Normally made from titanium or another biocompatible material, a dental implant, by itself, is simply a thin post. After it has been surgically placed in your mouth, it integrates with the bone tissue and can then serve as support for a crown or another type of prosthetic tooth. Whenever you bite or chew, the implant will stimulate the bone, which tells the body that the area is in use; this prevents the jaw from breaking down so it can continue to support the mouth and the rest of your face.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

When teeth are lost, the supporting alveolar bone begins to break down and resorb back into the body. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, dental implants prevent this effect from occurring. Instead, they stimulate bone tissue, restore blood flow and help your jaw retain its fullest biting force. Not only does this help your jaw and face maintain it’s natural shape and appearance, but it allows you to eat the foods you want without worry. Dental implants do not shift out of position like dentures, so you bite into a crisp apple or chew your favorite cut of steak easily and confidently.

Furthermore, dental implants are considered the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option in dentistry. With a 98 percent success rate over a 10-year period, it’s no surprise that the technology is making people excited to restore their smile!

BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

In the first phase of treatment, our Richardson team places one or more implants in the jaw. The number of implants depends on the number of teeth to replace. A single implant is all that’s needed to support a single crown, while multiple implants are necessary for those who need a larger restoration like a partial or full denture. Once your implant(s) is in place, a process known as osseointegration begins. During osseointegration, your jawbone forms a strong, natural bond with your implant(s). This bond mimics the bond between your jaw and your natural tooth roots. When the osseointegration process is complete, your new restoration can be attached.

At the Richardson dental office of Dr. Nathan Coughlin and Dr. Christine Coughlin, we offer full-service implant dentistry. Because the first phase of care involves a surgical procedure, most practices have to refer their patients to an outside surgeon, but our Richardson team helps with every phase of care.

DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS

Thanks to the versatility of dental implants, it’s easy to replace a single tooth or an entire arch. Take a moment to learn exactly how our office makes it happen!

INDICATIONS FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

A single tooth can be replaced with one implant and one implant-retained crown. Since the crown is made from porcelain, you won’t have to worry about it developing decay nor standing out from the rest of your teeth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT

MISSING SINGLE TOOTH

If you’re missing three or four consecutive teeth, a pair of implants can be placed adjacent to natural teeth and hold a custom-made bridge. Unlike traditional bridges which require minor removal of tooth enamel to place, implants are strong enough to hold a restoration without using healthy teeth as an anchor.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT

MISSING MULTIPLE TEETH

If you’re tired of your denture and looking for a more reliable prosthetic, an implant-retained denture can be made to fit on top of four to six implants strategically placed throughout the mouth. This denture can be made to be removable or fixed, depending on your preference.


LEARN MORE ABOUT FULL MOUTH REPLACEMENT

MISSING ALL TEETH

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth, dental implants are considered the superior option. After all, they have an impressive 95% success rate, are extremely life-like, and effectively preserve your jawbone. And while the cost may initially seem higher than other tooth replacement options, it’s important to understand how affordable dental implants in Richardson can be. To get an exact breakdown of the cost of rebuilding your unique smile, we encourage you to contact our office. However, we’ve also included some of the factors that influence the cost below!

UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

The number of dental implants needed, the material used, and the type (i.e., single implant, bridge, etc.), are all factors that influence the final cost. Therefore, there is no all-encompassing, set amount. That’s why your initial consultation is so important. At this appointment, our team at Breckinridge Dental & Orthodontics can conduct a thorough dental exam, share what it’ll take to rebuild your smile, and discuss the financial components. That way, there are no surprises!

TYPE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are considered to be a complex treatment, especially since it is broken down into multiple stages. Fortunately, this means you don’t need to cover the entire amount upfront, giving you more flexibility with the payment portion of your treatment. While each patient’s smile needs are unique, here’s a general idea of the process:

 Initial consultation where our team will confirm dental implants are right for you.

 Additional procedures, like tooth extractions, bone grafting, or periodontal therapy.

 Placement surgery, which involves sedation or anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

 Abutments & restorations, which are anchored to each post for a durable, life-like result

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?

Remember, dental implants are considered to be a long-term investment. Even though the upfront costs can be high, this is because implants are meant to fully replace teeth for decades. You aren’t regularly replacing your restorations like you would with dentures or bridges. Plus, dental implants in Richardson can prevent costly treatment down the road, preserve your facial structure, and provide you with a strong, healthy biteforce. In short, their long-term benefits and extensive lifespan alone make them worth the investment.

ARE DENTAL IMLANTS WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Although dental plans vary from one patient to the next, they typically don’t cover the entire cost of dental implants. That being said, they may pay for certain aspects until you reach your annual limit. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to speak directly with your insurance provider or allow our team to file a claim on your behalf. Otherwise, low-to-no interest financing through CareCredit can help break up the cost into monthly, manageable chunks!

DOES MY DENTAL INSURANCE COVER DENTAL IMPLANTS?

In many cases, patients didn’t know dental implants were a treatment they could consider until their dentist tells them. As a result, patients often have many questions regarding the procedure and whether or not they should consider it for their own tooth loss. That’s why Breckinridge Dental & Orthodontics has included a brief FAQ section dedicated specifically to dental implants. If your question isn’t listed below and you’d like to find out more about dental implant treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office directly!

DENTAL IMPLANT FAQS - RICHARDSON, TX

Through extensive clinical research and experimentation, dental implants have been shown to be completely safe when placed by a professional. It’s encouraged that you only visit a dentist who has experience placing dental implants to complete the procedure, rather than just any general dentist. When placed by an implant dentist, the procedure sees success rates as high as 98 percent. We’ll make sure that the planning process for your dental implant treatment is comprehensive from start to finish. This should give you confidence that the placement, healing and restoration phases of your treatment are managed properly.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS SAFE?

When properly cared for, dental implants have the ability to last a lifetime. With that said, they generally last about 25 to 30 years on average. In order to prolong the life of your dental implants, it’s incredibly important that you maintain daily brushing and flossing as well as all oral care tips from our dentists. Do not use tobacco products of any kind, especially during the early stages of the healing process.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?

After your implants are placed, they will need at least four to six months to integrate with your surrounding bone and gum tissue. Depending on the type of dental implant procedure you choose, you may be able to get your new smile immediately following your surgery. This is the case for the All-on-4 treatment, which is also available at our office. Healing time can also be influenced by your current habits. To ensure the healing process goes smoothly, do not use tobacco products of any kind.

CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS FAIL?

After an implant is placed, it’s important that you dedicate time to recovery. The length of your recovery time will vary depending on how many dental implants you have placed. It can also be influenced by certain treatments you need to receive dental implants, including bone grafts. It’s very important that you maintain a soft diet and avoid the use of straws as your mouth heals. You can brush and floss as normal, just make sure to be gentle around the implant sites.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER IMPLANT SURGERY IS COMPLETE?

Would you like to know if dental implants are right for you? Call our office to reserve your implant consultation. During your visit, we complete a thorough oral health exam and talk to you about your options. If you have any questions about the plan we recommend, we’ll be happy to answer them for you.

SCHEDULE YOUR IMPLANT CONSULTATION TODAY!