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Dental Implants – Fort Worth, TX

The Ultimate Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

Are you missing one, some, or all of your pearly whites? At Summer Creek Dentistry, Dr. Jasmine King is proud to offer the ultimate choice for replacing missing teeth: dental implants! With this unique state-of-the-art treatment, we can dramatically improve how your smile looks, feels, and functions. Dental implants in Fort Worth even boost your oral health and prevent jawbone deterioration, which cannot be said of other tooth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges. Read on to learn more about this excellent tooth loss solution and give us a call today to schedule your dental implant consultation!

Older woman smiling outdoors with dental implants in Fort Worth

Why Choose Summer Creek Dentistry for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

Illustrated dental implant with abutment and crown

Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement because they replace the entire structure of a missing tooth. Dentures and dental bridges only restore the visible portion above the gumline, giving them far less stability and leading to issues in the jawbone underneath. On the other hand, dental implants replace the missing roots with a small titanium post that is inserted directly into the jawbone. There, it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue (via a natural process called osseointegration) to create a strong, natural-feeling foundation for the custom crown, bridge, or denture it supports.

When you replace missing teeth from the roots up, the results offer unmatched comfort, functionality, and longevity. In fact, if you take good care of dental implants, they could even last for the rest of your life! For that reason and many more, Dr. King usually recommends dental implants for patients who are suffering from tooth loss.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Illustrated dental implant being placed in the lower jaw

Unlike traditional tooth replacement options, getting dental implants requires several steps and a multi-month process. After all, rebuilding your tooth from the root up is pretty complex! That said, the longevity of dental implants makes them undoubtedly worth the wait.

Many general dental practices have to refer their patients to outside oral surgeons or periodontists for the surgical dental implant placement. However, Dr. King has undergone the advanced training required to handle the procedure right here in our Fort Worth dental office! You can rest easy knowing you’ll be with a dental team you already know and trust at every step of the dental implant process – the initial consultation, the surgery, osseointegration, and the delivery of your restorations.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Happy older couple in a park

The reason why dental implants are considered to be the crème de la crème of tooth replacement is that they offer a host of benefits. For instance, with an implant, you don’t have to alter any of your other teeth, as the fixture is completely self-sufficient.

Additionally, it is the best way to prevent the bone degeneration that is common with prolonged tooth loss, as the stimulation needed to encourage new bone growth is restored with the insertion of the implant into the jawbone. This also helps to prevent any shifting of the remaining teeth, which could lead to malocclusion (misaligned bite) and a greater chance of gum infection.

A final perk of receiving a dental implant at Summer Creek Dentistry is that you’ll have a smile that looks like you were born with it. That is greatly attributed to the fact that instead of resting atop the gums, dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that insert into the jawbone, which creates a natural-looking appearance while restoring up to 75% of your original chewing capacity.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Smiling older man with a beard

Few restorative dentistry services have the versatility that dental implants do. In addition to using an implant to replace a single tooth, you can also use them to replace multiple teeth or even a full row of teeth. As a result, more patients can receive help with dental implants. However, your jaw must be strong enough to support the placement of one or more implant posts.

Missing One Tooth

Are you missing a single tooth? It’s still important to replace it to keep your jawbone and remaining teeth healthy. Dr. King will use a custom-made crown on top of an implant post to replace your tooth, creating a seamlessly complete and functional smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you’re missing multiple teeth consecutively, we can use an implant dental bridge to fill the gap. Using dental implants on either side of your missing teeth, Dr. King can anchor a custom prosthetic that literally bridges the gap. This creates a beautiful smile that is ready to chew, talk, and make positive impressions!

Missing All Teeth

If you’re missing all of your teeth, your dentist in Fort Worth can use an implant denture to give you the most secure, full smile replacement. This option allows you to receive all of your teeth at once with the security and comfort of strategically placed dental implants.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental instruments on top of a stack of hundred dollar bills

The total cost of your dental implants will be based on various factors. The number of teeth you’re missing, where you’re missing them, and the condition of your oral health can influence the cost. The type of dental restoration that you need will also be added into the total price of your implants. Because of these many variables, the best way to get a precise estimate is to visit our office.

Types of Dental Implants

Two dental implant posts supporting a dental bridge

Contrary to common belief, there is more than one type of dental implant. The most popular options are standard titanium posts or mini implants. The type and material used influences the cost. In addition, the number of posts needed also affects the price.

If you are only replacing a single tooth, you only need one post. If you are replacing two or more teeth in a row, you will need an implant post at either end of the bridge to support it. An entire arch of missing teeth is replaced using an implant denture, which requires on average, four to eight implant posts.

Stages of Dental Implant Treatment

A patient at a dental implant consultation

The process to complete your smile will occur in multiple stages. Each stage has a different cost, which allows you to spread out the entire amount over the course of several months to one year depending on your individual treatment plan. On average, you can expect to pay for:

  • Consultation: You need an initial consultation to ensure dental implants are right for you. Besides the dental office fee, you also need digital x-rays and a CT scan to assess your oral health.
  • Additional Procedures: It is common to need additional treatments before placing your implant posts, such as tooth extractions, a sinus lift, or bone grafting.
  • Implant Placement: Sedation or anesthesia is needed to surgically place your implant posts into your jawbone.
  • Abutments and Restorations: After several weeks, your jawbone will be fused to the posts. Now, special fixtures called abutments are placed on them using a second minor surgery. They are connector pieces between your restorations. The restorations are often the most expensive part of the treatment.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Young woman showing off her smile

Dental implants are more cost-effective long-term because they can last for several decades with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene. Not to mention, they improve your oral health by reducing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss to lower your overall dental costs.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental insurance form on a clipboard

Most dental insurances will not pay for the entire treatment, but it may cover certain aspects depending on your specific policy. We help you maximize the value of your coverage to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We accept several forms of payment to cover any remaining balance, including third-party financing with CareCredit.

Dental Implant FAQs

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Dental implants are considered the pinnacle of tooth-replacement options out there and typically boast a success rate of 95% or more. That said, there is still a rare chance that they can fail. Two of the main culprits that can cause this to occur are peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration.

Peri-implantitis is a kind of periodontal infection that attacks and destroys the connective tissues surrounding the implant, causing it to become loose. This complication can usually be avoided by practicing simple oral hygiene every day. Failed osseointegration occurs whenever the dental implant doesn’t properly fuse with the jawbone to create the stable foundation necessary for your restorations. This tends to happen because of inadequate bone density, which can typically be addressed with a bone graft. Our team will walk you through the steps for minimizing your risk of implant failure.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?

Right after undergoing the dental implant placement surgery, you’ll need to take plenty of time to heal. To avoid disturbing the surgical site, make sure you only eat soft foods that require minimal chewing. You should also avoid acidic, sugary, and alcoholic beverages, as these can increase the risk of delayed recovery and bacteria. After you’ve completely recovered, you can begin to expand your diet to include most of your favorite foods. Still, remember that the things you eat will directly affect your oral health. Sugary treats can often lead to problems like decay and cavities, which can negatively impact the tissues surrounding your implants. Munching on crunchy or hard foods, such as raw nuts and pretzels, can also raise the risk of chipping or damaging your new teeth, so be sure to use caution when enjoying your meals.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The longevity of your brand-new pearly whites will mostly depend on the level of care you give them. This means that by practicing great oral hygiene every day and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year, you should be able to expect your dental implants to last for several decades or longer. To make the most of your restorations, be sure to brush twice daily, floss after meals or at least before bed, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. You should also avoid harmful products, like tobacco, as these can increase the risk of your dental implants failing down the road.

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

While age isn’t the only determining factor for a patient’s eligibility for dental implants, this treatment is mostly reserved for those who have strong, healthy, and fully matured jawbones. This means that if you are under the age of 18, which is when the jaw should finish developing, then you might be too young for the procedure. In that case, you would need to consider other tooth-replacement options, such as dental bridges and dentures. Once your jawbone is fully matured, however, you can speak with our team about transitioning from your current restoration/prosthetic to dental implants.

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