Learn About Dental Implant Options in Wichita Falls

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made from titanium metal that gets placed into your jawbone. Think of it like a screw that holds a replacement tooth in place, just like the root of a natural tooth holds it in the bone. The implant itself stays hidden under your gum tissue, while a visible crown (the tooth-shaped part) sits on top. This design makes dental implants different from other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures, which sit on top of your gums.

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The process of getting a dental implant typically happens over several months. Your dental surgeon places the implant post into your jawbone through a surgical procedure. After this, your body needs time to heal and bond the implant to the surrounding bone—a process called osseointegration. This usually takes between three to six months. Once the bone has healed around the implant, your dentist places a crown on top, giving you a tooth that looks and functions like a natural one.

In Wichita Falls, many dentists and oral surgeons offer implant services. The region has several dental practices specializing in implant placement, and others that handle the restoration work. Some practices do both the surgical placement and the crown work, while others focus on one or the other. Understanding how implants work helps you talk more effectively with local dental professionals about whether this option might suit your situation.

Dental implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or even support a full set of replacement teeth. This flexibility makes them useful for many different tooth loss scenarios. Whether you lost a tooth from decay, injury, or extraction, or you're missing several teeth, an implant might be one option worth exploring with a Wichita Falls dental professional.

Takeaway: Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made from titanium that integrate into your jawbone over several months, then support a visible crown.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Wichita Falls

Several types of dental implants exist, and understanding the differences can help you have informed conversations with your dentist. The endosteal implant is the most common type used today. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone and look like small screws. They work best when you have adequate jawbone height and width. Most dental offices in Wichita Falls use endosteal implants because of their proven track record and high success rates.

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Subperiosteal implants are another option, though less commonly used than endosteal implants. These implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue, rather than being surgically placed into the bone. Your dentist might discuss this option if you have limited jawbone height or density. Some Wichita Falls dental practices may offer this alternative, though it's typically recommended less frequently than endosteal implants.

Zygomatic implants are a specialized type that anchors into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jaw. This option exists for patients with significant jawbone loss who might not be candidates for standard implants. Very few practices in Wichita Falls may offer this procedure, as it requires additional specialized training. You might need to travel to larger dental centers for this option.

Beyond these types, implants also vary in material composition and surface design. Most modern implants use titanium or titanium alloy. Some newer implants feature special surface treatments that may help bone integrate faster. Your dentist can explain which types they work with and why they might recommend a particular type for your situation.

The number of implants you need depends on how many teeth you're replacing and the amount of remaining bone. A single implant replaces one tooth. A few implants might support a bridge spanning multiple missing teeth. For complete tooth loss, some people use several implants to support a denture-like restoration.

Takeaway: Endosteal implants (placed in the bone) are the most common type in Wichita Falls, with other options like subperiosteal implants available for specific situations.

Steps in the Dental Implant Process

Getting a dental implant involves several distinct phases, each important for success. The journey typically begins with a consultation and examination. During this visit, your dentist examines your mouth, reviews your medical history, and takes X-rays or CT scans to assess your jawbone. This helps them understand how much bone you have and where they can safely place the implant. Some people have plenty of bone, while others have lost significant bone over time and may need additional procedures.

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If your jawbone doesn't have enough height or width, your dentist might recommend bone grafting. This procedure adds bone material to build up your jaw before placing the implant. Bone grafting can come from your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic bone material. This step, if needed, can add several months to your overall timeline.

Once your jawbone is ready, the surgical placement happens. Your oral surgeon makes an incision in your gum, creates a small hole in the bone, and carefully places the titanium implant post. The gum is then closed with stitches. This part of the process usually takes an hour or less. You'll go home to heal, and your body begins the important process of bonding the implant to the bone.

During the healing phase, typically lasting three to six months, you'll visit your dentist for follow-up appointments. They check that everything is healing properly and that the implant is stable. You might wear a temporary replacement tooth during this time so you don't have a visible gap. Some implants can have a temporary tooth placed on them right away (called immediate loading), though this depends on your specific situation and jawbone quality.

Once healing is complete, your dentist takes impressions and custom-makes a crown to fit your implant. You might have one or more visits for fitting and adjustments. Finally, the crown is attached to the implant, and your replacement tooth is complete. Regular checkups help keep your implant healthy for many years.

Takeaway: The implant process includes consultation, possible bone grafting, surgical placement, a healing period of several months, and finally crown placement.

Factors Affecting Implant Success and Cost in Wichita Falls

Several factors influence whether a dental implant will be successful and what you might expect to spend. Your jawbone density and volume are critical. People who have lost teeth for a long time often have bone loss, which may require grafting before implants can be placed. This adds to both time and cost. Smoking and certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and reduce implant success rates.

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In Wichita Falls, dental implant costs vary based on complexity and the specific procedures you need. A single implant typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 for the implant post itself, though this varies by provider. The crown on top usually costs $800 to $2,000 more. If you need bone grafting, that's an additional $300 to $3,000 depending on the amount and type of graft material. A full mouth of implants supporting multiple teeth can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover implants, treating them as cosmetic rather than necessary dental work. Some plans offer partial coverage in specific situations. It's worth checking your individual policy. Some Wichita Falls dental offices offer payment plans or financing options to help manage the cost over time.

Success rates for dental implants are high—around 95-98 percent over a ten-year period, according to dental research. However, this varies based on location in the mouth, bone quality, and how well you care for them. Implants in the lower front teeth tend to have slightly higher success rates than those in the back. Your age generally doesn't prevent you from getting implants; it's more about overall health and bone quality.

The long-term value of implants differs from other options. While the initial cost is higher than a bridge or denture, implants may last 20+ years with proper care, while bridges often need replacement every 10-15 years and dentures require regular adjustments.

Takeaway: Implant success depends on bone quality, smoking status, and health conditions; costs in Wichita Falls typically range from $2,000-$5,000 per tooth but vary widely based on your needs.

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