What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a precisely designed, milled, and treated titanium post. The post fits into your jawbone to replace a missing root. Jawbone cell growth integrates the post into your jaw to become the new tooth root. Next comes the titanium or zirconia abutment.
Our Plano, TX, dentist fits the abutment onto the dental implant post so it acts as the body of the missing tooth. Finally, we attach the prosthetic tooth or teeth (porcelain or composite/acrylic) to the abutment. The prosthetic teeth can be a dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
Dental Implants versus Dentures
Dental implants have many benefits over complete dentures. First off, implants are super sturdy and don’t shift around in your mouth like dentures can. That means you can bite down on your favorite foods with confidence. Plus, implants feel much more natural and comfortable because your jawbone fuses to them.
Say goodbye to the hassle of removing and cleaning dentures every day! With dental implants, you’ll have a smile that looks and feels more like your own teeth. So, you can enjoy all the benefits that come with having a beautiful, strong set of pearly whites without the drawbacks of dentures. Some other benefits include:
- Dental implants do not slip around
- They are durable and long-lasting
- They can improve your self-confidence
- Implant posts are permanent and provide long-term results
Your self-esteem and diet don’t have to suffer from having missing teeth. Although dentures are less expensive, they do not offer as many benefits as implants do. See Dr. Sowell today to learn how dental implants can give you back a beautiful 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 dental implants become popular and accepted by dentists and patients. Affordable dental implants are the best way to replace your 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 dental implant is not removable like a partial or denture.
As a standalone restoration, it differs from a bridge because it does not require drilling on the adjacent teeth. You maintain dental implants with the same good, regular oral hygiene as regular teeth.
Another important advantage of dental implants is that they prevent bone decay or loss. The dentist places them directly in the jawbone so it stimulates growth. They help your body retain existing jawbone that you would otherwise lose over time.
When you lose a tooth, you lose 30% of the bone around it in the first year. Bone loss continues each year afterward if you do not get a socket graft or a dental implant. In no time, you are out of bone to support a dental 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 dental implant placement highly predictable and successful.
The process begins with Dr. Sowell scanning your jaw with a 3D computer X-ray scanner. Then, Dr. Sowell performs a computer-simulated (virtual reality) implant surgery on you before touching your mouth. The mock-up data allows Dr. Sowell to visualize the future locations for your new dental implants. It also gives him knowledge of your jaw anatomy in three dimensions.
He will identify your vital anatomical structures and measure your bone quality before surgery as well. The digital images will help him make important decisions about how to best handle your case.
After this, Dr. Sowell will send the planning information to the lab for fabrication of a highly accurate SurgiGuide. The guide ensures exact implant placement to achieve the optimum functional and esthetic result during surgery.
Dr. Sowell imports the world’s highest-quality and most realistic teeth and porcelains from Switzerland. He will use these high-quality dental implants to give you a superior cosmetic result.
Choose Sensational Smiles For Dental Implants
Dr. Mark Sowell has trained at numerous teaching and postgraduate cosmetic and restorative institutions. He has the skill and experience to provide dental implant restorations in one location. Usually, the patient first goes to an oral surgeon, then visits their dentist’s office to get the final restoration.
However, Dr. Mark Sowell can do the entire process at his implant dentistry! He has training in placing the implant post, performing a bone graft, and building the final implant prosthetic. He has extensive training and experience in all phases of treatment. Dr. Sowell even uses CT technology to plan the treatment and placement of the dental 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 today. The sooner you schedule a consultation, the quicker you can get back to smiling and chewing normally without issues. Call our expert smile care team today at (972) 382-6855 to schedule your free smile design consultation. You can also request a consultation online and we will get back to you as soon as possible.