Achieve a Beautiful, Functional Smile with Dental Implants
If you’re struggling with one or more missing teeth and looking for the best tooth replacement option, we can help. At Garden Oaks Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our Denton, TX, dentists offer dental implant surgery and treatment options.
We’re here to help you meet your oral health goals and restore the function and beauty of your smile. Contact our Denton dental office today at (940) 566-4888 to schedule an appointment.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored, beautiful smile. Drs. Patrick Ruehle and Erika Eide in Denton can use them to restore one or several missing teeth.
A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing natural fusion with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for the custom prosthetic. It also allows patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene care.
The Dental Implant Structure
A dental implant consists of the following three components:
- Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
- Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
- Artificial Tooth: The visible restoration that replaces the tooth. It’s most often a dental crown that can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic resin.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants in Denton can offer patients the following benefits:
- Improved aesthetic appearance
- Enhance confidence
- A durable, long-lasting tooth replacement
- Improved speaking ability
- Better eating experience
- Improved oral health
- Preservation of the jawbone
- Easy maintenance
- Cost-effective solution
- Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth
- No food restrictions
- Better quality of life
Types of Dental Implants
Please note we may not offer the majority of these services at our Denton office. Contact (940) 566-4888 for more information.
Endosteal Dental Implants
The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those with enough bone structure to support it.
There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options. To learn more about the options at our Denton practice, contact our dentists today.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. A single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.
All-On-Four
All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants are a good option for those with lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate the messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant-supported dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients without adequate bone density.
Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants
Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Denton dentists.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants sit on the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely used because of modern technological advancements in implant dentistry.
Dental Implant Procedure
For those receiving standard dental implants, the dental implant procedure involves a multi-step process to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and prosthetic crowns. Our Denton dentists will assess your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan. During the surgical phase (dental implant placement), a small titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the replacement tooth.
Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone in osseointegration. Once the implant has been firmly integrated, an abutment is attached to it, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
What’s the Best Implant Treatment Option for You?
You’ll want to consider your dental needs and smile goals when determining the best dental implant treatment. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jawbone, and your budget all play a role in determining the best option. When weighing your options, you should also evaluate the dental implant benefits and costs. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you evaluate your options and make a recommendation.
If you’re wondering where to start, find out how to find the best dental implant provider for you and your needs. For those in Denton and surrounding areas such as Robson Ranch, contact our implant dentists today to schedule your consultation at (940) 566-4888.
Choosing Dr. Ruehle and Dr. Eide as Your Implant Providers
When selecting an implant provider, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide stand out as highly qualified professionals. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of his field, Dr. Ruehle has pursued further education and specialization beyond his 1983 graduation. Notably, he has completed fellowships in oral implantology at the prestigious Misch Implant Institute. This additional training has equipped him with advanced knowledge in implant dentistry.
By choosing Dr. Ruehle and Dr. Eide as your implant providers, you can benefit from their extensive experience and dedication to continuous learning. Rest assured that you will be in capable hands throughout your implant journey, receiving personalized care and exceptional results
Frequently Asked Questions
Receiving dental implants is a virtually painless process because your dentist will apply a local anesthetic before your procedure. That way, you won’t feel any pain while your implant dentist works on your implants. While it’s normal to experience some slight discomfort afterward, this can be easily managed with a cold compress and over-the-counter medication. Your dentist will give you personalized aftercare instructions before your procedure.
Dental implants are safe and can benefit your overall oral health. The procedure boasts a 98 percent success rate, making it the gold standard in restorative dentistry. Not only will your smile’s appearance benefit, but dental implants also improve your gums and jawbone. As long as an experienced professional oversees the operation, you should have nothing to worry about.
Dental implants can last 25 years or more with proper oral care and attending regularly scheduled checkups at our Denton office. Proper oral care means brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing between meals, and flossing daily to maintain the health of your smile. While your restorations may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear, your dentist will let you know if your fixtures need to be replaced.
Most insurance companies provide some level of coverage for dental implants. We recommend that you contact your provider beforehand to get an accurate understanding of your policy. If you’d like assistance figuring out your coverage, you can also ask the dental office.
Learn More About Your Dental Implant Options
Ready to find out if dental implants are exactly what your smile needs? For those in Denton, contact our implant dentists today at (940) 566-4888 to schedule a consultation and see how we can improve your oral health with a customized treatment plan.
If you don’t qualify as a candidate for dental implants, we also offer other restorative dentistry options. We’re proud to serve patients in Denton and surrounding areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX.