Dental Implants Carrollton, TX

The Most Effective Tooth Replacement Option Today

Losing teeth to damage or decay is incredibly distressing. When a tooth is lost, many patients may feel overwhelmed when it comes to evaluating their tooth replacement options. Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent solution to replacing lost teeth. These permanent, non-removable prosthetic teeth provide a variety of advantages when compared to their alternatives. Below, Dr. Capua provides answers to frequently asked questions about this revolutionary tooth replacement method.

What is a Dental Implant?

More than likely, you have heard about dental implants but you might be unsure of what an implant is and how it works. Dental implants are made of two major features—a titanium rod that replaces a tooth’s root and a crown, a tooth-shaped prosthetic that provides a stable biting surface for eating food.

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

While the process for dentures and dental bridges is much quicker, dental implants require a multi-step process that must be completed over several months. Although it does require more of your time, the benefits you’ll experience in the long run make it well worth the investment. Dr. Capua is pleased to offer this service to patients suffering from tooth loss and works closely with outside specialists who will complete the surgical portion of your treatment. Because no two smiles are alike, everyone’s treatment will vary slightly; however, there are four main steps all patients can expect: initial consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration, and placement of the final restoration. To learn more about how dental implants work in Carrollton, review the information below.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dr. Capua will meet with you to review your medical history and examine your oral cavity to determine if you are eligible for treatment. Depending on the status of your teeth, gums, and jaw, you may need preliminary treatments such as tooth extraction, gum disease therapy, bone grafting, or a sinus lift. Once these are completed, we will continue to map out the rest of your treatment plan and discuss the process of receiving dental implants and how much you can expect them to cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once you are ready for dental implant surgery, Dr. Capua will refer you to an outside specialist. On the day of your procedure, they will administer local anesthesia to numb the appropriate areas and, if necessary, also use sedation to help keep you calm and comfortable. Depending on the number of implants you will receive, the implant dentist in Carrollton will make one or more incisions in your gums before placing each implant into the jawbone. The gum tissue will then be closed, and a protective cap placed over the posts, which will be worn throughout the recovery phase.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

The next step in the process is to allow osseointegration to occur. You’ll be required to spend 3-6 months at home recovering from your surgery and allowing the implant posts to fuse with your jawbone and surrounding tissues. Once you’re fully healed, you will return to our dental office to have your metal abutments placed on top of each post. During this healing process, impressions will be taken of your smile and sent to a dental lab where your final restoration will be created.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

After osseointegration is complete and you are healed from having your metal abutments put into place, you will return to have your customized restoration secured. Whether it is a crown, bridge, or dentures, dental implants in Carrollton are highly versatile and capable of treating all types of tooth loss. Once it is attached to your implant posts, we will check to ensure your bite is comfortable before allowing you to leave and start enjoying your new and improved smile.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

When it comes to preserving oral health structures, dental implants are often a patient’s best option. Since the implant is anchored into the jawbone, it helps prevent bone resorption (atrophy). Receiving an implant can also prevent the loss of more teeth because implants provide support to nearby teeth, which prevents them from shifting into empty tooth sockets. Dental implants are also secure because they are stabilized by bone. This means that they will not move when eating or speaking, as dentures tend to do.

Additionally, dental implants are often lauded for their durability and longevity. Not only can they withstand daily use, but they can do so for several decades without any issue, given that you brush, floss and visit our office for regular checkups. On average, they last between 25 years and a lifetime, giving you the confidence you need to live your life the way you want to.

What are the Indications for Dental Implants?

There are many methods to replace teeth via dental implants, regardless of how extensive your tooth loss may be. Replacing one tooth or an entire arch of teeth is not a difficult feat, given that you have healthy gums and good oral health overall.

Missing Single Tooth

To replace one tooth, a single titanium implant is placed inside the jaw. This is followed by an abutment, which connects the implant and restoration together, and a porcelain crown, which blends in with the rest of your teeth.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Replacing teeth with a dental bridge is typically done at the expense of neighboring teeth because teeth need to be modified to hold a bridge. Dental implants are strong enough to hold a three- or four-crown bridge entirely on their own with ease.

Missing All Teeth

Is your full or partial denture not saying in place the way it used to? With the help of four to six dental implants, we can create a more stable solution for your new denture! Implant-retained dentures can be fixed or removable as well as used with either full or partial dentures.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

The best candidates for dental implants are patients who have lost one or more teeth. To receive implants, patients should not have periodontal disease or use tobacco products. Some patients may require preliminary treatments before receiving implants—especially if bone atrophy or gum disease is present.

The best way to make an informed decision on your tooth replacement needs is to schedule a consultation at our practice. During your consultation, our team will determine the state of your oral health and which tooth replacement method meets your unique needs.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants rarely have a set price because the cost of treatment will vary depending on your needs. If you need more than one tooth replaced, you’re going to need multiple implants and more complex restorations to replace them. Additionally, preliminary treatments like bone grafts or periodontal therapy may be needed if you have reduced bone volume or gum disease to address, extending the length of treatment.

Regardless of your needs, it cannot be stressed enough that dental implants are an effective long-term investment that lasts for many decades. The same cannot be said for dentures nor dental bridges, both of which do not fully address the consequences of tooth loss nor last as long without needing repair or replacement. To learn more about the cost of dental implants in Carrollton, review the following information and contact our office with further questions.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Not all patients require preliminary treatments; however, when meeting with your implant dentist in Carrollton, there is a chance you may be required to undergo bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or even tooth extraction. This ensures the success of your future dental implants but will also contribute to the overall cost of your treatment.

Also, your dental implant surgery will be a key factor in how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your new smile. Dr. Capua will refer you to an outside specialist who will perform the surgical portion of your treatment. As a result, you will be expected to pay a separate fee to the specialist.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

During your consultation, Dr. Capua will go over your estimate, which will also include the different parts of your dental implants:

• How many dental implants you will need: To determine the number of dental implants you will need, Dr. Capua will survey how many teeth are lost and recommend the appropriate number to successfully restore your smile.
• Brand of dental implants: Just like cars, there are multiple brands of dental implants in Carrollton. She will go over the reason for the particular brand used so that you have a better understanding of why high-quality products produce greater results than cheaper solutions.
• Materials: Whether it is titanium or zirconia that is used to create your dental implants, we will ensure that it is a proper match to you and your smile.
• The type of restoration you will need: No matter if it’s a dental crown, implant bridge, or full denture, the materials we use to create your artificial teeth will look completely natural.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

It may seem hard to believe that dental implants can actually save you money in the long run, but it’s true. Instead of paying for regular maintenance and upkeep that involves denture adhesives, special cleaning supplies, and frequent adjustments and replacements every few years, you will be able to enjoy life with a fully functional, stable, and permanent prosthetic.

Not to mention, many of the most common systemic diseases and conditions can form as a result of tooth loss, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Treating these problems can be costly over time. But by choosing to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you can keep more money in your pocket as you grow older.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

It is highly unlikely that your dental insurance company will pay for your dental implants and surgical placement. However, they may agree to pay for your preliminary treatments and customized restoration. The only way to know for sure is to contact your dental insurance carrier and ask what level of coverage they will provide. If you need assistance, our dental team will be happy to work on your behalf, getting the answers you need to make the right decision about your oral health and how to pay for it.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

To help you better afford dental implants, Dr. Capua and our team are here to ensure you stay well within your budget. To accomplish this, we work closely with CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that offers low and zero interest financing. By enrolling in an eligible plan, you can sign up for monthly installments that are designed to pay for your treatment at a cost that is much more affordable. If you need help to enroll, we will be happy to assist when you arrive at our dental office for your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions – Dental Implants

Understanding how the dental implant process works isn’t always easy. Trying to determine how long they’ll last, if they’ll fail, their cost, and even if you’re a candidate can all be a bit
overwhelming. This is why Dr. Capua and her team have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about dental implants in Carrollton. This should help to alleviate some of the concerns you might have about treatment, but should you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What are dental implants made of?

Unless otherwise specified, dental implants are made of titanium and mimic the natural tooth root. Titanium is able to effectively fuse with bone and surrounding tissue, and it is strong and sturdy enough to hold up the custom restoration that lives on top of the implant. It is also least likely to cause patients to have allergies or sensitivity, unlike traditional metal.
A full dental implant consists of the titanium post, a small appliance known as an abutment, and the custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture that rests on top.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last decades or longer. Some cases have shown that patients have maintained their implants for an entire lifetime. When comparing which solution you want to use to replace your missing teeth, longevity should certainly be one of the factors you consider. Just because an alternative method costs less doesn’t mean it will last longer. Dental implants are superior in their stability, functionality, and longevity, making them the preferred choice.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

In order to have dental implants placed, it is important for Dr. Capua to thoroughly examine your mouth in its entirety. This includes reviewing your teeth, gums, and especially, your jawbone. The reason is that the bone will serve as the solid foundation for your implant, and if it is weakened or unstable, you will need to consider an alternative solution or pursue an advanced procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Capua will determine if you are a qualified candidate by looking at the status of your oral and overall health and the density of your jawbone. You can also expect to be asked about your lifestyle habits and about any health-related conditions you might have, as these can potentially compromise the success of your implant placement (i.e. diabetes, an autoimmune disorder).

How much do dental implants cost?

When it comes to determining the cost of your dental implants, there are various factors to consider, including:

• If you require any pre-implant dental work (i.e. bone graft, sinus lift, gum disease therapy)
• How many implants you will need to have placed along your jawbone
• The location of your missing teeth
• Anesthesia or sedation
• The initial consultation and surgical procedure

Although dental insurance companies are unlikely to cover your dental implant placement, you might be surprised to find out that they will cover some or all other aspects of your treatment (i.e. anesthesia, consultation, pre-implant dental work)

Do dental implants ever fail?

The success rate for dental implant placement is extremely high, but there is a small chance that your dental implant can fail. It’s important to remember that certain circumstances can lead to implant failure, including:

• Improper placement by the surgeon
• A weakened or compromised immune system caused by health-related diseases or disorders
• Smoking or tobacco usage

Dental implants can help replace a single tooth, or a full set of teeth. If you have been suffering with partial or full dentures, or are missing teeth, or feel you need teeth extracted, do not hesitate to contact our office to be evaluated for dental implants.