Do you have one or more missing teeth? Replacing them is crucial because it can make chewing and speaking difficult. Not to mention, it can cause your remaining teeth to move out of alignment. What’s more, an incomplete smile can even cause bone loss, which increases your risk of losing more teeth. Thankfully, there’s a way to restore your smile with dental implants in Fort Worth. Give Dr. David Tillman a call today to learn how!
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth. They mimic the form and function of a tooth so closely that you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. A single dental implant is most often made of a titanium post that is embedded in your jawbone. Then, an abutment connects the implant to your tooth restoration, which could be a crown, bridge or denture. After the implant has fully healed, you can expect eating your favorite foods, practicing oral care, and basic tasks like smiling and speaking to feel incredibly natural. These are just a few of the reasons why Dr. Tillman and most dentists around the world recommend them over other solutions.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
If dental implants are the best option for you, we would be happy to discuss your next steps. Treatment with dental implants is completed in four steps. Besides earning his dental degree, Dr. Tillman has undergone 3 additional years of training in implant dentistry and bone grafting to handle each step in your treatment plan right here in our office. You’ll save time and money with complete care under one roof. Read on to learn more about the process so you know what to expect.
Benefits of Dental Implants
A dental implant uses a small metal post made of titanium to secure a new prosthetic. This combination mimics the natural structure of a tooth, including the root, and secures your replacement teeth while also strengthening the jaw. As a result, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits not possible with other treatments. To learn more about what you can expect after your implants are healed and restored with a custom-made restoration, take a moment to read over the countless benefits patients have experienced since their treatment!
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Implants are incredibly versatile. They can be paired with a single crown, a bridge, a partial, or a full denture. No matter how many teeth you need to replace, dental implants can help.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
For the most part, just about all of the patients we see turn out to qualify for dental implants. However, there are a few guidelines. First, you must be in overall good health because receiving dental implants does require oral surgery. In addition, wanting dental implants is another good reason not to be a smoker. Tobacco use can impede the healing process after surgery. Finally, you’ll need to have enough bone volume in your jaw to support the dental implant. Dr. Tillman will check this during your pre-exam.
Missing One Tooth
An implant post, an abutment, and a custom-made crown replace the entire structure of a missing tooth. It will blend in seamlessly with your teeth, so no one will know it isn’t your own.
Missing Multiple Teeth
A bridge of prosthetic teeth is created to fill the empty space. It’s held in place using a dental implant at either end, so there’s no need to alter healthy teeth.
Missing All Teeth
An average of 4 to 8 implant posts secure your denture to your jawbone. You’ll never need to worry about any slipping or irritation again!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
If you’re dealing with tooth loss, then Dr. Tillman may have already talked to you about the advantages of dental implants. Now there is just one more question: What is the cost of dental implants in Fort Worth?
On average, a single dental implant will cost between $1500 and $2000. But don’t base your decision on the price tag only. There are other factors to consider.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are Dental Implants Safe?
For most patients who have good dental health, dental implants are very successful when placed by a qualified professional. If you have low jawbone density or gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed with preliminary treatments ahead of time to make your dental implant surgery safer and more successful. If you have diabetes, cancer, or other medical conditions that could make surgery or healing risky, we will discuss them with you during your consultation to make a final decision.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or so, as it could delay healing. Bleeding should cease after the first couple of days, and swelling should stop after three to four days. Remember to take all prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. It could take up to six months for your implants to fuse with your jawbone.
Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?
Your dental implants will be placed and your restorations designed based on impressions taken of your mouth. Once the restorations are placed, no one should be able to differentiate them from natural teeth. Dental implants are placed in the jaw just like tooth roots, so you won’t need to hold your jaw in an unnatural way to keep them in place like you might have to with poor-fitting dentures. Ultimately, you can expect your restored smile to appear perfectly natural!
How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dental Implants?
In some situations, if the jawbone is healthy enough, a dental implant can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction. Oftentimes, a dentist will recommend waiting three to six months for the mouth to heal. Waiting much longer than this can cause the jawbone to shrink because of the lack of stimulation from the tooth’s roots. The answer will depend on the specifics of your unique case, so we will discuss this in more detail with you.