Dental Implants — Arlington, TX

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

First, you’ll meet with Dr. Nancy Cabansag to make sure that dental implants are right for you. She’ll talk to you about what you want your new smile to look and feel like. Then, she’ll closely examine your mouth with her highly trained eyes as well as detailed X-rays. If she determines that you’re a good candidate for the treatment, she can walk you through the process and answer your questions about how dental implants work in Arlington.

Some patients may need to complete preliminary treatments, like bone grafting or gum disease therapy, before moving on to the next step. While these procedures lengthen your overall treatment process, they also give your new pearly whites the healthy foundation they need in order to thrive.

Dental Implant Surgery

For the surgical portion of your treatment, Dr. Cabansag collaborates with some of the best oral surgeons in the Arlington area. Doing so ensures that your treatment is as successful and safe as possible, and that all of your needs are met.

During the surgery, your mouth is numbed, and the specialist creates tiny incisions in your gums. Then, they insert the implant posts into your jawbone at precise, predetermined locations and angles. Protective caps are placed over the implants to keep them safe during the healing process. Lastly, the surgeon stitches your gums tissue closed and sends you home to start healing.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Over the next four to six months, the implant posts stimulate the surrounding bone tissue to grow around them. Once this process, called osseointegration, is complete, your dental implants will be able to function exactly like the roots of your real teeth.

After osseointegration, you’ll undergo another oral surgery. This procedure is more minor than the initial dental implant surgery. It involves exposing the tops of your implant posts and installing abutments onto them. Abutments are small metal attachments that will let your implant dentist in Arlington secure your new teeth into place.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

You should heal from your abutment surgery in just a few short weeks. At that point, you’ll return to our office to have your beautifully custom-made crown, bridge, or denture anchored in place on top of the abutments. Once we’ve made sure you’re pleased with your results, you’ll be ready to go out and enjoy your brand-new smile!

Day-to-Day/ Lifestyle Benefits

• Beautiful appearance – Not only do dental implants solve the obvious problem of having gaps in your smile, but the restorations are custom-made to resemble the pearly whites you used to have.
• Greater chewing power– Since your new teeth are secured onto posts in your jawbone, they replenish virtually all of the biting and chewing strength you had before tooth loss. You shouldn’t have any trouble eating your favorite foods.
• More comfort– Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants don’t sit on top of your gums or require the removal of healthy tooth enamel to stay in place. This not only stabilizes your teeth, but it also won’t irritate your gums or cause sensitivity in your remaining teeth.
• Renewed confidence– With their reliable foundation in your jaw, you won’t have to worry about your implants feeling loose or slipping around. You’ll be able to eat, talk, smile, and laugh with the knowledge that your smile looks natural and is completely secure!

Health Benefits

• Preserve your jawbone density – Dental implants essentially fool your body into thinking that the roots of your natural teeth are still there. As a result, they stimulate the jawbone through biting and chewing to prevent it from breaking down like it otherwise would after tooth loss. This also helps you stay looking young!
• Maintain good dental health– For the most part, you can take care for dental implants the same way you would care for natural teeth – regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. You shouldn’t have to change your oral hygiene routine, making it easier to keep issues like gum disease at bay.
• Prevent health problems– Because dental implants naturally lead to better oral health, they also improve your overall health. People with full smiles have been found to have a lower risk of systemic health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and arthritis.

Long-Term Benefits

• Unmatched longevity – On average, a traditional dental bridge lasts for 10 to 15 years, and a denture only five to seven. In contrast, dental implants can last several times as long; if you take good care of it, it could even last a lifetime!
• Longer lifespan– Research suggests that the greater number of teeth someone has, the higher chance they have of living longer. Luckily, dental implants deliver all of the benefits that natural teeth do.
• Cost-effective solution– While dental implants have a higher up-front price than dentures or bridges, they might be the most cost-effective option in the long run, since they may never have to be replaced.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The good news is, if you’re missing teeth, you’re likely a good candidate for dental implants! No matter how old or young you are and no matter how many teeth you’re missing, dental implants can help nearly everyone regain a complete, confident smile. In general, you’ll need three things to be considered a good candidate for this unique treatment.

Firstly, you’ll need to be in good enough overall health to undergo minor surgery. Secondly, you’ll need to have enough jawbone density to support a dental implant or be willing to complete a bone graft. Lastly, you’ll need to have great oral health. Issues like gum disease and tooth decay can threaten the success of your dental implant, so we’ll help you address these problems first if needed. Once you’re all set to begin your dental implant treatment, we’ll design your personal treatment plan around how many teeth you’re missing.

Missing 1 Tooth

To replace individual teeth, a single dental implant is placed directly into the jaw, then given time to integrate with your bone tissue. Once several months of healing have passed, the abutment (connector) can be attached and an all-porcelain crown is placed on top. Dental porcelain is durable and well-known for how much it looks like natural tooth enamel, so the final results will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Replacing multiple teeth in a row is done via a pair of dental implants. One implant goes one either side of the empty space and between them is support a custom-made implant bridge. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, an implant bridge doesn’t require altering your remaining healthy teeth.

For missing teeth throughout the mouth, we may recommend using a few dental implants to secure a partial denture. This type of partial denture will never feel loose or slip out of place, and you won’t have to worry about tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

Missing All Teeth

To replace all the teeth in a given arch, a series of dental implants can be placed throughout the mouth, typically anywhere between four and eight. These implants can then be used to provide support for a full denture that’s unlike any traditional removable one! You’ll enjoy unmatched stability, comfort, longevity, and confidence as you show off a smile you know you can count on.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Some patients need to undergo preliminary treatments to prepare their mouth and jaw for dental implants. Procedures like gums disease therapy, extractions, and bone grafts add to overall costs but play a critical role in successful implant treatment.

The implant surgery itself, which often involves anesthesia, incurs its own cost. At Encore Dentistry, we partner with the best oral surgeons in Arlington to ensure this step of your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Dental implant patients should expect to pay separate fees for the implant surgery and for the follow up appointments with Dr. Cabansag, which includes placing your restoration.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The number of teeth you want to replace as well as the materials used to make your dental implants will impact the overall cost of treatment. Both implant posts and abutment pieces are made from extremely strong biocompatible material such as titanium or zirconia. However, not all implant brands and materials are created equal. During your initial consultation, Dr. Cabansag will gladly share more details about the high-quality implants utilized at Encore Dentistry. The type of restoration that you attach to your implants will also influence the overall cost of restoring your smile.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, many dental insurance companies still do not cover dental implants. However, your insurance benefits may help reduce the cost of preliminary treatments such as gum disease therapy, extraction, or a bone graft procedure. In some cases, dental insurance may also partially cover the crown, bridge, or denture that your implants support. 

Every dental insurance plan is slightly different. If you would like help confirming your insurance coverage before starting implant treatment, do not hesitate to ask us! Our knowledgeable team has many years of experience helping patients understand and maximize their insurance benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Enjoying life with a complete smile should not depend on whether you have dental insurance or not. At Encore Dentistry, we proudly offer an in-house membership plan that enables uninsured patients to access the dental care they need at affordable rates. For a simple annual fee, you can enjoy valuable discounts on most of our services. Ask our staff for more details!  

In addition, we also frequently work with CareCredit, a trusted dental financing organization. CareCredit allows patients to break down the cost of their dental care into manageable monthly payments. Their low-to-no interest payment plans can help you get dental implants without busting your budget.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Even though your replacement teeth can’t get cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene is an absolute priority. If you don’t, it could lead to dental implant failure. Be sure to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice each day for two minutes at a time. You’ll also need to floss daily to make sure that no food debris accumulates between your teeth. If you aren’t able to easily maneuver dental floss between your teeth or would like an easier and more effective alternative, you can also try a water flosser. Finally, be sure to rinse your mouth daily with alcohol-free mouthwash.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Steering clear of processed foods that contain high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates will keep your mouth from becoming the perfect environment for harmful oral bacteria to thrive. Instead, snack on fruits and vegetables and other fresh foods to keep your gums healthy.

Break Bad Habits

Studies have shown that bad habits like tobacco use can drastically increase the chances of implant failure by drying out your mouth and inhibiting your immune system. Not only does this make it difficult for your implants to fuse with your jawbone and your gums to heal after your surgery, but by not having enough saliva to wash away harmful oral bacteria, you may also get a gum infection called peri-implantitis. By working on quitting smoking or chewing tobacco before you begin treatment, you’ll be able to rest-assured that the time and money you spend on the dental implant process won’t be for nothing.

Protect Your Dental Implants

If you play contact sports or grind your teeth, it’s important to protect your dental implants from damage by wearing a customized nightguard or sportsguard. These are made from a durable, shielding acrylic material that’s custom-fitted to your smile to provide maximum protection.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Even with your dental implants, you’ll need to schedule routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Arlington. During these appointments, our team will examine your mouth to make sure that your dental implants are functioning properly and secure. We’ll also look at your gums for any signs of infection. If we spot any issues, we’ll develop a treatment plan to take care of them before they have a chance to progress into something more serious.

Can I take dental implants out?

A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it recreates the entire tooth, including the root. Your bone will fuse to the titanium post through a process called osseointegration. As a result, they can only be removed by a dental professional; however, some implant dentures can be taken out for cleaning.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are the most reliable solution for missing teeth. They are proven to last for 30 years or longer with the proper aftercare, like your home oral hygiene routine. Several factors contribute to the lifespan of dental implants, such as your health and lifestyle. Besides caring for your new smile at home, it’s best to visit your dentist at least twice a year to promote its longevity. You can avoid any unnecessary complications by skipping hard or sticky foods. We also suggest keeping inedible objects out of your mouth and don’t use your teeth as tools. With a proactive approach to maintaining your smile, your dental implants can last for decades longer than traditional bridges and dentures.

Are dental implants safe?

Generally, if a patient has good oral and overall health, dental implants are safe when placed by a qualified dentist. Your implant dentist in Arlington will review your medical and dental history to look for any risk factors for potential difficulties, like bone loss, cancer, or diabetes. If you have any pre-existing conditions, that doesn’t disqualify you from dental implants. Instead, your dentist will take a few extra precautions and may recommend additional procedures to ensure the success of your smile, like bone grafting.

How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?

The risk for dental implant failure is typically less than 5%; however, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of a problem. Quick treatment lessens the likeliness of complete dental implant failure. We recommend contacting our office right away if you develop pain or inflammation around the implant. If your implant feels loose, you’ll need to get to our office right away.

Am I too young to get dental implants?

It’s a common misconception that tooth loss only affects older people, but people in their 20s and 30s can have missing teeth. Age isn’t necessarily a determining factor for your dental implant candidacy. As long as you’ve finished growing, you’re never too young or old for dental implants. Typically, dental implants won’t be recommended for patients younger than 18. In some cases, a person’s jaw doesn’t stop growing until the mid-20s, which is more prevalent in men. If you’re younger, we’ll carefully examine your jawbone to ensure it’s the right time to get dental implants.