Dental Implants — Grand Prairie, TX

Regain a Fully Functional & Natural Looking Smile

Are you looking for a tooth replacement solution that’s more permanent and feels just like your natural teeth? If so, then dental implants in Grand Prairie may be a fantastic option for you. This procedure allows us to replace the entire structure of your missing teeth, from the roots upward, allowing it to provide dozens of unique benefits that set implants apart from other restorative treatments. To learn if you’re a good candidate for tooth replacement with dental implants in Grand Prairie, TX, contact our dental office to schedule a consultation with the Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie team today!

Older woman with dental implants in Grand Prairie smiling with husband

Why Choose Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie for Dental Implants?

  • Can Replace One, Several, or All Teeth
  • Convenient Appointment Hours
  • Partners with Local Implant Specialists

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram of a dental implant in Grand Prairie

Dental implants themselves are small, sturdy titanium posts that are placed below the gum line and into the jawbone to restore the missing root structure of your teeth. They undergo a process called osseointegration that allows them to literally fuse with your jawbone. This enables the implants to provide necessary stimulation and blood flow to the area to keep the bone healthy and strong. Once the implants have been placed, a small connector piece is attached, followed by a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth you need to have replaced.

4 Step Dental Implant Process

Female patient with dental implants in Grand Prairie, TX smiling

Our practice works with local specialists who can surgically place dental implants while we design and attach the final restoration. This team-based approach means that every stage of the procedure is in the hands of a true expert and improves the long-term outcome of your dental implant investment. The following four steps cover the basic parts of the process, but remember that everyone’s experience is going to be a little different depending on their needs.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Model of dental implant in Grand Prairie, TX on dentist’s table

A dental implant consultation is an appointment where we examine your mouth and facial structures to decide whether or not you can safely have implants placed. Most healthy adults are candidates for the treatment, but many will need preliminary treatments first. For example, if you have low bone density around the area where implants need to be placed, bone grafts can be used to add the necessary tissue so that the jaw can provide the posts with sufficient support.

Dental Implant Surgery

Oral surgeons placing dental implants in Grand Prairie, TX

We’ll schedule an appointment with a trusted oral surgeon who can place your implants for you. The surgery is simple; after opening the gums, the implants are inserted into the jaw at predetermined locations. Each post will be inserted at an angle that will allow it to form a strong bond with the jawbone without harming any of your natural dental structures. A protective cap is usually placed on the implants after surgery; this helps hold the gums in place and protects the implant posts from harm.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Model of dental implant in Grand Prairie, TX among natural teeth

Osseointegration will automatically take place between the implant post and the jawbone. After three to six months, the two will be bonded together so thoroughly that your implants can practically be considered part of your body. At that point, you’ll be ready to receive an abutment, which is the metal connector piece that will support your dental final dental implant restoration. Attaching the abutment requires another surgery, but it’ll be a relatively small procedure compared to the initial implant placement.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Full dentures made to be attached to dental implants in Grand Prairie, TX

After a trusted oral surgeon has finished attaching your implants and the necessary abutments, it will be time to return to our office so that we can start designing the final restoration. You’ll receive a specific kind of restoration depending on your situation. You can get a crown for a single dental implant to replace a single tooth, but in other cases, you might need a bridge on a pair of implants or a full denture on four or more implants.

A team of professional ceramists will make your restoration using impressions we take of your mouth as a guide. The final result will match the color and shape of your natural teeth. At your final implant appointment, we’ll examine your new teeth carefully and adjust them as needed, then attach them to your abutments. Once we’re done, the restoration will be practically indistinguishable from the teeth you were born with.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Older man with dental implants in Grand Prairie smiling

Dental implants are a popular restorative choice due to the variety of advantages that they offer. With dental implants, you’ll be able to feel proud of your smile again, and your replacement teeth will be virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural ones. At Care 32 Dental, we want you to feel confident, comfortable, and excited about your new smile. Millions of people are already living with and enjoying these permanent prosthetics. Offering greater stability, longevity, and functionality than traditional dentures or dental bridges, you can expect nothing but the very best when it comes to your newer, stronger teeth.

Some of the benefits of dental implants in Grand Prairie include:

Day-to-Day Benefits

Woman smiling with dental implants in Grand Prairie
  • More Security: You don’t need to worry about eating your favorite foods because your dental implants will remain in place, allowing you to chew with greater ease.
  • Enhanced Appearance: Your dental implants are made of high-quality materials and blend in naturally with the rest of your smile, making them pleasing to look at and difficult for others to identify a difference.
  • Minimal Maintenance: Dentures and dental bridges can easily develop bad bacteria that can impact your gums and natural teeth. Dental implants, are easy to clean and help you maintain better oral health in the process.
  • Better Quality of Life: Denture-wearers often complain about their lack of social life because they’re embarrassed by their prosthetics. However, with dental implants, you can live life to the fullest and enjoy talking, speaking, and eating around others because of your permanent smile.

Health Benefits

Dental implant in Grand Prairie
  • No Need to Alter Healthy Teeth: Instead of altering your existing teeth to serve as anchors for a traditional bridge, your dental implants will fit perfectly into the designated sockets. This will prevent your implant dentist in Grand Prairie from touching your existing teeth.
  • Better Oral Health : Tooth loss most commonly leads to bone loss. As a result, your lips can begin to curve inward if proper treatment isn’t pursued in a timely manner. However, with dental implants, they mimic the natural structure of the tooth and continue to stimulate the jawbone, preventing facial collapse.
  • No Dental Drift: You don’t need to worry about your regular teeth shifting out of alignment, which is common with tooth loss. Instead, they’ll remain firmly in place because of your new dental implants.
  • Improved Overall Health: By choosing to replace your missing teeth with permanent prosthetics, you will reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, as these are systemic issues that commonly develop when tooth loss occurs.

Long-Term Benefits

Woman smiling with dental implants in Grand Prairie
  • Successful Implant Placement: When placed by a trusted implant dentist, you can expect your new teeth to have a success rate of about 95%. After about 10 years, if properly maintained, they can have a 90-95% success rate.
  • Long Lifespan: It is believed if you take proper care of your dental implants in Grand Prairie, they will last at least 30 years or maybe even a lifetime!
  • You’ll Save Money: Instead of buying dental adhesives, denture cleaners, and specialized dental cleaning supplies, you will only use your regular soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your new teeth clean. You also won’t need regular adjustments and replacements every 5-10 years.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Older man with dental implants in Grand Prairie smiling

Whether you are missing a single tooth or you’ve been looking for a more long-lasting solution compared to a denture, dental implants can restore your smile to its fullest functionality and beauty.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

An older woman with dental implants in Grand Prairie smiling

Not everyone is a perfect candidate for dental implants right off the bat. This is especially the case if you’ve suffered from missing teeth for a while and have begun experiencing jawbone deterioration. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still get dental implants.

At your initial consultation, the team at Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to determine whether implants are a good solution for you. Before Dr. Desai can complete the surgery, you may require a preparatory procedure, such as gum disease therapy, a bone graft, or a sinus lift, to make sure that your oral structure can support the implants. We will also outline your treatment timeline during your consultation and discuss the details of the procedure with you.

Missing One Tooth

For one missing tooth, patients will receive one implant in the gap located below their gum line. This will act as a replacement for the root of the tooth. Atop the implant will be a connector piece that will attach to a customized dental crown.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you’re missing consecutive teeth that leave a large gap, we’ll likely suggest an implant bridge. This prosthetic will be held in place by two dental implants, one located at either side of the space in your smile. This means that no alteration of your natural, healthy teeth will be necessary to anchor the bridge.

Missing All Teeth

If you are missing all your natural teeth, you can still enjoy the benefits of dentures! With anywhere from four to eight dental implants carefully placed throughout your jawbone, we can anchor a full denture securely into place. Implant dentures won’t slip, shift, or pop out of place like a traditional denture might, and they preserve your jawbone while providing dramatically improved biting force.

However, you’ll need adequate jawbone density to support an implant denture. Unfortunately, this can pose a problem for patients who have been suffering from tooth loss for a long time. That’s why we’re proud to also offer All-On-4 in Grand Prairie! This unique method of placing implant dentures only requires four dental implants that are strategically placed to take advantage of the thickest parts of your jawbone. Not only does this allow many patients who don’t qualify for traditional implant dentures to enjoy dental implants, but they can often do so without any preliminary bone grafting or waiting periods after placement!

Learn More About All-on-4

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Dental specialist preparing to place implant in patient’s mouth

Many dentists place dental implants in the jawbone using freehand techniques. This is usually successful, but guided dental implant surgery is often a much better option. The specialists we partner with use advanced technology to create a custom surgical template, which they then use to ensure that your dental implants are inserted in the right places, at the right angles, and at the right depths. This minimizes your risk of postoperative complications and facilitates a faster recovery.

Learn More Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants in Grand Prairie next to model of teeth

When considering how to replace their missing teeth, many patients are initially keen on dental implants. That is, until they learn that the cost of dental implants in Grand Prairie tends to be much higher than that of traditional dentures or bridges. Dr. Desai and the rest of our team here at Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie understand that. However, you can rest assured that we wouldn’t recommend dental implants as much as we do unless we truly believed they were worth every single penny. To learn more about how you might be able to afford this life-changing treatment, contact us today!

Types of Dental Implants

Model tooth next to a dental implant in Grand Prairie

One of the primary factors influencing the cost of dental implants is the specific nature of your treatment plan. For instance, a single implant post topped with a dental crown will cost less than a bridge or partial denture that requires two implants. It then follows that a full denture supported by four to eight implants will come with an even higher price. There are also several types of dental implants from a range of manufacturers as well as various placement techniques. During your consultation, your implant dentist in Grand Prairie will go over all of these factors with you and develop a cost estimate.

What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implant in Grand Prairie resting on stack of money

While the price of dental implants may seem intimidating, keep in mind that you won’t have to pay the whole thing at once. The treatment takes a number of appointments that occur over the course of several months to a year or more. Therefore, you’ll be able to break up your payment into manageable portions. Some of the stages of the process include:

  • Initial consultation
  • Preliminary work designed to prepare your mouth for dental implants (such as bone grafting, tooth extractions, or gum disease therapy)
  • Surgical implant placement
  • A second, minor surgery to place the abutments (metal connectors that attach your implant to your restoration)
  • Design, creation, and placement of the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture)

Are Dental Implants Worth the Price?

Couple learning about cost of dental implants in Grand Prairie

Yes, the vast majority of our patients who have received dental implants in Grand Prairie have said they were well worth the price! For one, they can potentially last a lifetime, while traditional options last 7 to 10 years at most – making dental implants a smarter long-term investment. Furthermore, the benefits that dental implants offer are truly priceless. They allow you to chew all of your favorite foods with ease. They also look amazingly natural and prevent bone loss in your jaw. In short, dental implants are absolutely worth the investment.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Implant dentist in Grand Prairie breaking down costs of dental implants

While many dental insurance companies don’t cover implants themselves, they might pay for some other aspects of the treatment, such as your restoration or preparatory work. Our practice is in-network with most PPO plans and can happily handle the paperwork for you. We also offer affordable financing through CareCredit as well as an in-house savings plan that gives you discounts on many of our services without having to worry about deductibles, annual maximums, and waiting periods.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

senior man admiring his new smile with dental implants in Grand Prairie

Dental implants have the potential to last for several decades, maybe even a lifetime. They should be the last tooth replacement you’ll ever need! Of course, the only way you can make sure your new teeth last this long is to practice excellent dental implant care in Grand Prairie. Unlike regular dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are actually quite easy to care for. Just follow these five basic tips!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

senior man and woman brushing their teeth together

Yes, dental implants can’t get cavities, but any natural teeth that you have left still can. That’s why daily brushing and flossing are still essential. Even if you’ve had all of your teeth replaced with dental implants, though, you can’t afford to slack on your oral care routine. If plaque and tartar accumulate in your gums, they could damage the supportive tissue that holds your implants in place, leading to dental implant failure. We recommend that you brush twice a day for two minutes at a time, floss at least once each day, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash for good measure.

Eat a Healthy Diet

woman eating a salad

Enjoying the occasional chocolate bar or bag of potato chips shouldn’t be the end of the world, but try not to make a habit of overindulging in sugary or starchy foods. The particles that these items leave behind on your teeth can easily fuel cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. To reduce the risk of infection, be sure to eat plenty of mouth-healthy foods instead. For example, many fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which promotes healthy gum tissue and gives your dental implants in Grand Prairie a firm foundation.

Break Bad Habits

woman sitting at a desk and chewing on a pencil

Many of the same habits that can damage natural teeth – smoking, biting your nails, eating ice, chewing on pencils, etc. – can also be dangerous for dental implants. Smoking dries out the mouth, makes infections more likely, and even increases the risk of oral cancer. Chewing on hard objects that are not food could all too easily damage an implant restoration or even the implant itself. Feel free to ask our friendly team members if you need help quitting any of these habits.

Protect Your Dental Implants

person putting a yellow mouthguard into their mouth

Do you like playing sports? Then it’s worth your while to invest in a customized mouthguard to wear during games and practices. These oral appliances fit comfortably over your teeth, protecting your implants and remaining teeth against severe injury in the event of impact to the face.

On a similar note, your implant dentist in Grand Prairie can provide you with a nightguard if you habitually clench and grind your teeth as you sleep. Over time, teeth grinding can wear down natural tooth enamel as well as dental implant restorations, increasing the risk of fracture. A nightguard creates a layer of cushioning between the upper and lower teeth, minimizing the damage from grinding.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

man at a checkup with his implant dentist in Grand Prairie

Just because your teeth have been replaced doesn’t meant that dental checkups are no longer important. These visits give our team a chance to closely examine your implants, remaining teeth, and other oral structures. If we find any potential problems developing, we can stop them in their tracks, long before you may have noticed them on your own.

Dental Implant FAQs

Woman on teal background wondering about dental implants in Grand Prairie

With dental implants in Grand Prairie, you can regain a fully functional and natural-looking smile. However, you probably have a few questions before you’re ready to commit to this potentially life-changing treatment. That’s completely fine! We want to help you feel 100% confident in any treatment you choose here at Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie, so we will be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Below, you’ll find some of the most common inquiries we get about dental implants so you can learn more.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

As the longest-lasting tooth replacement currently available, dental implants can last 30 years or more. In fact, most patients who practice healthy habits and good oral hygiene can easily expect to enjoy their newly rebuilt smile for life! However, bad habits like smoking, poor oral hygiene, and chewing on hard objects could shorten the lifespan of your dental implant.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants boast an astonishing success rate of over 95%! They’re quite successful in the long run as well. In fact, that 95% success rate holds true for dental implants even 10 years after their placement! However, there is always the remote chance of failure. Make sure to practice healthy dental habits to maximize the longevity of your dental implant. If it ever begins to feel painful, sensitive, or loose, call us right away so we can investigate.

Am I Too Old or Young to Get Dental Implants?

We don’t recommend dental implants for teenagers younger than 18 years old since their jawbone is still developing. However, there is no upper age limit for dental implants! As long as you meet the necessary prerequisites (good overall health, great oral health, and a strong jawbone) you’re never too old to get dental implants! While you are more likely to run into oral health issues and jawbone density problems that can interfere with your candidacy as you get older, there are plenty of preliminary treatments like bone grafting and periodontal therapy to help get you on track for a new smile!

What Does It Feel Like to Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to look, function, and feel just like natural teeth. Thanks to their solid foundation in your jawbone, they will never slip out of place, and your custom-made restoration will function flawlessly while chewing and speaking. Essentially, the only major difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth is the presence of a tooth’s nerve. You’ll still be able to glean important information like temperature and pressure near your implant, but these sensations will be detected via the nearby healthy tissue. Other than that however, your dental implant should feel so comfortable that you may forget it’s even there.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants cannot get cavities. However, that doesn’t mean that you can start neglecting your oral hygiene! Regular brushing and flossing is essential for keeping the gums and other connective tissues that help hold your dental implant in place strong and healthy. Should you neglect good dental habits, you could potentially develop an infection called peri-implantitis that can lead to dental implant failure. Make sure to take great care of your dental implant and remaining natural teeth to keep your smile sparkling and strong.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Thankfully, dental implant surgery doesn’t hurt. Dentists take steps to ensure the treatment is smooth and comfortable.

You see, the dental team will numb your mouth before the procedure. This action ensures you won’t sense pain from their work. (At most, you’ll only feel slight pressure as they operate.) Plus, the numbing is highly effective due to the jawbone having few nerve endings.

Still, your mouth may feel a tad sore after the surgery. Such discomfort is normal, though, and will fade after a few days. You can manage it with store-bought pain medication in the meantime. However, call us immediately if the pain worsens after 2-3 days.

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

When they’re well-placed, implants blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth. They look so lifelike that friends and family won’t even notice they’re artificial.

Remember, implants are set directly in the jaw. You won’t need to hold them in place like you would dentures or bridges. Instead, they’ll fuse with your jawbone and remain stable and secure. This permanence ensures implants behave like natural teeth.

Furthermore, note that implants are capped with dental crowns. The latter restorations use porcelain for their material. As such, your treatment results will appear pretty and natural.

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

After implant surgery, there are two stages of recovery: the short-term and the long-term. Each of these phases involves a unique timeline.

Per its name, the short-term recovery takes very little time. Most are well enough to resume normal activities the day after surgery. That said, avoid strenuous exercise in the first week post-treatment. (You might delay healing otherwise.) Also, you may experience bleeding or swelling for 3-4 days. It’d be wise to take store-bought painkillers as well.

For the long-term recovery, your body will need more time. It’ll take roughly six months for your implants to fuse with your jawbone.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

Technically, smokers can get dental implants. Doing so, however, isn’t wise. Those with a smoking habit have a higher rate of implant failure.

Put simply, smoking interferes with implant fusion. Tobacco products cause gum disease, which erodes your jaw’s bone tissue. Furthermore, they often trigger dry mouth – a condition that slows your healing. Smoking could even cause you to develop a dry socket, dislodging the blood clot over the implant site.

Given these facts, it’s best to refrain from smoking before implant work. Smokers should quit at least two weeks prior to surgery and only resume 2-3 months afterward. Better yet, implant treatment is an ideal opportunity to kick the habit for good.