Are Dental Implants Safe In The Long Run?

Two Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together While Drinking Coffee

Dental implants are a great and commonly used option for replacing missing or damaged teeth in Allen, TX. As such, especially if you are experiencing tooth loss or damage and are interested in receiving dental implants, you may be wondering about their overall safety and longevity. A dentist can assist you in making the best choice in deciding to receive dental implants!  

 

The Facts About Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces natural tooth roots with metallic or ceramic, screwlike posts; damaged or missing teeth are replaced with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implants can be a great alternative to dentures or bridgework that don’t fit well and can be an option when a lack of natural teeth roots doesn’t allow for building denture or bridgework tooth replacements, as they act as natural tooth roots.

Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures and is largely dependent upon the type of implant and the condition of your existing jawbone. A major benefit of implants is creating solid support for your new teeth — a process that requires bone to heal tightly around the implant. Since jawbone healing requires time, the process can take several months in total.

As with any surgical procedure, risks are involved. However, they are easily remedied and often avoided altogether due to high level expertise from the dental staff and professionals. Risks can include:

  • Infection at the implant site
  • Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
  • Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
  • Sinus problems, often caused when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities

 

Are You Considering Dental Implants? Get An Expert!

Dental implants are, without a doubt, a great option for anyone looking to improve their smile. Overall, dental implant surgery poses minimal risk or safety issues, however, choosing the right dental professional with expertise in placing dental implants successfully, is of the utmost importance in ensuring the procedure is effective while circumventing any potential issues.

Get on track to a new smile today with dental implants with minimal safety issues in our office by Allen, TX by contacting our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, and scheduling your next consultation today!

Can A Dental Implant Fall Out?

Dental Patient Missing His First Top Right Premolar

What are dental implants? A dental implant is surgically attached metal post to your jawbone as a support to an artificial tooth. After placed, a dentist or an oral surgeon screw in a replacement tooth to the implant. The success rate for a dental implant is high but there are still complications and failures that can occur, leading to an implant falling out in Allen, TX. Studies show that about 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fall out, immediately following the procedure or years down the road.

 

What Are The Dental Implant Failure Risk Factors?

Gum Disease

Damage caused to the jawbone and gums from an infection. You must have healthy gums in order to have dental implant surgery. If you have active gum disease, a dentist will not perform the procedure and they will recommend gum disease treatment.

Smoking

Restricts the blood flow to the gums, causing the healing processed to be slowed. Smokers’ likelihood of have dental implant failure rate up to 20 percent in recent studies. Just because you smoke doesn’t disqualify you from getting dental implants, it is encouraged that you stop smoking for a least a month to two months so that the implant and heal properly.

Insufficient Jawbone

You must have enough healthy jawbone for the implant to be placed surgically in your jaw. You may need to see a specialist to get bone grafting depending on the current health of your jawbone.

Medical Conditions

Autoimmune diseases or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can be a possibility factor for dental implant failure if diagnosed, which are conditions that causes the healing process to be slower. Osseointegration is caused by slowing down the healing process and the implant integrates and fuses into your jawbone.

Poor Dental Maintenance

Good oral hygiene before and after a dental implant does cause an impact on the rate of success for the implant.

Inexperienced Doctor

Not all doctors are created equal. You may be referred to a preferred doctor by your dentist, but you do have the ultimate option to select whatever provider you would like to go to.

 

Are You Interested In Learning More?

Schedule your consultation with us today with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office by Allen, TX, to start your journey to a brighter, healthier smile!

Three Compelling Benefits of Dental Implants!

Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together

With new advances in dental technology and the ease of treatment, there is no reason that every patient should not love their smile. Your smile is a big part of who you are, and we believe you should always have the confidence you need to show it off.

If you have missing or broken teeth, we offer dental implants in Allen, TX to preserve your natural smile and that you feel great about the way you look. Dental implants are an alternative to dentures and provide unique benefits to patients!

Easy To Take Care Of:

Because dental implants replace the natural tooth entirely, they can be cared for easily. Dental implants are typically created out of metal or ceramic, which makes them highly durable and long-lasting. As a result, your implants can last for many years without any special care or attention necessary. Clean the implants as you would your natural teeth through brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams. Your standard oral hygiene regimen can protect you from potential oral health problems and gum disease problems associated with dental implants, just like natural teeth.

Preserve Your Jaw:

If you have lost teeth, your jaw may start to deteriorate from lack of use and not having anything else in place to maintain it. When the jawbone is compromised, your smile may lose its natural shape and look different. Implants are posts that are installed straight into the jawline, whereas dentures are simply an aesthetic cover. Since implants serve as a tooth root, the jawbone is preserved and will not deteriorate over time. This makes dental implants an excellent option for protecting the jawbone. With dental implants, you can keep your natural smile for years to come!

Eat What You Want:

Certain foods become difficult to eat with dentures because the teeth may slip or be too painful to eat with. After complete healing and transitioning into permanent restorations, with dental implants, you will never have to worry about losing weight or adjusting your diet simply because of missing teeth. This will open many new diet possibilities and give you more freedom with what you can eat. Enjoy all the foods you love without worrying that your teeth will fall out in the middle of a dinner party!

Considering Dental Implants?

If you are tired of your smile and want to increase your self-confidence and love how you look, contact our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX  to schedule your appointment today!

What Are The Chances of Dental Implants Causing Gum Disease?

Dental Patient Needing Periodontal Treatment

Do you have missing teeth and are looking for a way to fill in any gaps so that you can smile big and wide again? Dental implants might be the right choice for you! Have you heard horror stories about dental implants being involved with gum disease and that has deterred you from wanting to get implants? Let’s take a look further to see what the causes of gum disease are. A dentist in Allen, TX might recommend alternatives if your gums aren’t health enough to support the dental implant.

Gum Diseases: An Overview

Two of the most common gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection causing inflammation of the gums, which can turn into periodontitis if left untreated. A small space called a sulcus is the area where your gums attach to the bottom portion of your teeth. The space is large enough for food and plaque to get stuck in there causing an infection in your gums. If you do not get your gums checked or treated, gingivitis can cause a separation of the gums and the teeth, which can then cause injury to the bone supporting the tooth and soft tissue.

Dental implants cannot cause gum disease any more than natural tooth roots naturally do. In order to be considered for dental implants, your gumline needs to be healthy before a dentist in Allen, TX will examine you for the dental implant procedure. The first step in considering you for dental implants is an evaluation. A dentist will complete a full mouth examination to let you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough and if you are a great candidate for dental implants. If not, a dentist will recommend alternative ways to fix the missing teeth that you have or to assist you with getting your gums healthy enough for dental implant surgery.

Interested In Learning More?

Are you tired of seeing spaces in your teeth or feeling like you still have something lodged in your teeth? Are you ready to get that big, beautiful smile again and regain your confidence? Call our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX to schedule your appointment today!

Advantages of Full-Arch Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Full Arch Dental Implant Model

If you are experiencing multiple missing teeth or are completely without teeth, full arch dental implants solutions may be a great solution to restore your smile, oral health, oral function, and may renew your self-confidence. A dentist in Allen, TX can guide you in the right direction of choosing which option is best for you.

Dental Implants vs Dentures

Dentures

Typically in the past, if a patient had multiple missing teeth, a dentist in Allen, TX would recommend a dental bridge or denture restoration solution. Dentures are full arch prosthetics that rest on the gums. As time progresses, missing a tooth root to stimulate healthy bone growth will lead to receding bone, causing the denture to fit poorly. Poor-fitting dentures cause discomfort by rubbing against the gums, embarrassment due to slipping and shifting while talking and eating and will lead patients to utilize messy adhesives to offer stability to the prosthetic to stay in the mouth. Due to these issues, patients must return for frequent adjustments. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer patients a long-term, stable, and reliable alternative to dentures. Dental implants can be placed along with a prosthetic – either a denture or a full arch bridge – that is attached, or snapped in place, on top. This removable feature allows for a more convenient option, with more fixed and permanent options also available.

A dental implant specialist places 2-8 dental implants into the jawbone, replacing the natural tooth roots’ function of stimulating healthy bone growth. Once the treatment site has been allowed to heal, usually 3-8 months, the prosthetic is attached for restoration purposes. In many cases, bone grafting may be done before surgery and allowed to heal to ensure the implant placement is successful.

The implant post also removes the issue of bone degradation. With a sturdy foundation, there’s no need to worry about slipping, clicking sounds, or discomfort often associated with dentures, and patients can eat the foods they enjoy again as these prosthetics do not have a palate like dentures that limit a patient’s ability to taste.

Get A New Smile Now!

With new, more stable options, there’s no need to continue dealing with the hassle of dentures. Be sure to call our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX today to bet free of poor-fitting dentures by scheduling an appointment today!

Your Guide to Caring for Your Dental Implants!

Dental Implant Peasants Smiling After Her Procedure

Without a doubt, dental implants have become one of the biggest, most asked-about advancements in the dentistry field. Not only do dental implants simulate the appearance and function of natural teeth, but they stimulate the surrounding bone, too. In fact, many people with missing teeth are eager to talk about dental implants in Allen, TX with a trained dentist. And that might include you, too.

How can you make sure that you continue to get the benefits of your dental implants year after year after your placement surgery? The answer boils down to the care you put into your oral health and hygiene. Yes, dental implants are engineered to last a lifetime. But you need to do your part to ensure that they stay in tiptop condition.

Below are several ways to care for one or more dental implants so they can continue to give you the smile of your dreams.


Follow All Post-Op Instructions

After undergoing dental implant surgery, you will receive a list of post-operative recommendations. These will include anything from what types of food to eat, to what not to do, such as using tobacco products for several weeks. You should follow these instructions to the letter and call a dentist for clarification if you are confused. Prioritizing post-op guidelines helps reduce the risk of implant failure due to avoidable infection.

Become Diligent About Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing

Your dental implants offer you an investment in your long-term wellness. One way to ensure that you take care of them for years is through daily brushing, flossing, and—if recommended by a dentist—rinsing with a special product. If you have always found it difficult to find time to perform a healthy mouth routine twice daily, make sure to schedule it into your day after receiving dental implants. The cleaner your teeth and gums, the less chance you will experience issues with your dental implants or the surrounding hard or soft tissues.

Alert a Dentist About Any Concerns

What happens if the area around your dental implants becomes red, swollen, or inflamed? How about if your dental implants begin to feel less stable? These and any other red flags need to be talked about with a dentist immediately. Why? Issues like peri-implantitis frequently respond to treatment when they are diagnosed early. But a dentist cannot help if you say nothing about your questions and problems.

Make and Maintain Dental Appointments

It is hard to underestimate the value of making and keeping your dental appointments. Even though dental implants are sturdy and dependable, they still need to be evaluated by a dentist twice a year. So do the other parts of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. Therefore, you should always strive to put a priority on getting cleanings and checkups. Remember: Prevention always costs less than intervention.


Are You Ready to Receive Dental Implants in Allen, TX?

No doubt about it: Dental implants are a wise, practically permanent solution for anyone with missing teeth. Whether you opt for a single implant or a full arch prosthetic supported by several implants, you need to take care and maintenance of your mouth seriously. That way, you can enjoy the advantages of your dental implants for decades. Are you interested in knowing all your choices when it comes to Dental Implants? Contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment today with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork!

Do Dental Implants Really Function Like Natural Teeth?

Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together

If you are experiencing tooth loss or decay, you might be interested in learning about options to remedy this issue. If so, a dentist in Allen, TX may suggest placing dental implants! Dental implants are a great way to get a new beautiful smile, and there are several options that offer this result in a natural looking and functioning way, that will allow you to execute daily activities with a new look and smile! 


How Dental Implants Work:

You may be wondering about how the dental implantation process works and how your results may look. Dental implants are placed in the bone of the jaw and are then covered with a natural looking crown or tooth cap to replace any teeth that are unhealthy, crooked, or not suitable for a healthy oral environment. Before getting dental implants placed, a dental specialist in Allen, TX can assess the health of your jaw, mouth, and gums to make sure you are the right candidate for dental implants, as this can affect the longevity of the implants.

Although dental implants function like natural teeth, it is important to care properly for them as they are an investment that is meant to last a lifetime. This means ensuring that they are cleaned per instructions from your dentist, avoiding any harsh, acidic, hard, or sticky foods, making sure to keep up with regular dental appointments to make sure things are going smoothly.

Dental implants can be a great way to achieve a new look and smile in a way that is long-lasting, natural looking, and function just like natural teeth. It is important to choose a dental professional in Allen, TX that understands your wants and needs regarding this restorative process and will guide you in the right direction of a customized treatment plan. Your dentist should fully inspect your mouth health prior to placing the implants to ensure quality and longevity, and make sure that you are confident in your choice to get a new smile!


Ready to get started?

Get on a path to a new smile today by calling our dentist, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX to learn more and schedule a consultation today!

The Truth About Cheap Dental Implants: 4 Things to Know

Full Arch Dental Implant Patients Smiling Together

If you are interested in getting dental implants for any reason, cost may be a topic of discussion or consideration as you research the best options. While it may be tempting to choose dental implants that are available at a lower cost, there are a few important things to consider and reasons why these options are less expensive. A dentist in Allen, TX can help you make the best choice so that you are choosing the best, highest quality dental implants to give you the new and beautiful smile that you deserve.


Typically, Dental Implants Are Less Expensive Because:

  • A dental professional chooses an implant manufacturer that uses low quality materials to produce the implants. However, with this option, precision and fit are usually compromised when using low quality materials.
  • Additionally, using low quality materials can lead to weaker, less stable implants that can break easily and are not as durable. This can lead to a costly replacement that could be prevented if better, higher quality materials were used.
  • A dental professional chooses a dental laboratory that may not have the best technology to make dental implants. This can also lead to the production of low-quality implants that are not natural looking or durable, and can lead to having to replace the implants, therefore increasing the overall cost of placing the implants.
  • Every country varies when it comes to dental implant costs. Some countries offer less expensive dental implants due to lower labor costs and other reasons. However, this may equate to lower quality work.

Getting dental implants can be a life-changing choice. Dental implants are a great way to get a new smile, and ensuring you choose the right options for your investment will prove to be the best choice in the long-term. High quality dental implants placed by skilled dental professionals are a great way to ensure your investments lasts a lifetime.


Get started on a path to a new high-quality smile today!

If you are interested in learning more about implants and what the cost would be, contact our office in Allen, TX, and schedule a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, today!


References

Cheap dental implants may be more expensive, TeethXpress, https://www.teethxpress.com/cheap-dental-implants-may-be-more-expensive/

Don’t Let That Blank Space in Your Mouth Fool You

Questioning Dental Patient Hiding The Missing Teeth In Her Smile

So, you had teeth extracted and/or are missing a few teeth? No big deal, right? Do not fool yourself! There are plenty of issues that come with missing teeth in Allen, TX. You lose the confidence in your smile, you can’t chew the foods you use to enjoy, and so much more. Beyond these though, there are also adverse health effects to missing teeth.


What Happens When We Are Missing Teeth?

From gum disease to infection, there are several reasons why you should consider replacement of your missing teeth!

In many cases, the gums where the tooth used to be will get infected which will cause inflammation. This is known as gingivitis, commonly referred to as gum disease. Gingivitis can cause your gums to bleed when you floss, changes in your bite line, pain when chewing, pus to form between the gums and teeth, and other symptoms. This, of course, makes day-to-day life more difficult as the pain from chewing causes great amounts of anxiety about eating and can cause other teeth to loosen or fall out.

Another problem that may occur is weakness in your jaw and other teeth. Other teeth surrounding the missing one have to work harder to chew due to the lack of teeth and can cause jaw pain, weakness, and in some cases temporomandibular joint disorder (TMDJ). Your TMJ attaches your lower jawbone to the rest of your skull and when it is being worked on one side more heavily, it can cause disorders to form which will result in pain when chewing and many other issues.


Fill Those Gaps

To avoid these diseases and others that are caused by the loss of teeth, consider calling us at (972) 954-2275. Contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, so we can give you our options to fill in that missing tooth! With years of experience in supporting those like you, we will work with you to find the best treatment option to fit your unique situation. We look forward to helping you!


References

Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis), Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Questioning Dental Patient Wondering About Dental Implants

If you are experiencing tooth loss or had a tooth extracted, you may be considering getting corrective dental procedures, such as dental implants, in Allen, TX. Before doing so, however, a dentist will need to assess your mouth to ensure you are a candidate for your new smile. There are many factors that can influence this and are discussed below.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Sufficient bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues with no signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. If you are showing visible signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums, you may need to visit a dental specialist that focuses on treating gum disease, known as a periodontist. This is particularly important before potentially becoming a great candidate for dental implants.

As stated, good jawbone support is one of the main characteristics of being a candidate for dental implants. A strong jaw construction supports the implant once installed. The reasoning behind this is if the implant is not reinforced by a strong bone than it can become loose from chewing.

Candidates who are dedicated to oral hygiene are excellent applicants for implants. Flossing, brushing and using a good mouthwash several times in a day assist in removing plaque which in turn are protecting the applicant against infection during the implant procedure. Visits to a dentist twice per year for that routine checkup makes for a good candidate.


About the Procedure

A dentist in Allen, TX will evaluate your oral health and assess your candidacy for dental implants. There are various types of implant options that a dentist will consider for your treatment plan. These can include:

  • Replacing a Single Tooth. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
  • Implant-supported bridges. These can replaceseveral teeth If they are missing or damaged.
  • Implant-supported full bridge or full denture. These can replace all of your teeth if they are missing or damaged.


Contact Us!

Schedule a consultation today by calling our new patient line at (972) 954-2275 to discuss your questions and get started with dental implants! We invite you to meet our experienced and friendly doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our office in Allen, TX!