Dallas Esthetics
Frank L. Higginbottom, D.D.S. | Richard B. Derksen, D.M.D., M.S. | Sloan W. Hildebrand, D.D.S., M.S. | Priscila Schaefer. D.D.S.
New Patient Forms +Dental Emergencies
8201 Preston Rd #750
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 827-1150

Dental Implants — Dallas, TX

A Seamless & Beautiful Smile Awaits!

Dental implant illustration

When was the last time you felt confident smiling even though you were missing a tooth or struggling to keep a denture in your mouth? Instead, you could be taking advantage of an advanced solution like dental implants! This restorative treatment is meant to provide results unlike any other tooth replacement option. With them, you’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence once again! By seeing a team of prosthodontists and implant dentists for your future dental implant, you’re sure to gain a new smile that looks incredible and functions beautifully for decades! A seamless and beautiful smile awaits, so don’t hesitate to contact Dallas Esthetics today.

Why Choose Dallas Esthetics For Dental Implants?

  • Implant Placement & Restorations Completed Under 1 Roof
  • Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
  • Flexible Financing Available To Make Dental Implants Affordable

What Are Dental Implants?

Digital diagram of a dental implant in Dallas

A dental implant is unique because it recreates the entire tooth structure from the root up. A traditional dental prosthetic only treats the portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. A dental implant goes a step further to also restore the root using a titanium implant post. Your jawbone will fuse to the post, providing a stable foundation for the restoration, which is attached using an abutment. This method allows you to enjoy a nearly perfect replica of your natural tooth.

The Dental Implant Process

Digital illustration of getting dental implants in Dallas

You’ll require a multi-step treatment process, which begins with your placement surgery. After you’ve healed from any previous procedures, the implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a root. Over the next several months, your bone fuses to the post.

After your jaw has healed, you’ll need a second minor surgery to attach a special fixture to the post. It will take a couple of weeks for your gum tissue to heal. During this time, the dental lab will be working hard to create your restoration to meet your exact specifications. Once it has been sent back to our office, you’ll return to have it fixed to your abutment.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman admiring her new dental implants in Dallas

It truly doesn’t matter how many teeth you are missing; dental implants have the ability to replace teeth whether you’re missing your first permanent tooth or have been wearing dentures for a while now. Once your implant has fully integrated with your existing jawbone, you can expect better oral and overall health for many years to come! The bone tissue will no longer continue to resorb back into the body if it’s being stimulated by a prosthetic root, which is exactly what implants are designed to do. With more than 3 million people experiencing a better way of life because of these permanent prosthetics, it’s time you do the same! If you need a bit more convincing, here are a few additional benefits of dental implants in Dallas:

Day-to-Day Benefits

An older man and woman seated on a couch and smiling after receiving dental implants

Once your prosthetics are firmly in place, you will find that your day-to-day life will allow for improved eating and speaking, and you’ll even find yourself smiling much more. Want to know what else you can expect? Check these out:

  • Enjoy your favorite foods – With dental implants, you can freely eat a healthy and nutritious diet with ease. No longer will you need to worry about your prosthetic slipping or falling out but instead, you can enjoy a nice juicy steak or your favorite hot beverage. The greater bite force and chewing power that comes with dental implants in Dallas make them a valuable benefit.
  • Improved oral health – Instead of soaking your dentures or relying on specialized cleaning solutions to maintain your prosthetic, you can enjoy better oral health because you can clean your dental implants just like you do your normal teeth. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly will help lower your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Better quality of life – Ready to get back out there and meet new people? Enjoy socializing with family and friends? It is estimated that around 10% of individuals who wear dentures find it hard to go out to eat or mingle with others because of their prosthetics. However, with dental implants, you can embrace a better quality of life because of the renewed confidence you will have in your smile.

Health Benefits

An older gentleman with glasses is happy because of the renewed confidence in his smile

Your appearance isn’t the only thing that will benefit from dental implants. Your oral and overall health will, too! Here’s how:

  •  Longer lifespan – Tooth loss is closely related to lifespan, so when you choose to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you can reduce your risk for systemic diseases (i.e., osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) that can shorten your lifespan. Because individuals over the age of 65 who have 5 or more missing teeth experience greater health risks, you can take control of your overall health by choosing permanent prosthetics.
  •  No irritation – Dentures can cause oral sores to form inside the mouth when they no longer fit properly. With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about this problem because they are affixed to your jawbone, so the chance of irritation to your soft oral tissues is minimal.
  •  Stronger jawbone – When teeth are missing for long periods of time, the bone can begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse. Dental implants continuously stimulate the bone, allowing for a more youthful appearance and stronger foundation. This minimizes the potential for bone resorption and ensures a healthier, more fully functional smile.

Long-Term Benefits

Three women spending time together and enjoying the functionality of their smiles because of dental implants

As you spend more time with your dental implants, you will discover many long-term benefits come with these superior tooth replacement solutions, such as:

  •  High success rate – Upon initial placement, dental implants are known to have a high success rate of 98%, especially if placed by a qualified implant dentist in Dallas. After 10 years, the rate only falls to 90-95%.
  •  Cost savings – Instead of spending your money on adjustment and replacements, specialized cleaning solutions, and dental adhesives, you can enjoy prosthetics that look, feel, and function just like regular teeth.
  •  Longevity – With proper care and maintenance, it is possible for your dental implants to last decades or even a lifetime!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

man smiling after getting dental implants in Dallas

Dental implants are ideal for those who may have been previously considering a traditional bridge or denture to replace their teeth. Take a moment to learn how our team creates your new smile powered by dental implants!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dentist and patient discussing who is a candidate for dental implants in Dallas

If you have lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch, you might be a candidate for dental implants if you have good oral and general health. Your Dallas implant dentist will perform a thorough consultation to examine your dental health. They will also review a CT scan of your jaw to look for any hidden issues, like bone loss or infection.

We will also take the time to discuss your medical and lifestyle history to ensure there aren’t any concerns, like smoking. Based on the results of the consultation, we’ll create a customized treatment plan. You may need additional procedures to become a candidate for dental implants, such as bone grafting or periodontal therapy.

Missing 1 Tooth

digital illustration of dental implants in Dallas

With the help of a single titanium implant and porcelain crown, we can fill the gap in your smile. Our office uses porcelain because of it’s incredibly similar qualities to natural tooth enamel.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Digital diagram of an implant bridge replacing multiple missing teeth in Dallas

The best way to replace multiple consecutive teeth is via a dental bridge retained with implants. Instead of removing enamel from neighboring teeth to anchor the bridge, an implant is placed on either side of the gap. In most cases, two implants are sufficient to hold a restoration consisting of two or more crowns.

Missing All Teeth

Digital diagram of an implant denture in Dallas

Need to replace a full arch of teeth? Dentures can be custom-made to snap onto four to six strategically placed implants throughout the mouth. The denture can also be made to be either fixed or removable, depending on your preferences.

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

implant and money representing cost of dental implants in Dallas

Dental implants are a comprehensive solution for missing teeth, but understanding the cost beforehand is crucial. After your initial consultation, we can provide you with an estimate to help you plan accordingly. It's important to consider that while dental implants may initially seem pricier, they often last for decades, whereas traditional bridges and dentures may need replacement within about 10 years. Keep reading to learn more about the expected cost of dental implants in Dallas!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

dentist explaining dental implant to patient

Our team will evaluate your oral health to determine if any preliminary treatments are necessary to ensure the success of your restorations. Many patients may require procedures such as gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or tooth extractions before starting implant treatment to rebuild their smile effectively. While these additional treatments may increase the overall cost, they are vital for restoring your smile.

The cost of your dental implants will also be influenced by the surgical placement. Factors such as the location of the metal posts in your mouth and the type of sedation used during the procedure will affect the final price. The advantage of our practice is that we handle the entire implant process in-office, eliminating the need for you to visit an outside specialist and simplifying the process for you.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

woman smiling with dental implant in mouth

Not all dental implant cases are created equal. The best way to determine your total cost is to visit our office for a consultation. During this appointment, you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have as well as consider the factors most likely to influence cost. These include:

  • The number of implants being placed
  • The materials used in the implants
  • The need for preparatory treatments, such as sinus lifts, periodontal therapy and bone grafts
  • The location of the implants
  • The complexity of the restoration needed

How Dental Implants Pay for Themselves

man smiling after getting dental implants

While dental implants may have a higher initial cost, their long-term affordability is impressive. Unlike bridges and dentures, implants are securely anchored in your jawbone. This provides a stable and natural foundation for your new teeth, while also preserving the health of your remaining natural teeth and promoting gum comfort. Additionally, implants typically require fewer repairs or adjustments over time compared to traditional restorations, leading to potential savings in the long run.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

dental insurance form on table

Insurance coverage for dental implant procedures varies significantly between plans. Most insurance policies do not fully cover the entire implant process but may contribute towards certain aspects, such as restorations or preliminary treatments. Be sure to review the specifics of your policy with your provider before proceeding with any dental work.

Our experienced team is available to assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and maximizing coverage to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Feel free to reach out to us for guidance and support in navigating your insurance plan.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

patient talking to dentist about financing options

Our practice recognizes the significance of a complete smile and offers solutions to make dental implants accessible. With CareCredit financing, you can conveniently split the cost of your dental treatment into manageable monthly installments. Most of these plans feature minimal to no interest so you can comfortably stay within your budget while effectively rejuvenating your smile!

Dental Implant Post- Op Instructions

Closeup of patient after dental implant surgery in Dallas

As with any surgery, you can expect there to be some discomfort after your procedure. You can manage any pain using an over-the-counter medication. If you have any swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 10-minute intervals.

After the first few days following your surgery, any pain will gradually improve. While your discomfort, swelling, or bruising will dissipate within a couple of weeks, it will take a couple of more months for your jawbone to fully heal.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

Woman with dental implants in Dallas, TX sitting and smiling

Once dental implants join with your jawbone, they have the potential to last for the rest of your life. But that will only happen if you’re giving them the care they need to stay healthy and intact! By taking some simple precautions and maintaining healthy habits, you can keep your dental implants safe from damage, infection, and other possible causes of failure. Below are some tips for keeping your rebuilt smile safe for the long term.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Man with dental implants in Dallas, TX brushing his teeth

Dental implants cannot get cavities the way natural teeth do. Despite this, though, you still need to brush and floss them regularly so that the tissues supporting them don’t develop gum disease. When brushing, pay close attention to the area underneath your implant restoration. Use dental floss to clean the spots that you can’t reach with a toothbrush, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to be as thorough as possible with your oral hygiene.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Woman with dental implants in Dallas, TX about to bite an apple

One of the benefits of dental implants is that you get to eat whatever you want. But while it’s okay to give yourself a treat every once in a while, you shouldn’t eat too many hard, sticky, or sugary foods that could potentially cause problems with your implants. Try swapping such foods out of your diet with more smile-friendly alternatives. Make sure you’re getting plenty of calcium and vitamin C to keep the bone and gum tissues supporting your implants healthy and strong.

Break Bad Habits

Woman with dental implants in Dallas, TX chewing on a pencil

Do you often find yourself chewing on your fingernails or the end of your pen? Do you sometimes crunch the ice that comes with your drink? Do you tear open packages with your teeth when you can’t find any scissors? All of these bad habits can damage your implants and eventually cause them to break or fail. Take whatever steps you need to in order to stop habits that could be harming your new teeth. One useful trick is to keep sugarless gum on hand so that you have something safe to chew when you feel the urge.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Hand holding a mouthguard used for sports

The titanium used to make dental implants is very strong and durable, but it can still be damaged in a sports-related accident. Play it safe by always wearing a mouthguard while you’re engaged in any sort of sport or physical activity. You can also get a nightguard to keep your dental implant safe from any grinding or clenching that might occur while you’re asleep.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups  

Male dental patient with dental implants in Dallas, TX looking in a handheld mirror

Dental implants give you one more reason to visit our office every six months for a cleaning and checkup. While we’re checking your other teeth for cavities, we can also examine your dental implants to see if there are any issues. Identifying small problems and treating them immediately often helps us avoid the larger issues altogether.

Dental Implant FAQs

Illustration of a dental implant

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are very successful when placed by a qualified professional. However, it’s important that the patient makes a good candidate for the procedure and is in good health. If you have low jawbone density or gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed beforehand to make the procedure safer. If you have other health issues, like diabetes or cancer, we can discuss your individual situation during your initial consultation with us. Your overall well-being is always our top priority.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

When placed by a skilled professional, dental implants have a success rate of over 95%! However, it is crucial that you care for your implants properly with dental hygiene, routine checkups, and a healthy diet. The success of dental implants can also vary depending on where in the mouth they are located. This is because molars receive more strain from chewing than the front teeth do, so their success rate is slightly lower.

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

Most patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after their surgery. However, it is a good idea to avoid strenuous activities for the first week or so, as it could delay the healing process. Bleeding should subside after the first couple of days, and swelling should stop after three to four days. Be sure to take your prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. It can take up to six months for the implants to completely fuse with the jawbone.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to those of nondiabetic patients. However, uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process, making it more difficult for your implants to integrate with your jawbone. If you are interested in getting dental implants, but you’re diabetic, talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar levels under control ahead of time.

Do Dental Implants Make You Look Younger?

When a tooth is missing in the mouth, the jawbone loses stimulation in that area. This leads to bone loss which results in a more wrinkled, sunken-in face and fine lines around the mouth. Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement option that can stimulate the jawbone through regular chewing, so it prevents the bone atrophy that makes you appear older.