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!

5 Reasons You Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Dental Patient Missing A Tooth

If you are one of the 40 million Americans that has at least one missing tooth, it’s important that you know that it’s not just aesthetic challenges you face. Most dislike the way the mouth looks with missing teeth, but there may be other, larger health risks that come with not replacing your teeth.

1. Shifting Teeth

Each tooth works as a placeholder to keep the other teeth around it in place. Once a tooth is missing, the others can shift over time and misalign your bite. If you once had a straight smile, you may quickly notice that your teeth are out of alignment. When you lose teeth, it’s important to replace them quickly so the others don’t shift.

2. Oral Health Care

Caring for your gums and teeth are so important to your overall health. Once the teeth shift and move out of alignment, it can be harder to reach certain areas to floss or brush. If bacteria and plaque are left on the teeth, you may quickly develop periodontal disease. This can lead to more lost teeth over time.

3. TMJ

If the upper and lower jaw don’t meet when you bite down, you may deal with problems with the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. As teeth shift out of alignment over a period, you may notice jaw pain, headaches, clicking noises and the inability to open your jaw all the way.

4. Bone Loss

The tooth’s root is secured in the jawbone and stimulates it to grow and regenerate bone. When the root is gone, the bone can crumble and die. Fortunately, dental implants are placed directly in the jaw, so bone loss is minimal when teeth are replaced quickly.

5. Confidence

If you have missing teeth, it’s easy to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in both your personal and professional life.

Contact Us

If you are interested in receiving dental implants, contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule an appointment with our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, by calling our new patient line at (972) 954-2275. We can work together to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants!

Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt? Not With Affordable Dental Implants!

Dental Patient Struggling With Bills

If you have one or more missing teeth and you’ve been researching options to replace them, you may have been turned off by the upfront cost of dental implants. While the initial investment may be higher, there are many reasons why implants are the most cost-effective solution over time. The cost of implants is different for every patient, and a single implant’s cost can increase with different types of necessary treatments! Before you decide, we encourage you to discuss your specific dental implant cost with a dentist local to you in Allen, TX.


Why Implants Are Worth It

Many people opt for dentures because they are the less expensive treatment, but the reality is that implants are the more effective, comfortable solution with durability and longevity. When implants are placed correctly by a dental professional and regularly flossed, brushed and examined, they can last a lifetime. Dentures may need to be replaced regularly and require expensive creams and adhesives to keep them in place. Implants are rooted in the gums and don’t move at all once they are secure.

What Affects the Cost?

Every manufacturer is different, and it depends widely on the one your dentist chooses to use. Other factors that may involve the cost of the implant are:

  • The location, amount, and quality of bone: You may need a bone graft if there isn’t adequate bone to hold the implant in place.
  • The number of teeth that require replacement: Implants can replace one tooth or an entire mouth!
  • The type of artificial teeth: Fixed bridges, implant supported dentures, snap on bridges, or screw retained dental crowns are just a few options.
  • The number of implants: How may screws are needed to repair your teeth?


Contact Us!

These are all factors that our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, will consider when determining the cost of your implants. 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 today!

Top 3 Reasons Dental Implant Failures Are On the Rise

the three different parts which make a dental implant

Although dental implants tend to have a high success rate – over 95 percent – it comes with a risk of failure, like any other procedure. Even though dental implants are mostly placed by experienced dental implant professionals, why does it look like dental implant failure is on the rise? Here are three of the most common reasons that we have identified:

1. Failure to Maintain Their Smile

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, but just because you now have artificial teeth, it does not mean you can stop brushing and flossing every day! Your mouth is still susceptible to plaque, which wreaks havoc on your gums. Patients with implants who do not take care of their teeth and fail to schedule regular dental checkups have a much higher risk of implant failure.

2. Cheaping Out On The Implant Material

The standard modern material for implant posts is titanium, but there are other, cheaper materials that are also available. Most successful implant procedures involve the use of titanium posts in all cases but ones that patients have titanium hypersensitivities. Although other materials may be cheaper at first glance, patients could be paying a lot more in the long run if the implant ends up failing.

3. Going To Inexperienced Doctors For Implants

In another effort to save money, patients who desire dental implants tend to go to doctors who lack the proper training and qualifications to place implants. It is very important to carefully research your dental professionals before undergoing such an extensive procedure like dental implants. If you are unsure that your chosen dental professional has the appropriate experience and training, then be sure to ask!

Get A Consultation Today!

Considering dental implants? Our doctor is available to answer your questions and help you feel more at ease about the treatment you receive at our office. To schedule your consultation and learn more about dental implants, contact us today!

Dental Implants 101: All the Basics You Need To Know

a model of two placed dental implants

You’re missing teeth. Are you considering dental implants to fill the gaps in your mouth? It’s no wonder why; implants are an increasingly popular solution for missing teeth! However, make sure you have access to the most accurate dental implant information! The best way to do this is to consult with a qualified dental professional near you. We listed some of the basics that any candidate considering dental implants should know about receiving implants here!

Ensuring That You Are A Good Candidate

Implants are amazing for replacing your missing teeth, and they tend to last for decades or even longer if cared for properly! However, make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. You need to have sufficient bone density in the jaw and you need be willing to go through the surgeries required for the placement of dental implants. A doctor can help determine if this treatment is right for you, or give you any alternatives that you may be able to take.

Evaluating Your Jawbone

The key to a successful dental implant procedure is osseointegration. This is when the dental implant post fuses with your jawbone. If you have been missing teeth for a while, it is possible your jawbone has started to degrade. If you suffer from bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis, this could also affect the success of your implants. A doctor can examine your jaw to see if it is dense enough to support an implant, and if it isn’t, consider the possibility of giving you a bone graft to make it so.

Dental Professional Experience Matters!

It is vital that a qualified dental professional is the one to place your implant! Although some businesses may try to lure patients in with low costs and cheaper materials, your best chance at a successful procedure is with a doctor properly trained in dental implant placement, using all the newest, modern technology available!

Contact Us To Schedule an Appointment

These are the very basics, but there is a lot of other information available for dental implants. When you are ready to learn more, contact our dental implant specialist to schedule an appointment today!

What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?

Full Arch Dental Implant Model

Dental implants are very realistic and natural feeling and allow you to regain your jawbone strength and shape. If you are in Allen, TX, and having problems with your teeth, whether you have broken a tooth or are having gum problems, dental implant surgery may be the perfect choice for you.

It is important to know that if your jawbone is not thick enough or if it is too soft, you may need to have bone grafting done before you will be able to proceed with the surgery. Specifically, how the surgery is performed and healing time depends on the type of implant that is used and how much grafting takes place. This will be determined this with your dentist beforehand.


After Dental Implant Surgery
It is important to be prepared for what happens after dental implant surgery, just as you would with any other type of procedure. After dental implant oral surgery, whether you have the surgery in one stage or multiple stages you may experience some discomfort.

After the surgery, you may notice that you have swelling of your gums and face. Beyond that, there will be bruising on your skin and gums, because of the pressure applied to your mouth. Another common occurrence after dental implant surgery is pain at the implant site. This is completely normal to experience and you should be able to take over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil.

On occasion, there may be other symptoms dealt with post-surgery. These include stiffness of the jaw muscles or an inability to fully open your mouth. These symptoms are rarer but are completely normal to experience.

If you are dealing with any symptoms that are painful, uncomfortable or believe that something may be wrong, seek dental attention from your doctor. You may be in need of stronger pain medication, and during this time, they will take a look at the implant site to check that everything is okay. The risk of infection from this procedure is very rare but could cause serious complications if left untreated so if you believe you are experiencing more pain than is normal you should definitely seek a medical professional’s opinion.


Schedule your appointment
Searching for the right dentist for your dental implant treatment may take time, but it’s an important step of the process. If you’re considering dental implants, we invite you to meet our experienced and friendly doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, in our Dental office in Allen, TX! Schedule your first appointment with us today.

Dental Implants Complete Your Smile Resolution

Dental Patient Hiding Her Smile

Starting off the new year with missing or loose teeth in Allen, TX? The new year brings new resolutions, and possibly your resolution is to develop a much healthier, better smile in 2021. Loose or absent teeth might make this goal more difficult, yet it is not impossible. Dental implants can help you develop the smile you have always desired.


Causes of Missing Out On Teeth
Numerous oral health issues cause missing teeth. For some individuals, bad oral hygiene brings about periodontal condition, which after that causes teeth to become loose and eventually befall. For others, missing out on a tooth occurs as a result of a sports injury or another kind of crash. Despite the reason, the blemish in your smile may make you really feel self-conscious.

Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide lots of physical as well as mental wellness advantages. Our dental professional, Dr. Rebecca Bork, makes use of implants to change a solitary tooth or multiple teeth, relying on your needs. Once replaced, your mouth will much more conveniently preserve its bone structure, which guarantees your face continues to be younger looking and effectively proportioned. The implants also enable you to delight in foods you once had problem eating due to missing teeth. You may observe an improvement in speech too. Ultimately, implants can improve your self-worth. When you have a full collection of teeth, you feel a lot more certain in your smile. That self-confidence shines through right into your individual as well as specialist lives.

Implant Procedure
Dental implants are available as a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete mouth of them. Initially, we surgically implant titanium posts where we will position teeth in your mouth. These posts serve as the root of the tooth and must fuse to your jaw. Next, we connect a joint to the end of each post. We after that put a dental crown on each abutment.


Have More Questions?
Schedule a consultation today 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 Dental office in Allen, TX!

Steps to Properly Care for Your Dental Implants

x-ray view of a placed dental implant

If you are ready to acquire dental implants, it is important to understand just how to effectively look after them when your treatment is concluded. Dental implants do not require special upkeep beyond your typical health routine, however there are extra actions dentists advise you can absorb your daily life. Knowing specifically just how to look after your dental implants and your smile can assist make sure the long life of your investment.

Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is how you get rid of the bacterial plaque from your teeth. If dental health is neglected, plaque solidifies into tartar and releases dangerous toxins that lead to gum tissue disease. Specifically, when you have dental implants, not preserving great dental health can cause peri-implantitis, a problem like gum condition where microorganisms infect the periodontal cells and bone bordering a dental implant. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste and floss once daily to assist guarantee you don’t experience dental implant failure!

Eat a Nutritious Diet
Eating a healthy diet regimen assists offer your body and mouth with the nutrients to remain healthy, along with assisting boost your immune system. A healthy diet includes foods abundant in minerals and vitamins, proteins, fiber, and calcium, with minimal sugars, carbohydrates, and starches. Within your diet, it is advised that you additionally stay clear of tough and sticky foods so as not to hurt your dental implants. Though rare, there is always a danger your dental implant can become damaged when attacking and chewing these types of foods.

Minimize or Quit Smoking Cigarettes
Many scientific researches supply evidence for a link between cigarette smoking as well as a boosted danger for periodontal disease. Pure nicotine in cigarettes decreases blood circulation to the soft cells as well as deteriorates the immune system. This makes it harder for the body to heal after surgery and for the bone as well as implant to incorporate. Cigarette smoke can also burn tissues inside the mouth and block salivary glands, boosting the danger for dry mouth and the development of gum condition.

Schedule Your Consultation
If you have an interest in dental implants or are worried you might have peri-implantitis, get in touch with our office in Allen, TX by scheduling your appointment.

What is a Dental Implant and What is it Used for?

Dental Implant Patient Happily Eating

Dental implants are artificial teeth replacements that are used in prosthetic dentistry to support full arch and partial teeth restorations. Dental implants, post procedure, resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants are very commonly used to replace missing teeth and can be used either for health reasons or cosmetic purposes.


Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is used to insert artificial teeth to create a new smile. The typical dental implant consists of a titanium screw with a roughened surface, and a ceramic crown to create the look and feel of the tooth itself.

There are various types of dental implants that can be used in this procedure, which allows for variety and the ability to make the right decision for them and their specific needs.

A single dental implant procedure involves an incision and implantation, which usually takes about an hour. Multiple implants can even be installed during a single procedure. This makes it very convenient for the patient because rather than having to come back several times to have all their implants installed, they can be completed at once.

Another important piece of information is that dental implants come in all different shapes, sizes and textures. This allows for customization for every patient, so you will need to work with your dentist in order to determine which dental implant is going to work best for you. If you have broken a tooth or would just like a different look to your smile, dental implants are a great option and may be the perfect choice for you.

If you are interested in the dental implant procedure, then there are a few things you are going to need to keep in mind. It is essential to learn as much as possible about what your options are. Once you feel like you know the basic information, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will be able to fill you in and recommend what they believe will best suit you.

Dental implant surgery will be a sure thing to make you feel confident with your new, strong teeth. See your dentist with any further questions, so you can feel as prepared as need be.


Have More Questions?

Schedule a consultation today 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 Dental office in Allen, TX!

What is the Risk of Dental Implant Failure?

What Dental Implants Look Like In Your Mouth

While the risk of dental implants failing is low, as with any surgery, there is a small risk of it not being successful. The possibility of a dental implant failure can often be determined before the implant takes place, lessening the risk of it occurring after the surgery.

Failure soon after the implant is more likely than later failure and can be due to overheating of the bone or poor bone quality, incorrect force applied during or after the implant or contamination of the implant or the implant site. These causes of dental implant failure can be reduced by using a fully qualified dental surgeon who will assess the implant site correctly and follow proper, sterile procedures during surgery. Afterwards, it is up to the patient to follow all advice given on caring for their implants.

Great care should be taken during the healing process to prevent dental implant failure caused by poor oral health. The dentist will instruct the patient on how to take care of an implant and this should be followed thoroughly. Any unusual pain or swelling should be reported to the dentist immediately to ensure an infection will not upset the implant.

Rejection of the implant or reaction to it is unlikely to be a cause of dental implant failure, since the materials used, generally titanium, have no known effects in the body and are bio compatible. The most likely cause of failure is if unrecognized bacteria already existed in the implant site when the implant was placed. Rejection can occur occasionally and is usually known by inflamed gums around the implant site. If you are a teeth-grinder, this may also cause dental implant issues, but with this knowledge your dentist should be able to supply a guard to protect against this.

Frightening as that all may sound, dental implant failure is rare – implants are reported to be around 93% to 95% effective. Even if a dental implant failure occurs, it is possible to place another implant on the same site, particularly if the cause of dental implant failure is recognized and can be avoided.


Contact Us To Make Your Appointment

Worried about the health of your dental implants? Or looking for an experienced Dental Implant Surgeon to prevent future complications? Contact us to make your appointment in our Dental office in Allen, TX so that our doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bork, can examine your mouth and discuss the risks of dental implants and how we can alleviate them for the future in our office.