Although biological teeth may be gone, we can preserve the appearance and functionality of those missing teeth. A dental implant is most often constructed using titanium, a metal that was discovered to have unique properties that actually promote bone growth and fusion between bone and the implant. This ultimately provides the strength and support for the implant similar to the way the root of a natural tooth works.

The oral surgeon will place the implant in gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. One or several implants can be placed at one time to accommodate however many teeth are missing. 

Over the next several months, healing will take place. The implant will be protected with a temporary covering during this time. The implant area requires daily care to keep it free from infection, which is the number one cause of implant failure.

The healing process can take four to six months, so a commitment from the patient to perform daily maintenance, and abstain from tobacco use (another leading known reason for implant failure) are needed before embarking on the dental implant journey.

However many sacrifices are made, the result is well worth it! The dental implants will be covered by permanent restorations designed to match surrounding teeth. No one will be able to tell which teeth have been restored.

With natural dental beauty back, the next concern is with functionality. There are no dietary limits as chewing capability has returned. Gaps from tooth loss are a distant memory so smiling and speaking can be resumed with self-confidence.

Caring for dental implants is the same process employed for natural teeth. Daily flossing and brushing are critical for the care of all teeth. Dental visits for a thorough cleaning and exam twice per year will help you maintain a lifetime of healthy teeth and happy smiles.

This process results in an evolving shape of the jaw, and dentures that were fitted to a patient’s original bone structure will become looser over time.

In theory, this process might also present a problem for denture wearers who want to take advantage of the benefits of dental implants. For successful dental implant placement, the patient must have enough bone material to support the fusion of bone and implant after the oral surgeon inserts the implant into the jaw. If the bone is inadequate, the implant may fail.

A technique known as All-on-4 dental implants overcomes this obstacle. With this approach, the oral surgeon places the implants toward the front of the jaw because the bone wears away more slowly at that site. The implants are angled underneath the gumline, further maximizing available bone.

Not only does All-on-4 give dental implants to patients who already have experienced bone loss, it helps to halt further jawbone resorption. The implants essentially fill in for the missing tooth roots and stabilize the jaw. With All-on-4 implants, the fit of your appliance will remain consistent over time.

Because of the position placement of the dental implants, most patients will be good candidates for All-on-4. For those few who aren’t, a bone graft may also provide sufficient jawbone material to sustain osseointegration. If this procedure is needed, it will extend the overall treatment timeline, so patients should be prepared for that.

All-on-4 implants offer a tooth replacement method that is more secure and durable than standard dentures. If you are a long-term denture wearer who wants to upgrade to implants rather than merely replace your current appliance, consider this treatment option. Contact our team of skilled oral surgeons today to learn more about All-on-4 implants.

If those issues aren’t treated prior to dental implant placement, the implant procedure may not be successful in the long-term.

Symptoms like receding gums may indicate an underlying condition that should be addressed before a patient gets dental implants. Allowing the disease process to continue may negatively affect the implant.

In particular, uncontrolled periodontal disease must be treated before the oral surgeon can perform the implant placement procedure. The same bacteria that attack the gums can eventually reach the bone, compromising its structural integrity and potentially putting the implant at risk for failure.

If you show signs of periodontal disease, the oral surgeon may recommend a preliminary intervention, such as scaling and root planing, to reduce the presence of oral bacteria.

A lack of adequate gum tissue can expose the underlying bone directly to elements that may promote jawbone erosion. The quality of available bone material in the jaw is essential to dental implant success. The titanium in the implants fuses with the bone, allowing the implant to become a permanent fixture in the jaw. If there is not enough bone, that osseointegration may not be completed and the implant can fail.

Just because you have receding gums, though, doesn’t mean that you’re automatically ruled out as a candidate for dental implants. Effective treatments are available, such as gum graft surgery. Not only do these interventions help to create a suitable environment for dental implants, they also improve your smile’s aesthetics at the same time!

Your oral surgeon will work to develop a treatment plan that achieves your smile goals in the shortest reasonable time frame possible, too.

Don’t let receding gums dissuade you from moving forward with your treatment plan to replace missing teeth with dental implants. To set the stage for the best possible outcomes, though, talk to our team at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas about other treatments that may be needed prior to dental implant placement.

Using this method, the oral surgeon will place four titanium dental implants near the front of the jaw. Those implants will fuse with the bone over time, and they anchor a prosthetic arch in place. This technique represents a vast improvement over dentures, which are known for discomfort and poor fit.

Nonetheless, All-on-4 is a significant undertaking because it does involve a surgical procedure, albeit one that takes just a few hours, and a financial investment. Patients often want reassurance that the treatment will be an effective one.

All-on-4 has a success rate as high as standard dental implants, if not higher, with some studies showing a success rate of 98.2 percent on the upper arch.

In order to maximize an All-on-4 patient’s chances for success, the patient should be thoroughly evaluated to see if he or she is an appropriate candidate for the treatment. 

Certain factors will increase the likelihood of implant failure in All-on-4 patients, and those factors are the same as those that present problems for single implant patients, too.

First of all, patients must have a sufficient amount of bone to support the All-on-4 dental implants. This is true of all dental implants. The process by which the implant fuses with the bone is essential to the implant’s longevity. Poor bone quality can compromise the implant.

Fortunately, a key component of the All-on-4 technique is the location of the implants, which are placed toward the front of the jaw. The bone erodes more quickly at the rear of the jaw, so more bone tends to be available at the front.

Smoking may also cause dental implant failure, so All-on-4 implant candidates should give up this habit for good if they still engage in it.

Patients who are considering All-on-4 dental implants should discuss any concerns about possible implant failure with the oral surgeon in advance. Plan your aftercare routine to maximize your chances of All-on-4 success.

For additional information, contact Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas and schedule your informative consultation today.

The All-on-4 approach, in which an oral surgeon places four titanium dental implants in the jaw to anchor a prosthetic arch, is an increasingly popular tooth replacement option for edentulous patients.

Dental implants are stronger than other tooth replacement alternatives because they are fused to the bone. This gives the implant greater stability and makes it stronger. In the case of All-on-4 implants, the denture is more secure, which means that it won’t shift during chewing.

In short, dental implants are the most lifelike tooth replacement option available, and they’re the only one that approximates the strength of biological teeth.

Because implant-supported dentures are stronger, patients can enjoy a more varied diet thanks to this treatment option. There’s no longer a need to give up all of your favorite foods just because you had to get dentures!

Of course, you shouldn’t try to test the strength of your dental implants. Use common sense. If you wouldn’t bite into an item (such as a pencil) out of concern for breaking a natural tooth, don’t do it with a dental implant, either.

All-on-4 implants have other advantages over dentures, too. Most importantly, the implants help to halt the jawbone erosion that denture wearers typically experience. The bone wears away when there are no roots to hold it in place, and only implants mimic that root structure.

Even patients with significant bone loss may be able to choose All-on-4 implants. The implants are placed in a way that maximizes available bone. Generally, the bone toward the front of the jaw wears away more slowly, so all four of the implants are placed there. The outside implants are angled beneath the gumline as another step to make sure that there’s enough room for them.

All-on-4 implants are remarkably strong and functional in comparison to dentures. To take advantage of the benefits of All-on-4 implants, talk to our skilled and dedicated team of oral surgeons to learn if this technique is an option for you. Call 214-823-5444 to schedule your visit.

Dental implants can replace one lost tooth or several. If several teeth together are missing, an implant supported bridge may be the best option.

When selecting implants as treatment for tooth loss, there are several considerations to be discussed with your oral surgeon:

• Commitment to treatment – For some patients, the dental implant process can take six months to a year from start to finish. Understanding the time line and having a willingness to adhere to the actions needed for a successful outcome is critical
• Smoking and tobacco use should be discontinued prior to starting the implant process
• Since infection is the primary cause of implant failure, keeping the implant area clean with daily flossing and brushing is imperative

A dental implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy. The implant itself is usually made from titanium which is known for its ability to fuse to bone. During the time the implant is healing, it will not only be fusing to existing bone, it has the ability to regenerate bone tissue. This will provide strength and support to the crown or bridge that eventually covers it. 

When the implant area has healed, and it is time to complete treatment, a cosmetic restoration is fabricated that will closely match surrounding natural teeth. The size, shape and color of the replacement teeth will make your implant virtually impossible to detect.

Caring for your dental implant is as easy as practicing the same excellent dental hygiene regimen you do for your natural teeth. Daily flossing and brushing at least twice per day; twice yearly visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams; and keeping your physical health operating at peak performance will enhance your dental health as well.

Contact our skilled and dedicated team at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas to learn how dental implants can enhance your quality of life.

Most often, loose dentures are caused by a lack of support, decreased bone volume, or a lack of suction between the gums and the denture. To combat these issues, your dentist may recommend the All-on-4 procedure. By referring you to an experienced oral surgeon for the strategic placement of only four dental implants, a substantial support system can be created to stabilize your denture.

With strong underlying support, you will no longer be forced to suffer with ill-fitting teeth that shift and click uncomfortably. More importantly, dental implants can transform a denture from a removable appliance to a fixed appliance. With the advantage of dental implants, your denture will no longer need to be removed for cleaning and routine maintenance.

Compared to other common alternatives such as denture glues and denture relines, anchoring your denture with just four dental implants tends to be a well-accepted treatment among dental patients. That’s because glues and relines are typically short-term solutions that rely upon the gum tissue for stability.

In contrast, the All-on-4 technique relies upon the strength of the bone structure to anchor the denture. Even for those patients who have suffered extensive bone loss as the result of years without natural teeth can be suitable candidates for this minimally invasive procedure.

With advanced planning and in the absence of serious medical conditions, the four dental implants can be placed in the upper or lower jaw (or both) and your new teeth can be attached within the same-day visit. A new denture can be designed to attach to your dental implants, or your existing denture may be retro-fitted to your implants for support.

You do have options when you are confronted with loose dentures. However, some of your options may be more satisfying than others. To find out why All-on-4 dentures may be just the solution that you’ve waited for, contact Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas. Call our Dallas office at 214-823-5444, or contact any of our four locations to schedule your individualized consultation today.

Being born without certain permanent teeth can pose a number of complications. It can affect the shape and density of your jawbone, it can affect the position of the neighboring teeth, and it can impact your chewing and speaking ability.

To restore their smiles, many patients turn to dental implants. Historically, the traditional options for replacing a congenitally missing tooth were somewhat aggressive. Tooth replacement options such as dental bridges and partials required that the neighboring, healthy teeth be altered in order to gain adequate support. Ultimately, a one tooth problem required a three-tooth solution. And the final outcome wasn’t always natural-looking or comfortable. 

Today, your oral surgeon will suggest dental implants as the most ideal treatment option. With implants, there is no negative impact on the neighboring teeth. You won’t have to depend on your natural teeth to anchor the implant and your replacement teeth will not clip or clasp onto the adjacent teeth.

If the implant is to replace a single missing tooth, it will be fitted with a realistic looking dental crown. If more than one tooth is missing, a dental bridge can be designed to restore the biting surface. With either alternative, the final restoration will be shaped just like a natural tooth and shaded to blend with the neighboring teeth.

An implant will also help to bring balance to your bite and prevent your teeth from shifting. You’ll have the best opportunity to eliminate spaces and gaps in your smile with a solution that is built to last a lifetime.

Contact Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas, serving Park Cities and surrounding areas, to learn more about your options for replacing congenitally missing teeth.

With the All-On-4 dental implant system, you can regain the comfort and security that you may have lost with traditional dentures. With the placement of only four dental implants in the upper or lower jaw, your oral surgeon can create a permanent foundation for a complete set of teeth.

In as little as a single day, you can begin to enjoy a complete smile that won’t need to be removed throughout the day or at night! No denture glue and no clicking and slipping as you eat and speak, just a beautifully strong set of teeth that you can depend on.

Just like natural tooth roots, dental implants are bound directly to the jaw bone like a permanent anchor. This relationship serves multiple purposes. Bone loss will be prevented due to the implants stimulation of the jaw bone. Just as importantly, your teeth will rely upon the implants and the bone for support, rather than the soft and loosely attached gum tissue.

There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with permanent teeth. With All-On-4 dental implants, you can be sure that your teeth are compatible with your busy lifestyle. You can eat the foods that you like and never worry that those around you may be distracted by your dentures. You will no longer need to purchase denture products or schedule dental appointments for denture adjustments. If you have suffered extensive bone loss while wearing traditional dentures, implants will help to stop that process and preserve the structure of your facial features.

Life with dentures doesn’t have to be a life without comfort and confidence. Our team at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas will review your dental implant options during your professional consultation. Call our Cedar Hill office at 972-291-0297, or contact any of our four convenient locations to schedule your visit today.

Just as your natural teeth were anchored firmly into the underlying bone, so should your artificial teeth. To provide complete tooth replacement and to simulate a more natural relationship between the teeth and the bone, your oral surgeon may suggest All-On-4 dental implants. 

Whether you require replacement teeth in the upper arch, the lower arch, or both, the All-On-4 procedure can restore the comfort and confidence that you once enjoyed. With a series of four dental implants, your oral surgeon can create an extraordinarily strong foundation for your denture. Since the implants are directly fused to the jaw bone, the forces of chewing can be properly distributed.

Traditionally, a complete denture is designed to rest upon the delicate gum tissue, relying on suction for stability. Of course, as the underlying bone resorbs, there is a significant loss of suction. Even where there is adequate bone support, the process of speaking and chewing can break the seal of suction and permit the denture to move out of place. The continuous lack of stability is the factor that robs you of your confidence, makes you feel frustrated, and hurts your gum tissue each day.

Transitioning to All-On-4 dental implants may be the most effective way to prevent the discomfort and frustration of traditional dentures. In fact, the dental implants can provide enough stimulation to prevent bone loss and ensure your long-term comfort.

Patients who have lived with ill-fitting dentures for years as well as first-time denture wearers will find relief in as little as a day with the All-On-4 solution. Find out more by contacting our office serving the DFW area and scheduling an appointment today.