At Dawson Family Dentistry in Lewisville, Dr. Dawson places dental implants herself in this office and does bone grafting when it is part of the plan. Implant surgery is one of the parts of dentistry she enjoys most, especially when a patient is nervous.
“I enjoy tooth extractions, bone remodeling, dental implants, wisdom teeth,” Dr. Dawson says. “I like turning the scariest procedure into a ‘no big deal’ procedure.”
What a dental implant is
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or a denture attachment. As it heals, the implant integrates with the bone. It is not a natural root, and it is not guaranteed to last forever, but it can give the planned restoration a stable foundation.
An implant may help preserve bone in the area where the tooth was lost. It also does not use neighboring teeth as bridge supports, though those teeth still need to be evaluated as part of the whole mouth.
Common reasons to ask about implants
People usually come in with one of three problems: one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or a denture that moves. For one missing tooth, an implant may support a crown. For several missing teeth, implants may be one option, but a bridge or partial denture may also be discussed. For a loose full denture, implants can sometimes help the denture grip.
Implants are not right for every person or every space. A conventional denture, partial denture, bridge, or waiting may be the more appropriate choice. Dr. Dawson will tell you if an implant does not make sense for your mouth.
What Dr. Dawson provides here
Dr. Dawson places dental implants in our Lewisville office. If your plan includes bone grafting, she can do that here as well.
She also fits implant-retained removable dentures. These dentures attach to implants so they have something to grip, but they are still removable. You take the denture out to clean it. It will not feel exactly like natural teeth, and you will not forget it is there, but the implants can help it feel more secure.
What we do not offer
Dawson Family Dentistry does not provide All-on-4 treatment or any fixed full-arch implant bridge.
That means we do not place four or more implants to support a full arch of teeth that stays fixed in the mouth. We also do not offer a same-day fixed full-arch bridge with temporary teeth attached immediately.
If you want a removable denture that attaches to implants, Dr. Dawson can evaluate you. If you want a fixed full-arch implant bridge, she will tell you that service is not provided here.
Typical treatment sequence
Implant treatment takes planning, surgery, healing, and follow-up. The order varies, but the general shape is:
- Exam and conversation. Dr. Dawson looks at the area, listens to your goals, and talks through whether an implant is reasonable.
- Written treatment plan. After the exam, you receive a written plan for your case. We do not publish implant prices because every case is priced individually. For major treatment, we can send a predetermination to your insurer first. That is an estimate, not a guarantee, because the insurer decides when the claim is processed.
- Preparation, if needed. Some patients need an extraction or bone grafting before or during implant treatment.
- Implant placement. Dr. Dawson places the implant and gives you instructions for protecting and cleaning the area.
- Healing. The implant needs time to integrate with the bone. This is measured in months. During this time, you may have checkups, instructions about chewing on the area, and updates on when the next stage can begin.
- Tooth or denture stage. After healing, the planned replacement tooth, teeth, or denture attachment can be completed according to your treatment plan.
If you are nervous about implant surgery
Many people delay implant treatment because it involves surgery. Dr. Dawson understands that. She has said, “I most enjoy working with patients that have the most apprehension.”
In-house sedation options include nitrous oxide and Level 1 minimal sedation. If deeper sedation is appropriate for you, anesthesiologists can come to the office when it is arranged in advance.
You do not have to pretend you are fine. If you are anxious, tell us when you call and tell Dr. Dawson at your visit. The goal is to make the plan clear and help the appointment feel manageable.
Maintenance and risks
Implants need ongoing care. They can fail. The gum and bone around an implant still need to stay healthy, and the parts attached to an implant need to be cleaned and checked.
At home, you will clean around the implant or denture attachments as instructed. If you have an implant-retained removable denture, you will remove it to clean it. If something feels loose, sore, swollen, or different when you bite, call the office rather than waiting.
An implant is a treatment option, not a guarantee. Dr. Dawson will talk with you about the risks that apply to your mouth before you decide.
Find out if you are a candidate
The next step is an exam with Dr. Dawson. She will tell you what she sees, what she recommends, and what the process would involve for you. To talk about dental implants or implant-retained removable dentures, call Dawson Family Dentistry at (972) 317-1581. We prefer calls because they let us answer questions and help you schedule the right kind of visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best method of replacing missing teeth? Are dental implants worth it?
+If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Are dental implants painful?
+Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
What are dental implants made of?
+Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Are dental implants permanent?
+Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Are dental implants expensive?
+Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
How do I care for my dental implants?
+It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
