Transforming Smiles with Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implant, offering a secure and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. At My Dentist In Plano, we are proud to provide our patients with this transformative dental implant solution. Led by the experienced Plano implant dentist, Dr. Darren Dickson, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a complete, healthy, and confident smile. Learn more about endosteal implants and why they’re the most common implant type by calling our Collin County dental practice at (972) 378-9747.
What Are Endosteal Dental Implants?
Endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone, mimicking the shape and function of a natural tooth root. Typically made of titanium, these implants serve as a stable foundation for permanent artificial tooth teeth or restorations, such as dental crowns, bridges, or even implant-supported full or partial dentures.
The endosteal implant procedure involves multiple steps, beginning with the surgical placement of the titanium dental implant post into the jawbone. This is typically done by an oral surgeon, using advanced techniques and the latest dental equipment to ensure precision and accuracy. After a healing period of three to six months, during which the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, the final restoration is attached, completing your new, natural-looking smile.
The Benefits of Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal implants offer a range of dental health advantages for our patients in Plano, including:
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, endosteal implants can last a lifetime, providing a permanent and reliable tooth replacement option.
- Natural Look and Function: Endosteal implants are designed to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, offering a lifelike appearance and the ability to function just like your original teeth.
- High Success Rates: Endosteal implants boast a success rate of around 95 percent, making them a highly reliable and predictable tooth replacement solution.
- Preservation of Jawbone: By replacing missing teeth, endosteal implants help prevent the deterioration of the underlying jawbone, which can occur when teeth are lost. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the mouth and face.
- Improved Oral Health: Filling gaps left by missing teeth can help maintain the alignment and health of the surrounding teeth, preventing issues like tooth shifting and bite problems.
- Easy Maintenance: Caring for endosteal implants is as simple as brushing and flossing your natural teeth, with no special instructions or requirements.
The Endosteal Implant Process
The endosteal implant process typically involves multiple steps, beginning with the surgical placement of the titanium post into the jawbone. This is done by carefully creating a pilot hole in the bone and then inserting the titanium implant itself, ensuring it is properly positioned and secured.
After the implant is placed, a healing period of three to six months is required to allow the bone to fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain the appearance of your smile.
Once the osseointegration process is complete, the final restoration, such as a dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture, is then attached to the implant post. This restoration is custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Throughout the entire endosteal implant process, our team at My Dentist In Plano will work closely with you to ensure your comfort, address any concerns, and provide detailed instructions for proper care and maintenance of your new tooth replacement.
Am I a Candidate for Endosteal Dental Implants?
To be a suitable candidate for endosteal implants, there are a few key factors that our team at My Dentist In Plano will evaluate during your initial consultation:
Adequate Jawbone Density
Endosteal implants require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to anchor the implant post. Patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to factors like tooth extractions or gum disease may need additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to create a stronger foundation.
Good Oral and General Health
Patients should be in generally good health, with healthy gum tissue and no active dental or periodontal issues. Certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of implant complications and may make a patient less suitable for the procedure.
Ability to Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Successful endosteal implants require the patient to commit to a diligent oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Patients who smoke or use tobacco products may also be at a higher risk of implant failure and may not be ideal candidates.
Endosteal Dental Implant Alternatives
If our evaluation determines that you are not an ideal candidate for endosteal implants, our team at My Dentist In Plano may recommend alternative tooth replacement options or supplemental procedures to help prepare your mouth for successful implant placement. Some of these alternatives include:
- Zygomatic Implants: These longer implants are anchored into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone, making them a suitable option for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. However, these may not be offered at our Plano dental office.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue, making them a viable choice for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone density and cannot support an endosteal implant. Please note that this type of implant is not normally offered due to advances in bone grafting technology.
- Removable Dentures: For patients who have lost multiple or all of their teeth, removable dentures can provide a non-surgical tooth replacement option.
- Dental Bridges: A prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to the surrounding natural teeth on either side of the gap.
During your consultation, Dr. Dickson and our team will carefully evaluate your individual needs and goals, and work with you to determine the most appropriate tooth replacement solution, whether it’s endosteal implants or an alternative option.
Reclaim Your Confident Smile with Endosteal Implants, Call Now!
Tired of hiding your smile due to missing teeth? Endosteal dental implants are a tried and true implant method that can restore your oral health and confidence. At My Dentist In Plano, we are skilled in providing top-quality implant solutions to patients in Plano, and surrounding areas such as Richardson, Garland, and Dallas, TX. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Contact My Dentist In Plano by dialing (972) 378-9747 or visit our website to schedule your consultation today!
