
Considered the gold-standard in modern tooth replacements, dental implants are a preferred choice for our dentist when replacing as few as one tooth up to your entire smile. Because dental implants replace both the missing roots as well as the crowns, they are the most lifelike restorations available, and they last for years when cared for properly. At TrueCare Dentistry, we perform both the placement of the artificial roots, as well as the restorations – providing our patients convenience and more coordinated care. Call us today to learn more about how dental implants in Mesquite can complete your smile!
Dental implants are truly in a class of their own because they are the only treatment that replaces both the root and crown of a missing tooth. Most dental restorations only bring back a tooth above the gumline, which makes them much less stable, meaning they have to rely on the neighboring teeth and gums for support. Dental implants are able to stand firm on their own just like natural teeth, giving them unmatched function and longevity. And, with consistent brushing and flossing, an implant can easily last for 30 years or more, which is multiple times longer than even the highest-quality bridge or denture.
When a patient gets a dental implant, a titanium post is first positioned within the jawbone, and this is used to support the new tooth that shows within the smile. This new artificial tooth root helps stimulate bone growth in the jaw that can actually prevent or even reverse the bone loss that is common after tooth loss. No other treatment can do this. For that reason, Dr. Rana almost always recommends dental implant over alternative solutions.
Most general dental practices have to refer their patients to a specialist in order to have dental implants placed, but thanks to the experience and special training Dr. Rana has undergone, patients at TrueCare Dentistry can get everything they need in the same convenient location. All-inclusive dental implant care means you’ll save time and money because you won’t have to bounce between different offices, helping you rebuild your smile in the most efficient and affordable way possible.
The important thing to understand about how dental implants work in Mesquite is that the process involves several appointments over the course of several months. However, most patients find that this solution’s long-term benefits make it worth the wait. No two patient’s dental implant journeys are exactly alike, but the four basic steps remain the same: initial consultation, implant surgery, osseointegration, and restoration delivery.
The first step in reconstructing your smile is attending a consultation with Dr. Rana to find out if dental implants are right for you. He’ll conduct a thorough visual exam and capture high-definition X-rays of your mouth. Based on his findings, he’ll develop a custom treatment plan that includes details like the number of implant posts you require, the type of restoration you need, and a cost estimate for the treatment. He’ll also let you know whether you should undergo any preliminary procedures – such as bone grafting or gum disease therapy – beforehand to ensure your mouth is ready to accommodate implants.
As a trained implant dentist in Mesquite, Dr. Rana can perform the dental implant surgery himself, saving you the trouble of working with an unfamiliar specialist. For the procedure, Dr. Rana will numb your mouth (and administer sedation if need be) before placing the titanium posts directly into your jawbone. Our team will provide you with guidelines to follow over the next few days as you heal.
Once your implants have been placed, they begin the natural process of osseointegration, in which they merge with the surrounding jawbone and tissue. This process is what makes dental implants vastly superior to traditional tooth replacements, which may slip around and do not prevent jawbone deterioration after tooth loss. Osseointegration usually takes about three to six months to complete. At that point, you’ll undergo a smaller surgery to receive small metal connectors called abutments on top of your implants.
After your dental implants in Mesquite have essentially become a part of your body, we can place your restoration. This dental crown, bridge, or denture has been custom-made by a dental lab based on impressions we’ve taken of your mouth. Once the restoration has been attached to your abutment, your smile should look and feel exactly like it did before you lost any teeth!
Every year, over 500,000 people choose dental implants, making them one of the most popular treatment options for missing teeth. Because they’re the only solution that is surgically placed in the jaw, they offer a wide range of advantages that you won’t be able to get with traditional dentures or bridges. With the ability to dramatically change your mental health, dental health, and quality of life, they are well worth the investment. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Mesquite!
Dental implants are actually quite versatile and can be designed to replace any number of missing teeth. Working with Dr. Rana, he can help you determine which kind of implant restoration would be best for you based on your needs.
We offer dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or your entire smile. Read on to learn more how the process works and what you can expect should you decide to replace teeth with modern, long-lasting dental implants!
More people are capable of receiving dental implants than ever, but there are a few prerequisites necessary to complete treatment. For example, good candidates for dental implants need to have good oral health. If any tooth decay or gum disease is present, preparatory treatments will be needed before implants can be placed.
Dental implants also require a healthy amount of bone volume so they can properly integrate. This is an essential factor in the long-term health of your implant, which is why bone grafting may be recommended by our office if necessary.
A custom-made, all-porcelain dental crown can be attached directly to an implant root using a small connector called an abutment. This new tooth will have the same two-part structure as those that surround it, so it will look, function, and even feel like a natural tooth. Only you and Dr. Rana will know that it isn’t real, so you can smile with confidence, practice oral care with ease, and eat all your favorite foods without concern.
If a patient has consecutive missing teeth, two implant crowns can be used to support a bridge that is much stronger, more durable, and better looking than a traditional bridge. The crowns are placed on either side of the space in a patient’s smile, and these are used to support additional prosthetic teeth to close it. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant bridges are capable of holding a dedicated restoration entirely on their own. That means there is no need to modify your existing tooth enamel just to replace missing teeth.
If you’re tired of relying on denture adhesive to keep your tooth replacement stable, an implant denture can dramatically improve your quality of life. Multiple implants can be used to secure a denture directly to the jawbone, creating a strong and secure fit that a traditional removable denture simply can’t match. We can create a completely new prosthetic for you or upgrade your current denture to fit over implants so that you never have to worry about it slipping out of place. Additionally, implant dentures can be customized so they are either fixed or removable, depending on your personal preference.
You’ve likely had trouble narrowing down a single price for dental implants just by doing research online. The simple fact is that every implant case is unique, and there are various factors to take into account before we can narrow down a range for the overall price. Our team will put together an estimate for you, and they’ll answer your cost-related questions so that you can get your dental implants without breaking the bank. Below are some things that you should keep in mind when calculating the final cost of implants.
As part of the implant process, you might have to pay for separate preliminary treatments such as bone grafting. Doing so is generally well worth the extra investment, as such procedures could mean the difference between success and failure for your dental implants. As a side benefit, these procedures are generally at least partially covered by dental insurance.
Implant surgery incurs its own costs, of course, including the possible use of sedation if needed. Our practice offers all-inclusive dental care, which means you’ll only receive a bill from our office – no need to worry about paying a separate specialist.
There are various aspects of the dental implant procedure that you’ll need to keep in mind. How many implant posts are going to be needed to replace all of your teeth? Are you getting a single crown, a bridge, or dentures? What will the implant and restoration be made out of? What brand will be used? Dr. Rana can answer all of these questions and explain why certain decisions need to be made and how they benefit you in the long run.
You may not realize at first that choosing dental implants can actually end up being the most cost-effective decision for your smile. That’s because while dental implants initially cost more than bridges and dentures, their true value lies in their longevity. They don’t need to be replaced as often, and they require no special solutions for maintenance; this means you won’t have to pay as much to take care of your teeth over the long term.
Most insurance plans do not offer coverage for the actual dental implants, but your benefits could still potentially be applied to the final restoration and specific preliminary treatments. In other words, even if implants aren’t technically covered under your plan, you could still use it to help you pay for other parts of the implant process. Our team will work with you to develop a strategy for maximizing your benefits.
We accept many different dental insurance plans, and we are partnered with CareCredit so that our patients can benefit from low-to-no-interest dental financing. Our team can help you explore your payment options in more detail during your initial consultation.
Perhaps you think that once you replace your missing teeth with implants, your worries about your smile are over. That’s not exactly true. Even though your dental implants will not suffer from decay like real teeth, other complications can occur if you don’t properly maintain them. In order to protect your investment, you need to be consistent in taking care of your implants so that you can keep enjoying them many years into the future.
Your prosthetic teeth may not get cavities, but plaque can still build up on them. For this reason, you need to continue a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. These little habits may only take a few minutes every day, but they are essential for preventing gum disease or other infections that could lead to implant failure.
Having a balanced, nutritious diet doesn’t only help you enjoy better overall health; it can also help you hold onto your dental implants. Harmful bacteria thrive on sugary, starchy, sticky foods, which means that if you limit your consumption of these types of foods, you can more easily keep these bacteria under control. In addition, you can eat fruits and vegetables that actually help your smile, such as apples, carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, strawberries, and more. By making smarter choices in your diet, you can create a hospitable environment for your dental implants in your mouth.
Some patients find that they need to make some changes to their lifestyle in order to keep their new smile strong. For instance, smoking drastically increases the likelihood of implant failure because it encourages bacterial growth in the mouth. Also, if you like to chew on hard objects, such as ice, pencils, or your nails, you need to consider ending this habit, which places excessive force on your implants. Certain habits can be difficult to stop; however, your dental implants are well worth the effort.
If you are active in sports, particularly contact sports or other activities where your face could be impacted, you need to wear a mouthguard. After all, the last thing you want to have happen after all the time, effort, and resources spent to get implants is for them to be knocked out. A custom mouthguard ensures that your implants can stay securely in your mouth even if you get hit in the face.
Similarly, if you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, you need to wear a nightguard, which separates the upper and lower teeth. This appliance also eases the jaw muscles and takes the pressure off your implants, prolonging their lifespan.
Although at-home oral care is certainly important, regular visits to our Mesquite office are essential for maintaining your dental implants. Not only can we remove hardened plaque from your teeth, but we can also look for any signs of trouble or complication, catch it early on, and treat it before it causes serious damage to your smile.
Even after learning about all the benefits of dental implants, it’s common to have a few questions about the procedure. We want to help you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your needs, so we’ve put together answers to the dental implant FAQs in Mesquite that we hear the most. But if you have a question that isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to contact us!
The procedure is much less painful than you would expect! Many people compare it to having a tooth extracted where you feel pressure but not pain. Rest assured that Dr. Rana will start by making sure you’re completely numb and also offers sedation dentistry to help everyone feel comfortable during the procedure.
We generally tell our patients to take 2-3 days off work to recover after their implant surgery. You can expect mild to moderate swelling and tenderness in the area, and most people report that their discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Although you can usually go back to work after 2-3 days, it will take 5-7 days for most of the healing to occur.
Once your natural teeth have been removed, the jawbone that once surrounded the roots begins to deteriorate and reabsorb. If enough time has passed, the jaws are left too thin or too weak to support implants. This is when we recommend a bone graft, a procedure in which we add extra bone to the area to strengthen it and prepare it for implant placement. After a bone graft, it typically takes several months before the implant procedure can be done.
At your consultation, Dr. Rana will do a thorough exam that includes detailed images to check the density of your jawbone and determine if you need a bone graft.
Non-smokers have a success rate of around 97%, not to mention that implants have been successfully used for decades. They’ve also been shown to be very safe and are made from bio-compatible, surgical-grade titanium (the same material that’s used in hip and knee replacements).
In many cases, implants are a fantastic restoration option, but what’s right for one person isn’t always right for another. Our goal is to make sure the procedure will serve your needs and be a success, which is why we first recommend a consultation to evaluate your situation and create the best treatment plan. If you’d like to know if implants can work for you, give us a call any time to schedule an appointment!
It is rare for a patient to experience a failed dental implant in Mesquite; however, it can happen, and if it does, you don’t want to wait to seek help. Fortunately, our dental team is equipped and trained to handle these situations using dental implant salvage. By addressing the underlying problem, which might be an infection, trauma, or failed osseointegration, we can quickly work to treat your oral health and help you move forward with a healthier smile.
Do you want your smile to last a lifetime? Are you committed to maintaining your new teeth once they are in place? At TrueCare Dentistry, our team will provide you with dental implant post-op instructions in Mesquite so you can rest easier knowing you have the ability to take proper care of your smile. Below are some guidelines you can expect to receive from us, so you can experience a swift and successful recovery.
After your dental implant surgery, you will need to have someone escort you home, as it will take time for the anesthesia to wear off. Also, you’ll want to get plenty of rest and allow the blood clots that form in your surgical sites to remain untouched, as this will ensure your gums heal properly. This can be achieved by:
It’s natural to experience some side effects after oral surgery. Having dental implants in Mesquite placed into your jawbone will cause some discomfort, but the pain should dissipate over time. However, if you feel any major discomfort or abnormal side effects, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Some of the most common things you might experience after your surgery include:
Soft foods are what you will want to eat once your implant dentist in Mesquite clears you to go home to recover. This will make for an easier recovery, as additional pressure will not be placed on your surgical sites. The best foods to choose from include:
Once you notice that your mouth feels more “normal,” you can begin to incorporate more solids into your diet. In the meantime, you’ll want to try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the implant posts (if possible).
Maintaining a healthy smile is imperative after receiving your dental implants, as osseointegration must be successful. Developing an infection can lead to implant failure, so to avoid this, make sure you are:
Receiving your new teeth can be an exciting time, so you can expect to immediately begin enjoying your new smile. While you might have some slight sensitivity, you should experience no bleeding or swelling. If pain persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you cannot get the discomfort to let up, contact our office right away.