Dental Implants – Lewisville, TX

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The very first step when getting dental implants is your initial consultation with us. During this appointment, Dr. Sehnert will examine your mouth and help you determine whether or not implants would be a good fit for you. Some patients need preliminary treatments, like bone grafting or gum disease treatment, before they are able to get dental implants. We can discuss these and help you get them scheduled if necessary. Once your jaw and gums are in good shape, we can move on with the rest of the treatment process.

Dental Implant Surgery

If you choose to get implants, you’ll be referred to a local specialist for the placement surgery, ensuring you enjoy the best care possible. This procedure will begin with numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This way, you will be comfortable throughout the whole procedure. Next, an incision is made in the gum tissue, and the implant is placed at a precise angle in the jaw. The gums are closed, and a protective cap is placed over the post to keep it safe as it heals over the following months.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

While your mouth recovers from the surgery, your implant(s) and jaw will meld together over the course of three to six months. This fusion process is called “osseointegration,” and it is what allows your implants to be so stable and long-lasting. Then, you will need to undergo another minor procedure where the abutments are attached to the dental implants. Impressions are taken so your restoration can be custom-crafted just for you.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration

Your restoration is designed at the dental lab. Once it is ready, you will return to our practice. As the final step, Dr. Sehnert will attach your custom-made teeth to your implants, completing your new smile. If everything looks and feels as it should, you will be ready to show off your completed grin!

Day-to-Day Benefits 

As a denture-wearer, you’re probably used to your teeth slipping and sliding around your mouth. This unwanted movement can limit your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest. Upgrading to dental implants in Lewisville can be a game-changer for your day-to-day life. You can reap benefits like:

• Ability to eat most foods. Since dental implants replace the entire structure of missing teeth from the roots up to the surface, they’ll provide you with far more stability than traditional solutions. Your new smile will be able to withstand the chewing of virtually any food!
• Increased confidence. Dental implants are secure enough that they’ll allow you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
• Easier maintenance. You don’t have to purchase special products or incorporate complex steps into your oral hygiene routine to care for dental implants. All you have to do is brush, floss, and rinse as you normally would!

Health Benefits

In addition to improving your daily quality of life, dental implants offer several health advantages. Some of those include:

• Jawbone preservation. Because dental implants are placed inside the jawbone, they provide it with internal support. They’ll prevent the bone tissue from deteriorating over time.
• Protection for natural teeth. It’s incredibly common for teeth to shift after tooth loss. With dental implants, they’ll ensure every member of your smile stays exactly where it belongs.
• Improved overall health. Studies have shown there’s a correlation between tooth loss and an increased risk of multiple diseases. Because dental implants are similar to natural teeth, it’s safe to assume they can help lower such risks.

Long-Term Benefits

By getting dental implants in Lewisville, you can enjoy many long-term benefits, such as:

• High success rate. About 95% of dental implants are successful even 20 years after they’ve been placed.
• Maintain a youthful appearance. Dental implants stimulate blood flow in the jaw, preventing its deterioration and the sunken, aged look that usually comes with tooth loss.
• Long-lasting results. Unlike dentures and bridges, your new smile can easily last decades without needing replacement.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Some patients must undergo preliminary treatments, such as gum disease therapy or tooth exactions, before they can move forward with dental implants. Each of these services comes with its own price.

The dental implant placement surgery incurs a separate fee, which depends on a few different factors, such as the number of implants needed and the type of sedation used. The specialist who performs your procedure will make sure you are well-informed about the costs associated with your care.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Some aspects of your dental implant journey that will affect cost include:

• The number of implants you need.
• The materials used to make your dental implants.
• The specific type and manufacturer of your implants.
• The size and type of your restorations.

Feel free to ask our team or your implant placement specialist about the items used in your procedure. We want you to be confident that only top-quality materials are being used in your mouth.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Although dental implants can seem pricey at first, they are actually an excellent long-term monetary value. Here are a couple of ways in which that is true:

• Dental implants offer outstanding longevity. They last several times longer than forms of tooth replacement that cost less upfront.
• Dental implants are better for your oral health. They can protect your smile from problems and spare you from having to pay for expensive procedures in the future.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Some dental insurance policies cover implants, while others do not. You will have to check the details of your plan to see how it applies. Our team accepts payment from many different insurance companies, and we will be happy to help you use your benefits. Even if your plan does not cover your implants themselves, it is likely to help you with other aspects of your care. For example, it could reduce the out-of-pocket costs for your preliminary procedures or your final restoration.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Here are a few provisions that may make it easier for you to afford your dental implants:

• Most patients are eligible for low-interest financing through CareCredit after a quick and easy application process. You may be able to pay for your dental implants over time via manageable monthly installments.
• In-house membership plan. Our in-house dental discount plan provides reduced fees for many of the services offered in our Lewisville practice.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Even though dental implants can’t get cavities, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. The gum tissue surrounding the implant can still become inflamed due to plaque and bacteria buildup. If you want to keep your mouth healthy for years to come, you need to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash.

Eat a Healthy Diet

After getting dental implants, you’ll be able to eat most of your favorite foods with ease. It’s crucial to stick to a balanced diet complete with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you eat foods high in sugar and starch, it’ll make it easier for bacteria to produce harmful acids that attack your smile. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and loosen food debris.

Break Bad Habits

While dental implants are durable, they’re not indestructible. To keep them in tip-top shape, you should avoid poor habits. Don’t smoke, use your teeth as tools, or chew on hard objects! These habits can easily crack or chip your implants.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants can break or fail because of forced trauma or injury. For that reason, it’s incredibly important to wear the right protective gear when playing sports. Otherwise, participating in contact sports could damage your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth at night while sleeping, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear by wearing a nightguard. These oral appliances can be custom-made to fit your mouth exactly for better comfort, protection, and longevity.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

You must visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning to ensure your oral health stays in good shape. At every appointment, we’ll conduct a detailed examination to see if there are any problems developing with your implants. With early intervention, we can help you avoid more costly and timely issues down the road.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are one of the most permanent solutions for missing teeth, capable of lasting well over 30 years. Of course, their exact lifespan depends heavily on your oral health and lifestyle. You can help your upgraded smile’s durability by brushing twice a day along with daily flossing and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Make sure you visit Dr. Sehnert every six months for a checkup and cleaning as well!

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Before the procedure begins, we will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. You’ll also most likely be sedated during your surgery which means your body’s ability to register pain will be much lower. For the first few days following dental implant placement, your mouth may feel sore and irritated. Fortunately, you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication and using cold compresses.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

Most patients can return to their usual activities the day after surgery. However, it’s incredibly important you avoid strenuous exercise for the first 1-2 weeks as it can hinder the healing process. Although you can expect some bleeding and swelling after your procedure, it should stop within 3-4 days. While you recover, make sure you take your prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. It’s worth noting you may need up to six months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone via osseointegration.

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?

Your restorations are going to be personalized for your smile because your implant dentist in Lewisville takes impressions of your mouth to create them. Once they are placed, people shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. The implants are secured in your jaw like tooth roots, so you won’t need to hold your jaw in an awkward way to keep them in place as you might with poorly fitting dentures. The combination of natural appearance and secure fit is unmatched!