Quick answers
- What is a dental implant? A surgical-grade titanium post placed into the jawbone below the gum surface. It replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth.
- How long does recovery take? Minor bleeding and swelling are expected at first. Gums are generally healed within the week. The implant then integrates with the bone over a period that can last up to six months.
- Does it hurt? A local anesthetic numbs the site, and sedation is available. Patients typically do not experience pain, though some describe pressure at certain points.
- What are the options? The options include a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, All-on-4, or implant-supported dentures.
- How long do implants last? With proper care, an implant can last from 30 years to a lifetime.
- What is the success rate? Replacing missing teeth with dental implants has a 95% success rate.
If you have been avoiding photographs, chewing on one side, or covering your mouth when you laugh, you are not really asking about a tooth. You are asking whether you can feel like yourself again. Dr. Salvator La Mastra builds implant plans in Dallas, TX, around your goals, your bone health, and your timeline.
What a dental implant actually is
A dental implant is a special, surgical-grade titanium post, manufactured to highly precise specifications, that is surgically inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface. As the bone bonds to the implant, it forms a secure foundation onto which your new teeth are attached and shaped to match your mouth.
That bond is the whole point. Implants are designed to replace a tooth both above and below the gum line, which helps them recreate real teeth in every way.
With proper use of the newest anesthetics and medications, you need not be concerned about pain. The entire procedure can be completed at our dental office.
Why implants are different from bridges and dentures
Unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures or a bridge, dental implants replace both the roots and crowns of missing teeth. The others only replace the crown, meaning the visible portion.
By replacing the root as well, an implant gives you two things nothing else can.
First, you will never have to worry about a prosthesis that shifts or clicks when you eat or speak. A dental implant is firmly set in your jawbone, so there is no chance of movement. The titanium post and the surrounding bone tissue fuse together to form a firmly set anchor.
Second, the post stimulates the bone just as your tooth root once did. That stimulation is important to maintaining the shape and strength of your jawbone. Other tooth replacements that rest on top of your gums may fill out your cheeks, but they do not encourage healthy bone tissue regeneration the way dental implants do.
The advantages that set implants apart
When you have dental implants placed, you get more than a new set of teeth.
- Closely mimics the function of a natural tooth. An implant resembles a natural tooth root in stability and function. Along with securely anchoring a prosthetic, it helps fortify your jawbone health.
- The most longevity of any form of tooth replacement. Properly cared for, the fixture can last from 30 years to a lifetime.
- Maintenance of your natural facial structure and shape. An implant helps recreate the natural pressure a tooth root provides, which aids in the production of new bone cells that fortify the jawbone. As a result, you can maintain your facial structure and prevent premature wrinkles.
- No worries of slipping or gum irritation. With a fixed bridge or a set of dentures there is always a chance of slippage or irritation. Implants are locked in place.
- Fortification of your remaining teeth. There is no need to alter or damage surrounding teeth. The fixtures support your other teeth and prevent them from shifting to fill vacated spaces.
- No tooth decay. Implants do not develop cavities the way natural teeth do. Excellent oral hygiene and regular visits are still important to prevent bacteria from gathering at the gum line.
- High success rate. The process has a 95% success rate, made possible in part by the careful attention taken to qualify you for the procedure, including assessment of your gum health and current jawbone density.
- A natural-looking smile. Because implants are inserted beneath the gum line just like the teeth you were born with, they are nearly impossible to distinguish from the rest of your smile.
Read more on the benefits of dental implants page.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
The best candidates are women and men missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all their teeth who want a strong, beautiful, permanent improvement to their smile. Ideal candidates are people who:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Are in good overall health
- Have enough bone and gum tissue to support implants
- Do not have periodontal disease
- Do not have uncontrolled diabetes
- Have not been recently treated for cancer
If any of these apply to you, it does not automatically rule you out. It simply means the conversation starts with an examination.
Your dental implant options in Dallas, TX
Dental implants are versatile and can be used with a number of different restorations. At a consultation, Dr. La Mastra helps you determine which option suits your needs.
Missing one tooth
A single dental implant is placed at that site. After several months of healing, once the implant and surrounding bone have integrated, an abutment and porcelain crown are attached to the implant.
Missing multiple teeth
Instead of replacing consecutive missing teeth with individual implants, one or two implants can support multiple prosthetic teeth that fill in the gap, forming a bridge. Compared to regular bridges, implant-retained bridges are more secure, look more natural, and last longer.
Missing all of your teeth
For patients missing all their teeth along one arch or both, there are implant-supported dentures. Several implants are positioned along the jaw to anchor the dentures. A metal fitting on the underside of the denture secures to the implants, so your smile looks natural and stays put when you eat, talk, laugh, or smile. See the implant-retained dentures page for details.
All-on-4 implants in Dallas
All-on-4 uses four titanium posts that mimic natural tooth roots, placed surgically in the areas of the jawbone that are stronger and offer more density. That strategic placement is what makes the technique different.
Someone whose bone is not quite strong enough may be told implants are not possible. With All-on-4, implants can be placed where the bone is more durable, making long-lasting results achievable. Patients lacking proper bone density can often forgo bone grafting because of the way All-on-4 is positioned.
Traditional implant-retained dentures can require between four and six implants along a single arch. All-on-4 uses four. Before you leave, your restoration is secured in place, giving you a completed smile.
Before any decision is made, a thorough examination of your entire mouth is required. By reviewing X-rays and performing a visual exam, Dr. La Mastra can determine whether implants are the right method for you. For more information, please visit the All-on-4 dental implants page.
What to expect during the procedure
To begin, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the site and the surrounding tissue. We also offer sedation dentistry if you need a little extra help relaxing during the procedure.
A small incision is made in your gum tissue to expose the bone underneath. The implants are then surgically positioned in your jaw to offer the greatest security for your eventual tooth restoration.
Dental implant recovery in Dallas
After the procedure, minor bleeding and swelling are to be expected. If you are experiencing discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever should suffice. Some patients also notice mild discoloration around the affected area. Ice packs and prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication help manage post-operative aches.
For the first few days after your oral surgery, you may want to stick to a diet of softer foods. Within the week, however, your gums should be healed so that you can eat whatever you like.
The recovery phase of the implant procedure itself may last up to six months, depending on the location of the teeth and how healthy the jaw was to begin with. This is the stage where the implant and bone integrate, and it happens quietly beneath the surface.
Once the implants are secure, restoration begins. Abutments are placed, a brief healing period follows, and your crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top. A follow-up appointment is scheduled some weeks after the final restoration to confirm everything is working as it should.
After that, daily brushing and flossing matter. At your regular cleanings, we use precise dental tools to clean your implants and check the condition of your restorations. See the full dental implant process for each stage.
Questions patients ask first
Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia is administered before the procedure so the nerves in the surrounding area are numb. Our patients typically do not experience pain, though they describe feeling some pressure at certain points during the session.
How long can I expect my dental implant to last?
With proper care, including brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting our office for regular cleanings and examinations, it is quite possible for your implant to last from 30 years to a lifetime.
Should I receive dentures or dental implants?
Dentures are removable. Dental implants are permanent replacements, so there is no taking them in and out and no restricting your diet to avoid damaging them. Implants are also easier to maintain, which means fewer appointments.
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes. The crown placed on top of the implant is customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, creating a seamless-looking smile. Many people will not be able to tell you have an implant unless you tell them. Our smile gallery shows results from our patients.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes. They have been used for decades with a high success rate in restoring missing teeth. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, and our team takes the necessary precautions to protect your safety.
Will I need a bone graft?
Many patients need a bone graft or sinus lift to strengthen weak bone tissue and increase the chances of implant success. Whether you do is determined during treatment planning, after X-rays and impressions are taken.
Can implants be combined with other cosmetic treatment?
Yes. Many patients pair implant work with porcelain veneers or a full smile makeover so the whole smile looks harmonious rather than restored in pieces.
Key takeaways
- A dental implant is a surgical grade titanium post placed in the jawbone that replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth.
- Unlike bridges and dentures, implants stimulate the bone, which helps maintain the shape and strength of your jawbone and your facial structure.
- Options include a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, All-on-4, and implant-supported dentures.
- All-on-4 uses four implants placed in denser areas of the jaw, and many patients can avoid bone grafting.
- Minor bleeding and swelling are expected after surgery. Gums are generally healed within the week, and the implant integrates with bone over a period that can last up to six months.
- With proper care, an implant can last from 30 years to a lifetime, and the procedure has a 95% success rate.
- Both placement and restoration are completed in-house rather than referred out.
Start with a consultation
The next step is a conversation. Dr. La Mastra reviews your X-rays, examines your mouth, and discusses your smile goals to determine whether implants are the right option for you. From there, you will know exactly which approach fits.
Schedule a consultation or call 214-363-9474 to get started.