What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a precisely designed, milled, and treated piece of titanium that fits into your jawbone to replace a missing root. Once this has become part of your jaw (integrated) from bone cell growth, a post called an abutment made of titanium or zirconia (a type of porcelain) is fitted into the implant, replacing the body of the missing tooth.
Finally, we attach the teeth (porcelain or composite/acrylic) implant to the abutment and implant.
Benefits of a dental implant
- No slippage
- Durable and long-lasting
- Improved self-confidence
- Permanent
Your self-esteem and diet don’t have to suffer from a missing tooth. See Dr. Sowell today to find out how dental implants by Dr. Mark Sowell can give you back your smile!
Dental Implants Offer More Permanent Smile Enhancement Solution
The technology for dental implants has been around 40 years. But only in the last 15 to 20 years have implants become popular and accepted by dentists and patients. Affordable dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.
A dental implant can be a substitute for a single missing tooth. Multiple dental implants can replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. The implant stays in the mouth; it is not removable like a partial or denture. As a standalone restoration, it differs from a bridge because an implant does not require drilling on the adjacent teeth. You maintain implants with the same good, regular oral hygiene as regular teeth.
Another important advantage of dental implants is that they prevent bone deterioration or loss because they are placed directly in the jawbone. They help your body retain existing jawbone that would otherwise be lost.
When a tooth is removed, and you do not get a socket graft or an implant, you lose 30% of the bone around your lost tooth in the first year, and bone loss continues each year afterward. In no time, you are out of bone to support an implant.
Computer-assisted Dental Implants
Computer-based implant surgery, computer-designed and manufactured surgical guides (SurgiGuide), simulated implant surgery computer software (SimPlant), and CT X-ray scanning have facilitated significant advances in dental implant planning. Dr. Sowell uses this technology with his patients to make implant placement highly predictable and successful.
Here is what happens. Upon receipt of the three-dimensional computer X-ray scan of your jaws, Dr. Sowell performs a computer-simulated (virtual reality) implant surgery on you before touching your mouth. The information gathered is very accurate and allows Dr. Sowell to visualize the future locations for your implants and gives him knowledge of your jaw anatomy in three dimensions.
He identifies your vital anatomical structures before surgery. He measures your bone quality and quantity directly from the computer images to make important decisions about how to best handle your care for success.
After this, the vast amount of planning information Dr. Sowell receives from the computerized implant surgery simulation is digitally transmitted to Belgium for fabrication of a highly accurate guide (SurgiGuide) that ensures exact implant placement to achieve the optimum functional and esthetic result during surgery.
Finally, Dr. Sowell imports the world’s highest-quality and most esthetic teeth and porcelains from Switzerland to give you a superior cosmetic result.
Why Choose Sensational Smiles For Dental Implants
Plano, TX dentist Dr. Mark Sowell has trained at numerous teaching and postgraduate cosmetic and restorative institutions. He has the skill and experience in implant restorations. Usually, a surgeon places the implants in one office, and then the patient travels to their general dentist’s office to get the final restoration.
Dr. Mark Sowell offers a turnkey service. He has training in placing the implant post, performing a bone graft if needed, and restoring the implant. He has extensive training and experience in both phases of treatment. In diagnosing and planning treatment, Dr. Sowell uses CT technology to plan the treatment and placement of the implants virtually.
His extensive training has resulted in him receiving a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantoloigists, a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, and accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Sowell is both the surgeon and restorative dentist under one roof.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
The sooner you schedule a consultation, the more likely you can benefit from this new technology to get back your smiling and chewing in as little time as possible. We invite you to call our expert smile care team today at (972) 382-6855 to schedule your complimentary smile design consultation, or you can request a consultation online.