Dental Implants – Stephenville, TX • Eastland, TX
Superior Prosthetics, Longer-Lasting Smiles
Considered superior because of their ability to ensure optimal stability and functionality, dental implants are also viewed as the “gold standard” for tooth replacement. Patients who choose dental implants can expect results that cannot be achieved otherwise, which is why our team makes it easy for interested individuals to pursue this type of treatment in-house. With no referrals needed, we can complete the entire process, from start to finish, here at Texas Dental Excellence and generate results that can last a lifetime. Call our office to learn what steps you need to take to complete your smile with dental implants in Stephenville and Eastland.
Why Choose Texas Dental Excellence for Dental Implants?
- Members of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Experienced Dentist That has Been Restoring Implants for Over 25 Years
- Experts in the Art of Creating Beautiful, Lasting Smiles
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of titanium posts that look similar to screws. Mimicking tooth roots, they are surgically implanted into the jawbone to form a solid foundation. Over time, they fuse with the bone, recreating the base, before a fully customized restoration (i.e., dental crown, bridge, or denture) is secured on top. Once complete, patients can enjoy the complete root-to-crown structure that fills in the gaps in their smiles.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Initial Dental Implant Consultation – Individuals will meet with Dr. LaDuque, Dr. Wade, and our team to discuss candidacy. As part of the process, an examination will occur to determine if preliminary treatments are required.
- Dental Implant Surgery – At this time we refer patients out to an oral surgeon, who can complete the start-to-finish process in-house by delivering anesthesia and carefully placing each implant into the designated area of the jawbone.
- Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Patients will return home for 3-6 months to heal from surgery and allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone. Once healed, they’ll return to have metal abutments put into place.
- Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – The final step is to receive the customized restoration. This can consist of a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture depending on the number of teeth being replaced.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved confidence that stems from enjoying a complete smile.
- A younger-looking appearance because of how the implants hold the lips, cheeks, and facial structure in place.
- A stronger, more stimulated jawbone that prevents facial collapse and sagging as well as additional tooth loss.
- Greater oral health because of how easy it is to clean dental implants.
- A more cost-effective dental solution that doesn’t require purchasing denture adhesives or regularly seeing a dentist for adjustments or replacements.
- The ability to eat a nutrient-rich diet that doesn’t cause patients to worry about slippage.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are known for being a possible tooth replacement solution for nearly any adult suffering from tooth loss. Although some stipulations and precautions must be taken in certain circumstances, our team can take the appropriate approach to ensure that even if you cannot receive dental implants right away, your mouth will be ready when the time comes. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, dental implants are a versatile option that can improve anyone’s smile.
Missing Single Tooth
A single dental implant post, metal abutment, and custom-made dental crown can be crafted to fill in the lone gap within your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When two or more teeth are missing, two dental implants can be positioned in the outer pockets before holding a dental bridge in place. This eliminates the need to alter healthy teeth, allowing patients to keep their natural structures fully intact.
Missing All of Your Teeth
Instead of relying on a traditional denture, patients with complete tooth loss can enjoy life with an implant denture. Held into place with 4-8 implant posts, we will secure the denture to the tops of the implant posts to create a complete and fully functional smile.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. Although the same four steps must be followed, everyone’s case is different. Various factors must be considered before a complete estimate is provided. You will receive it during your initial consultation, which we will be happy to review with you and discuss your available payment options. This also means that our team at Texas Dental Excellence will file any paperwork and claims on your behalf to ease the financial process and make it more manageable for you.
Dental Implant FAQs
Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?
There isn't a strict minimum age for dental implants, but they generally aren’t recommended for people under 18. The reason is that your jawbone needs to be fully developed before receiving implants, which typically happens between ages 16-18 for girls and 18-21 for boys. If the jaw is still growing, placing an implant could lead to complications, such as misalignment or failure of the implant.
We will assess bone development through X-rays and other imaging techniques. In some rare cases, younger patients may still qualify for implants if their jaw is fully matured. Alternatives like temporary dentures or bridges may be recommended in the meantime.
Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?
There’s no upper age limit for getting dental implants, as long as you’re in good health. Many older adults, even in their 70s or 80s, successfully get implants. The main factors are the health and density of your jawbone, as well as your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or gum disease can impact healing and the success of the implant.
We will assess your bone structure and general health before recommending implants. In cases where the bone is insufficient, procedures like bone grafts can sometimes help. Age alone is rarely a barrier, but each case is unique, so a thorough evaluation is essential.
Do Dental Implants Decay?
Dental implants themselves do not decay because they are made from materials like titanium and ceramic, which are resistant to bacteria. However, the surrounding gum tissue and bone can be affected by poor oral hygiene. If plaque and bacteria build up around the implant, it can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis, similar to gum disease.
Peri-implantitis can cause inflammation, infection, and bone loss, potentially leading to implant failure. To avoid this, regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential. While implants are durable, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to protect the surrounding structures and ensure long-term success.
How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dental Implants?
The timing for getting dental implants after a tooth extraction depends on several factors, including the condition of the extraction site and your overall health. There are generally three main approaches:
- Immediate implant placement: The implant is placed during the same visit as the extraction. This is ideal if the bone is healthy and infection-free.
- Early implant placement: Implants are placed 2-3 months after extraction, allowing the gums to heal but before significant bone loss occurs.
- Delayed implant placement: This occurs 4-6 months or more after extraction, typically when bone grafting or additional healing is needed.
We will evaluate the situation and recommend the best timing based on your specific case.
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