Dental Implant FAQ Plano, TX

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most people will qualify for dental implants. Age is not a factor (although we do not recommend children get them because their jaw bone is still growing), but you must be in good overall health since minor surgery is involved with the process. We advise people that smoke to either quit or choose a different tooth replacement option because that will interfere with the healing within the mouth.

People that smoke have a much higher chance of implant failure compared to those that do not. You must also have healthy gums. If you suffer from any signs of gum disease, you will need to undergo treatment before the implant process can begin.

Most importantly, you must have enough bone mass to hold the implant(s). If you suffer from bone loss, Dr. Grapevine may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the bone.

Once an implant is placed, proper oral hygiene is imperative to the success of your treatment.

What kind of dental implant will I need?

The kind of implant you need will depend on how many teeth you are missing and the location of your missing teeth. There are many types of implants available and Dr. Grapevine can help you choose which one is right for you. He offers single and multiple dental implants at his Plano, TX dentist office.

Can I get dental implants if I am missing all of my teeth?

Yes! Dr. Grapevine offers implant secured dentures for patients who are missing entire arches. He can utilize the All-on-4 technique for patients with a compromised bone structure to receive dental implants without the need for extensive bone grafting. Using as little as four implants, he can place a custom denture on the top and/or bottom jaw to restore your full smile.

What is the dental implant process like and how long will it take?

The dental implant process will be different for each patient. The steps typically include:

  • Consultation and treatment planning
  • Pre-treatments including periodontal therapy, bone graft or extractions if required
  • Surgical implantation of the implant(s) with 3-6 months of healing time
  • Attachment of the abutment with a few weeks of healing time
  • Placement of the permanent restoration

This process will take several months with most of the time being for healing. Some patients will be able to have the implant placed and permanent restoration secured on the same visit.

How many visits are involved?

The entire implant process will take place over multiple visits. At least six total visits will be required and sometimes more depending the patient’s unique needs. Most of these appointments will take place at Dr. Grapevine’s cosmetic dentistry in Plano, TX with the exception of the surgical implantation. This will be at a local oral surgeon or periodontist office.

How much do dental implants cost?

This is often the first question asked when considering dental implants. However, it is not so easy to answer. To get an accurate cost of treatment, you must first undergo a thorough examination. Many factors will contribute to the cost including:

  • Number of missing teeth
  • The location of the missing teeth
  • The type of implant needed
  • The type of restoration you will need

If you are interested in getting teeth implants, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Grapevine. He can help you decide if implants are the right choice for you and help you financially plan for treatment.

Learn More About Dental Implants at Signature Dentistry