Hand-Crafted Dental Implants in Plano, TX

Beyond Simple Tooth Replacement: Restore Your Smile With Artistry & Precision

When you need to replace one or more of your teeth, you want the best for your smile. Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking tooth replacement solution that outperforms all other tooth replacement options. What you might not know, however, is that not all implants are created equal.

There is an element of artistry in ensuring the size, shape, and color of your implants blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth that only prosthodontists are able to achieve. Our skilled prosthodontist, Dr. Hopkins, specializes in complex restoration cases and meticulously crafts customized dental implants in Plano, TX, by hand. Contact us today to take the first step towards the smile of your dreams!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a stable, durable, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Implants consist of three distinct parts:

1. The Post
2. The Abutment
3. The Crown

Made from bio-compatible titanium, the post is designed to mimic the root structure of your natural teeth. It provides a stable foundation for the crown, the ceramic restoration that is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. The abutment is the connector that attaches the visible crown portion of your implant to the post, ensuring your implant remains firmly in place.

Dental implants enhance your smile aesthetically and contribute to overall oral health by preserving bone structure and preventing any of your adjacent teeth from shifting. At Advanced Dental Center, Dr. Hopkins expertly designs and places customized dental implants based on your unique smile needs.

The Benefits of Implants

• They provide a natural appearance, as they are custom-made to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
• Their stability and strength ensure efficient chewing and speaking, akin to natural teeth.
• Implants promote oral health by preserving jawbone integrity and preventing bone loss.
• Unlike bridges or dentures, they don’t require altering adjacent teeth, thus maintaining more of your natural tooth structure.
• Implants have a high success rate and are known for their durability, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.

What To Expect During Your Procedure

The process of getting dental implants is a multi-step procedure that involves several stages, each crucial for ensuring the success and longevity of the implant.

1. Initial Consultation: The first step involves a thorough examination by Dr. Hopkins. This includes dental X-rays and possibly 3D imaging to assess the health of your jawbone and the positioning of surrounding structures (nerves, sinuses). A detailed treatment plan is formulated based on this assessment.
2. Preparation: If there’s insufficient jawbone or if it’s too soft, you might need bone grafting before implant placement. This process involves taking bone from another part of your body or using a special bone grafting material to reinforce the jawbone. Healing from this procedure can take several months.
3. Implant Placement: Once your jawbone is ready, the dental implant, made of titanium, is surgically placed into the jawbone. It serves as a new root for the artificial tooth. After the implant is placed, a healing period (osseointegration) begins, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone. This process can take several months.
4. Abutment Placement: After osseointegration, a second minor surgery is done to place the abutment — the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This procedure is typically quick and involves reopening the gum to expose the implant and attaching the abutment.
5. Impressions for the New Tooth: Once your gums heal, more impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken. These impressions are used to make the crown — your realistic-looking artificial tooth.
6. Crown Attachment: The final step involves attaching the custom-made crown to the abutment. The crown is either cemented or screwed onto the abutment, ensuring that it fits with your natural teeth in color, shape, and function.
7. Follow-up and Care: Regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the implant, surrounding teeth, and gums to ensure everything is functioning well. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital to maintain the health and longevity of the implant.

This entire process can take a few months from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Despite the lengthy process, dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their natural appearance, function, and durability.

Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

While dental implants are the most secure option for missing teeth, they require a healthy jawbone for placement. We will conduct a thorough examination of your jawbone’s density to determine if implants are the best solution for you. Similarly, your implant posts require healthy gum tissue to seal in place. This means that any active periodontal concerns must be addressed before placing implants.

Restoring Multiple Missing Teeth

Depending on the severity of your dental loss, you have multiple options for your above-the-gum restoration. For individual missing teeth, we can attach a dental crown to an abutment at the end of your implant post. When your needs are more advanced, we can combine dentures with dental implants to provide a far more secure fit. While traditional dentures can fall out and must be refitted to address your shrinking jawbone, implant-secured dentures stimulate your jaw like natural teeth. This helps maintain your face shape without the worry of unintended movement.

Redesign Your Smile Today!

Embark on the path to a flawless smile with Advanced Dental Center. Whether it’s through dental implants or other restorative treatments, Dr. Hopkins and our dedicated team are committed to providing top-notch dental care tailored to your needs. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.