment, and restoration. Each part has a specific function:
Implant Post
This small titanium post sits in the jaw bone below the gum line. Implant posts act as new tooth roots and secure restorations in place.
The implant post mimics the function of a natural tooth root, providing the necessary support for the artificial tooth above it. By serving as a sturdy anchor, it helps restore normal chewing function and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth.
Because titanium is biocompatible, it integrates well with your bone and is less likely to be rejected by your body.
Abutment
This piece connects the restoration to the implant post. Abutments can use metal or ceramic materials.
Metal abutments, often made from titanium or other strong metals, are durable and can withstand the forces of chewing. They are commonly used and are known for their strength and reliability.
Ceramic abutments blend in with your natural teeth. This makes them a good choice if the abutment will be visible when you smile.
Prosthetic Tooth
A single dental implant will use a dental crown. The implant acts as a new tooth root, and the crown is placed on top of it to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
If you have multiple missing teeth, we recommend a bridge. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored by dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Dentures can use multiple dental implants for support. This approach involves placing several implants into the jawbone to secure the denture in place.
Dental Implants in Plano, TX
The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required vary from patient to patient. Our surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.
Before surgery, you may receive antibiotics, intravenous sedation, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for greater comfort. We will discuss your sedation options with you at your consultation.
To begin treatment, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone. Then, using special instruments, the surgeon creates space and gently inserts the titanium implant.
The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes, the gum tissue covers the implant in the early stages of healing.
When are dental implants placed?
Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, we may place an implant immediately after tooth extraction.
This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process. You won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.
If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone will likely grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the natural tooth’s root must be present to stimulate the bone.
As much as one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. Grafting ensures the implant is adequately supported when placed in the jaw.
How many dental implants do I need?
The number of dental implants you need depends on how many missing teeth you have and where they are in your mouth.
If you’re missing just one tooth, usually one implant will be enough to replace it. For multiple missing teeth, the number of implants needed will vary. Sometimes, a few implants can support a bridge or a set of dentures.
Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, replacing missing back teeth with larger implants is the most common approach.
Healing From Implant Surgery
Now, the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. After the initial healing phase, the surgeon places an abutment (support post) or a healing cap onto the dental implant during a brief follow-up visit. This allows gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant.
Occasionally, we take impressions are made at the time the implant is placed. This enables the crown to be ready when the implants have healed. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by various factors.
During follow-up visits (one to four appointments), we will ensure that your mouth is healing well. At these visits, we will determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.
It may be beneficial to perform a soft tissue graft to obtain stronger, more easily cleaned, and naturally appearing gum tissue in the area around the implant.
This process involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to the area around the implant. Most often, this is a brief and relatively comfortable procedure.
Our dentist will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in Plano, TX, with answers to these common questions:
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant has become the golden standard for replacing missing teeth. A single implant consists of a titanium screw inserted in your jaw, a crown, and a connector that attaches the crown to the screw. Implants give you the ability to talk, eat, and laugh freely.
How do dental implants work?
We place a screw in your jaw that serves the same purpose as the roots of your natural teeth. During several months of osseointegration, the implant fuses with the bone, creating stability and permanence. Once you fully heal, we place the final crown restoration.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The duration of this process depends on the patient and the complexity of your case. Typically, implant placement can take up to 18 months. If your jaw requires bone grafting to bulk it up before implant placement, that will extend your treatment time.
Will I need to have bone grafting?
If you have been missing a tooth for over a month, you will likely need bone grafting. Grafting will bulk up the area where we will place the implant. At your consultation, we will evaluate the surgical site, discuss your unique needs, and advise accordingly. Bone grafting is a safe and simple procedure that over half of implant patients require.
Will I miss work?
You may need to take a day or two off from your regular activities for implant treatment. This short break helps ensure that you can focus on your recovery and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. We often recommend that patients rest directly after implant surgery to promote quick and comfortable healing.
Do dental implants hurt?
No! The surgical site is kept numb throughout implant surgery. If you experience mild discomfort as you recover, it can be easily managed with over-the-counter medications.
How long do implants last?
If well cared for, implants can last a lifetime. The implant post the surgeon places in your jaw bone will stay in place permanently. Your restoration, whether that’s a crown, bridge, or denture, will need replacement after many years. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits ensure implant health and longevity.
How do I care for implants?
Caring for your implant teeth is the same as caring for your natural teeth: brush twice and floss once daily.
Brushing helps remove plaque and food particles. Flossing gets between your teeth and around the implant to prevent plaque buildup and gum issues.
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups at our office. During these visits, we’ll examine your implants to ensure they’re healthy and functioning correctly. Professional cleanings will help remove plaque or tartar that might build up over time, keeping your implants and surrounding gums healthy.
How much do dental implants cost?
Multiple factors affect the cost of an implant, including:
- The number of dental implants
- Type of implant restoration
- Sedation
- Pretreatments (including bone grafting)
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll present you with all the costs upfront. We make it our job to help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our office wants to do all we can to ensure you get the care you deserve.
Replace Your Missing Teeth
Restore one or more lost permanent teeth with affordable dental implants in Plano, TX. Call 972-636-4522 or schedule a dental appointment with us online. Please let us know if you have questions.