Dental Implants
Support a Brighter Smile with Implants
We understand that losing one or more teeth can be difficult, and we’re here to help you find a solution that feels natural and comfortable. Finding the right prosthesis to replace missing teeth is vital to preserving the long-term health and integrity of your smile (not to mention its appearance). For many patients, the most beneficial option is to replace their lost teeth with dental implants.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), Member
- American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), Diplomate
- Texas Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (TXOMS)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Texas Dental Association (TDA)
Qualifying for Implant Surgery
Dental implants are a good option for most people who’ve lost one or more teeth, regardless of their age. However, before recommending implant placement, we’ll perform a comprehensive examination using digital imaging equipment (including CT scanning and 3D digital modeling) to make sure your oral structures are healthy enough for the procedure.
Full-Arch Restoration
Are you frustrated with dentures that slip and slide? Full-arch restoration can give you back your smile with added comfort. This treatment replaces a full row of teeth with a set of beautiful, durable, and comfortable prosthetics supported by dental implants.
Teeth in a Day
With this advanced procedure, you can have a brand new smile in just one session. This treatment utilizes dental implants to securely anchor a full set of replacement teeth in just one day, so you can experience life-changing benefits as soon as possible.
Bone Grafting
Before receiving dental implants, you may require bone grafting to help rebuild your jawbone. Whether you've experienced bone loss due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or other factors, bone grafting can also improve your candidacy for implants.
Facial Trauma Treatment
Facial injuries can be painful and disfiguring. Dr. Slaughter and his team are skilled in treating a wide range of oral and facial trauma, including fractures and lacerations. We'll work to restore your smile and your overall well-being.
The Biocompatibility of Your Implants
Dental implants are created with biocompatible titanium, which is what makes it possible for your oral structures to bond with them. After we place your implants, the bone in your dental ridge will fuse to the post as it heals, making it as permanent as a healthy tooth root. With one or more dental implant posts, your custom-made dental prosthesis will more closely replicate the full structures of your healthy, natural teeth.
Placing Your Posts
Completing your restoration involves a surgical process that strategically implants an appropriate number of posts to support your dental crown, bridge, or denture. Once the most appropriate position and angle of each implant post are determined, a surgical guide will allow Dr. Slaughter to complete your placement.
After making a small incision in your gum tissues and creating a space for the implant post within your dental ridge, we’ll situate the post according to the surgical guide. In some cases, we may recommend placing a temporary restoration over your dental implant posts during the healing process until your implant posts are ready to receive your permanent restoration.
Post-Surgery Care Tips
After your surgery, Dr. Slaughter and his team will provide you with comprehensive post-op instructions to optimize your healing. In addition to these instructions, you can properly care for your implants and restoration by practicing good dental hygiene every day.
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and less abrasive toothpaste to keep your maintenance gentle. You should also schedule and attend routine checkups–these will help you avoid or detect potential problems that could affect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients who’ve experienced tooth loss qualify for dental implants to replace the roots of their lost teeth. The implant posts are biocompatible, meaning they can bond with virtually anyone’s healthy dental ridge. However, before you can qualify for the implant placement procedure, Dr. Slaughter will ensure that your smile is free of health complications.
While dental insurance may cover some of your dental implant procedures, the amount of coverage and eligibility for it varies greatly. Speak with your insurance company if you aren’t sure, and be sure to call our office to speak with our team if you have any additional questions.
What makes dental implants so advanced as a tooth replacement option is their ability to replace your lost tooth’s roots. To replace a natural tooth’s roots, implants must be placed so that the bone structure can fuse to the implant posts. This process, known as osseointegration, can take an average of 3-6 months, and your permanent restoration can be affixed to the implant posts and abutments once the healing process is complete.
