Implant Dentistry Plano, TX

Missing a tooth changes more than your smile. It affects how you chew, how you speak, and, over time, the bone in your jaw. Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth that modern dentistry can offer, and Dr. Jacob Grapevine has helped patients in Plano restore their smiles with implants for over two decades.

What makes Signature Dentistry different is how Dr. Grapevine approaches implant care. He partners with trusted local oral surgeons for the surgical placement, then personally handles your restoration. Before placing any crown on your implant, he uses T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis to make sure your implant fits perfectly into your natural bite. Other offices often skip this implant step, but Dr. Grapevine considers it essential to the long-term success of your implant.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a long-lasting way to replace a missing tooth. It works like a natural tooth root, giving you both the look and function of the real thing. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone, where it bonds with the bone over time. This makes the implant strong and stable.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, support a dental bridge, or hold a full set of dentures in place. They are a reliable, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile and your confidence.

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that doesn’t need extra care beyond regular brushing and flossing. Unlike dentures, they won’t slip or move around at all. However, implants need a strong jawbone for support. We will always check to see if you’re a good candidate before suggesting this treatment.

Although getting a dental implant may sound complex, it’s a procedure with a quick recovery for most patients. Implants are one of the most natural and durable ways to replace missing teeth. Dr. Grapevine and his team will make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.

The Parts of a Dental Implant

Dental implants have three main parts. These parts work together to act as an artifical tooth root. 

Implant Post

This is a small, screw-like titanium piece. Titanium is strong and compatible with the human body. The Plano oral surgeon we partner with will place this post into your jawbone. The post will act as the root of the artificial tooth. Once the post integrates with the bone, he connects the abutment.

Abutment

This piece sits on top of the implant post to serve as the base for the final restoration. It’s the connector piece that sticks up slightly above the gums and holds the crown, bridge, or denture in place. Abutments are made of ceramic, metal, or a mix of materials.

Restoration

This is the visible part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. The restoration can either be a crown, bridge or denture. Dr. Grapevine will choose the best option for you based on how much dental work you need.

The Dental Implant Process in Plano, TX

Before anything begins, Dr. Grapevine will take digital X-rays to view your jaw and tooth roots to determine if you need gum disease treatment or a comfortable tooth extraction. 

He also uses T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis to plan your treatment carefully. Dr. Grapevine reviews your jawbone health, your bite, and your overall oral health to make sure implants are the right fit for you. If you need a bone graft first, he will walk you through that process.

Placing the Implant Post

The surgical placement is performed by a trusted oral surgery partner. In many cases, the implant can be placed the same day a tooth is removed, which means fewer procedures and a faster path to your final result. After surgery, some tenderness in the area is normal for a few days. Full bonding of the implant with the bone takes about three to six months.

Healing and Your Temporary Crown

While your implant heals, Dr. Grapevine will take impressions of your teeth to design your custom restoration. In many cases, a temporary crown is placed during healing so the gap is filled and your gums can heal properly around it.

Placing Your Final Crown

Once the implant has fully bonded with the bone, Dr. Grapevine attaches your final restoration. He then uses T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis to check how your new crown fits with the rest of your teeth. This technology measures bite pressure in real time and allows Dr. Grapevine to make precise adjustments. It is one of the most important steps in the process and a key reason his implant results last.