9 - 2022 - Definitive Dental

June 20, 2023September 27, 2022 by Jordan brannon

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Unfortunately, if you are missing teeth, this can take a toll on your self-esteem and your social interactions. It can also make eating more difficult.

Dental implants can help. But compared to every other kind of dental procedure, how well do dental implants work?

An implant is a metal screw-like device that serves as a tooth root. That may sound painful, but the dental implant procedure doesn’t hurt! An artificial tooth, called a crown, is placed on top of the screw to restore a lost tooth’s appearance and function. Implants last for many years and can positively transform your smile and oral health. Here’s what you need to know.

1) How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and an artificial tooth. How exactly do these dental implants’ components work together?

First, the implants, which are small titanium fixtures, are inserted directly into your jawbone. Then, crowns, dentures, or bridges (devices used to replace one or two teeth) are attached to the tops of the implants. Metal structures called abutments connect the new tooth to the implant.

2) Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Inserting a metal fixture into your jawbone does sound scary, but you will be sedated during the surgery and not feel any pain. You may feel a bit sore after the anesthesia wears off following the surgery, but over-the-counter pain medications are enough to manage this.

3) How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

For some people, the question is not whether dental implants hurt the mouth—what about hurting the wallet? An implant to replace one tooth generally costs about $5,000, although your implant cost will ultimately depend on several factors. For instance, if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant, your dentist may have to add bone to the site through bone grafting. An implant treatment may qualify for insurance coverage.

4) How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants work very well and have the potential to last a person a lifetime. How do they last so long? Unlike a natural tooth, a dental implant isn’t susceptible to problems like tooth decay. However, you must maintain healthy gums to keep your implant intact. This requires regular dental cleanings and exams as well as daily brushing and flossing.

5) How Successful Are Dental Implant Procedures?

Dental implants work for most patients with no future complications. Generally, implants are predictably successful over 90% of the time in a patient with good health and great oral hygiene. Speak to your dentist to understand how likely you are to benefit from implants.

6) Are Dental Implants Safe?

Overall, dental implants are safe, permanent solutions for replacing missing teeth. Implants last many years and do not hurt. Adults of any age can receive implants, but growing children are generally not candidates for them as their jawbones and teeth are still in the development process.

Your dentist may not recommend implants for you if you smoke tobacco or suffer from diabetes, as both may stifle your healing process. Likewise, you may not be a good candidate for implants if you have untreated and severe gum disease, which destroys gum tissue and bone. Implants might also not be possible if you take blood thinners or steroids. Your dentist will go over the risks associated with the medicines you are taking and determine whether adjusting the dosages or even avoiding the medications temporarily during the implant procedure would be possible.

7) Are Dental Implants Worthwhile?

Absolutely. Dental implants can instantly improve your eating ability, your appearance, and your confidence. They are sure to enhance your quality of life in both the short term and the long term.

8) Do Dental Implants Look and Feel Real?

Yes, implants are designed to both feel and look just like natural teeth.

9) Can Dental Implants Fall Out?

Unlike dentures, which are made to come out, dental implants work by surgically embedding into the jawbone, so they are designed to stay in place long term. Dental implants do not fall out if they are implanted properly and maintained. Good oral hygiene will help to ensure that your implants stay put for years to come.

Experience Dentistry Done Right with the Help of Definitive Dental

At Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, we are excited to offer a number of dental treatments, including implants. If you’re wondering if dental implants would work for you, we are glad to answer any questions you have about this transformation treatment option.
We take pride in genuinely listening to our patients and guiding them to complete oral health. Call us today at 972-646-0660 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.

June 20, 2023September 27, 2022 by Jordan brannon

Dental implants are an excellent option for patients who are missing at least one tooth as a result of gum disease or injury. These devices are artificially rooted teeth that permanently attach to the jawbone. It’s a relatively quick and minimally invasive process, and the implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

But there has to be a catch, right? How much does it cost?

Many of our patients in the Dallas–Fort Worth area wonder about the average price of dental implants and whether the cost of implants is really worth it.

Here’s everything you need to know about the price of dental implants and why they are a smart choice.

Cost of Dental Implants in Dallas Out of Pocket

Dental implants stand out for their durability and longevity compared with other dental treatment options, and they are priced accordingly. A single tooth implant covered with a tooth-colored crown (porcelain crown) costs about $5,000 on average. This average price of dental implants includes the device itself, the crown, and the surgical placement of the implant. Remember, that’s for one—if you require multiple implants, the cost will be higher.

The prices reflect the material costs of implants combined with the complexity and length of the implant placement process. From beginning to end, getting an implant takes about six months. However, they deliver exceptional value long term. You can expect them to last for as long as 20 years or more if you practice healthy flossing and brushing habits, as well as get regular dental checkups.

Cost of Dallas-Area Dental Implants with Insurance

Some dental insurance coverage plans available through private companies include dental implants as benefits. However, they might not pay the entire cost of an implant procedure. Instead, they may cover only specific steps of the dental implant procedure.

For instance, let’s say that you have a full-coverage policy that covers half of any major dental service. Your insurance company might cover 50% of your implant procedure. Alternatively, your insurer may cover your implant’s dental crown only, leaving you to pay for the implant itself.

Still, for patients who need implants to restore or maintain their oral health, their insurers will likely be more inclined to cover the costs of dental implants in Dallas. If you fall into this category, just be sure to ask about your yearly maximum dental benefit amount—the largest amount that your insurance company will pay you for treatment in a given year. (This is about $1,500/person on average.)

Note that if you are pursuing an implant for cosmetic reasons, the treatment probably will not be covered.

What Does a Dental Implant Consist Of?

An implant includes three parts:

The metal screw (typically titanium) that constitutes the body of the implant
The crown—the artificial tooth that is visible above the patient’s gum line
The abutment—a piece of metal that connects the artificial tooth and metal root

The cost of dental implants in Dallas includes the time and effort required for your dentist to perform the following steps:

1) Your dentist will examine your teeth and consult with you about your dental implant treatment.

2) When it’s time for the procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to protect you against pain. Then, an implant will be inserted into your jaw.

3) Several months or weeks later, your implant site should be healed. At this time, your dentist will elongate the body of the implant by adding an abutment. This piece will essentially anchor your future crown.

4) A dental laboratory will manufacture a crown for you that matches the color of your teeth. This custom crown will be made of either porcelain or ceramic.

5) Finally, after your crown is created, you will return to your dentist’s office so that he or she can fasten the crown onto your abutment using dental cement or a screw.

dental implant procedure in a dental office

Extra Costs of Dental Implants in Dallas to Consider

In addition to paying the $5,000 average price of dental implants, you may need to factor in the cost of your initial dental exam as well as X-rays if you are not insured. X-rays and an exam may cost between $200 and $500.

Also, if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant in your jaw, you may need to undergo bone grafting before getting your implant placed in your mouth. This procedure usually costs a few hundred dollars.

Your dentist will furthermore let you know if he or she needs to perform a sinus lift during the implant procedure. This procedure, which might cost between $1,500 and $2,5000, is designed to increase your upper jawbone’s thickness if needed.

Finally, the overall cost of dental implants in Dallas should include the cost of sedation as well. The price of sedation during this type of procedure may be between $50 and $200.

Why Dental Implants Are Worth the Cost

After that breakdown, it may seem like implants are prohibitively expensive—but caring for your jaw is well worth the cost. Here’s why.

Living without some or all of your teeth can make chewing food difficult. In addition, any teeth located near a gap in your mouth might shift to fill in the gap, and this may lead to bite misalignment over time—meaning even more procedures. For these reasons, the cost of dental implants in Dallas is worth paying if you have missing teeth you would like to replace.

Dental implants are also worthwhile investments in that they look natural. This means they can restore missing teeth’s appearance and function in an inconspicuous way.

An implant also won’t damage any of the healthy teeth situated around it. In addition, it preserves the health of your gums and jawbone.

Finally, given that implants have an extremely high rate of success among patients—close to 100%—covering the cost of dental implants in Dallas is a smart move.

Alternatives to Implants and Their Costs

As you research the average price of dental implants, you may be tempted to choose an implant alternative, like a dental bridge or partial denture, instead. After all, compared with the cost of dental implants in Dallas, it may seem more affordable. A dental bridge, which fills a gap of one or two teeth, costs about $2,500/tooth on average. In addition, a removable partial denture, which can cover several teeth, may cost between $800 and around $3,000.

However, even though these treatment options are less expensive than implants are upfront, they will need to be replaced more frequently, leading to more recurring costs. Both a dental bridge and a denture might require replacing in five to eight years.

Another drawback of dental bridges in particular is that they tend to look less natural as you age. On top of this, they may damage the natural teeth surrounding your missing teeth.

Dentures additionally offer the con of being removable, meaning they aren’t secure in the mouth like implants are. They can also be difficult to clean, as you must brush and soak them nightly, in addition to brushing your gums.

Before making any decision, it’s best to discuss all of your options with your dentist.

Discover the Cost and Benefits of Dental Implants in Dallas Today

At Definitive Dental, we are a proud provider of a full range of dental treatments, ranging from implants to root canals and extractions. If you’re interested in receiving implants, we will gladly create a personalized treatment plan for you. Then, we’ll discuss the cost of our Dallas-area dental implants with your particular insurance coverage.

Call or text us at (972) 646-0660 to learn more about our services and experience dentistry done right for yourself this year.

February 23, 2023September 1, 2022 by Jordan brannon

fingers holding clear, plastic aligner tray

You take a peek at some of your most memorable smiling photos over the years, and on the one hand, the moments leave you smiling some more. On the other hand, though, you feel a twinge of frustration knowing that your smile isn’t as perfect as you wish it could be.

The good news? You won’t have to peer at your future smiling pictures with frustration if you take advantage of clear aligners for straightening teeth. These types of aligners for teeth are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional braces for adults and offer cost and aesthetic benefits.

While many patients report great results, aligners are not for everyone. Here are the pros and cons of braces for adults, including their cost and other important factors.

What Are Aligners, and What Do These Braces for Adults Cost?

Aligners are removable, clear, custom-made devices designed to fit a person’s teeth. Unlike regular braces, these devices don’t feature brackets or wires. Instead, they combine quality digital planning with the physical force of plastic to move teeth gradually and precisely. You’ll receive two trays to place on your upper and lower teeth during the treatment period.

These braces for adults cost an average of around $4,000. The cost of these plastic braces for adults is a major benefit, as traditional braces for adults can easily cost an average of between $5,000 and $6,000. However, the benefits of these types of aligners for teeth don’t stop at their relatively competitive price tag.

Benefit of Invisibility

One of the top benefits of braces for adults, aside from cost, is the fact that they are virtually invisible. Other individuals will rarely be able to tell that you are using aligners when you wear them to class or the office.

On the contrary, traditional braces come with noticeable metal brackets. As a result, you might feel less confident when wearing metal braces compared with aligners.

Benefit of Effectiveness

Yet another reason to choose clear braces for adults, outside of cost and transparency, is their incredible effectiveness when it comes to shifting teeth.

These types of aligners for teeth are perfect for fixing a variety of problems, including the following:

A small gap between two teeth
A minor overbite
Teeth overcrowding

With clear braces, you can easily and efficiently treat alignment problems by closing in gaps or adding the proper amounts of space where necessary.

man with smile and sunglasses after clear aligners

Benefit of Flexibility for Adults of All Ages

Plastic aligners are additionally in demand because they come with no maximum age limit. This means you can capitalize on these types of aligners for teeth whether you’re a young adult or in your golden years. As a matter of fact, even young children may qualify for aligners to improve their smiles.

Benefit of Portability

In addition to being transparent, effective, easy to qualify for, and cost-efficient, braces for adults stand out for being easy to remove.

These types of aligners for teeth, which are akin to mouthguard trays, can be taken out as needed. This means you don’t have to quit eating specific foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment with them. In addition, you can more easily keep your mouth healthy, as you can remove the trays before brushing and flossing to thoroughly clean your pearly whites each day.

The brackets of metal braces, on the other hand, do not come out till your treatment has been completed. This can unfortunately make eating and maintaining excellent oral hygiene a challenge on a daily basis.

Commitment Drawback

One of the biggest challenges of aligners is that they require a great deal of commitment on your end.

These braces for adults may be cost-effective, but they also demand your attention. Be prepared to wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results. Unfortunately, if you tend to be forgetful or extremely busy, you might forget to slip on your aligners regularly. And sadly, this may slow your treatment down.

Limitations Drawback

As you count the cost of braces for adults, consider the fact that you won’t be deemed a candidate for aligners if you don’t currently have healthy gums and teeth. For instance, perhaps you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay. Your dentist will need to treat these issues before you can begin orthodontic treatment. In addition, if your oral health issue is more severe, like advanced gum disease, you may not be able to undergo treatment with aligners at all.

Also, note that aligners cannot fix certain alignment issues, such as the following:

Big gaps in your teeth
Severe overbite
Many crooked teeth

However, if you have a relatively healthy mouth and don’t have any serious alignment problems, aligners could work extremely well for you.

Oral Hygiene Challenge Drawback

Yet another consideration for those counting the cost of clear braces for adults is the fact that aligners require increased attention to oral hygiene.

For instance, after eating meals, you may want to brush or rinse out your mouth using water before putting your aligners back onto your teeth. Otherwise, you might end up trapping food particles under your trays. This debris might expedite bacterial processes in the mouth, therefore increasing your likelihood of developing gum disease or cavities.

As a wearer of aligners, you should also be prepared to brush these braces gently using a toothbrush daily. Alternatively, you can briefly soak the devices in a quality denture cleaner.

How to Decide

As you consider the costs versus benefits of plastic braces for adults, remember that aligners have helped many patients to achieve straighter teeth. In addition, because these appliances are fabricated from plastic, they are generally comfortable to wear throughout the treatment process. Treatment with aligners is also generally quicker (between half a year to 1.5 years) compared with traditional orthodontic treatment (one to three years).

Simply put, when done under the care of a dentist, aligners can have a positive impact on your oral health and self-confidence. A reputable dentist can evaluate your oral condition and determine whether you are a candidate for treatment with aligners. Your dental office can also answer any questions you have about this type of orthodontic treatment, including whether your treatment may be covered by your dental insurance provider.

Achieve Your Dream Smile with the Help of the Experts at Definitive Dental Today

At Definitive Dental, known for dentistry done right, we are excited to be your go-to dental office for plastic aligners and other high-quality dental treatments. At our full-service dental practice, our other treatments range from dental implants to crowns, extractions, root canals, and dentures. We also provide six-month checkups for exams and cleanings to keep our patients’ teeth healthy in the long run.

When you visit our office, you can be confident that you are being treated by the best in the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area. We have earned numerous positive reviews on Google due to our matchless service and passion for providing a quality patient experience. We also pride ourselves on using leading dental technology to produce panoramic x-rays and complete digital scans of the teeth.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Call or text us at (972) 646-0660, or get in touch with us through our contact form today! You can expect a call back on the same day, typically within a couple of hours of filling out our form on the site. Contact us now!

January 30, 2023September 1, 2022 by Jordan brannon

It’s one of those things, like changing the oil in your car. You’re supposed to do it every few months, but does it really matter? Many people wonder how often they should get their teeth cleaned and whether twice-a-year visits are truly necessary.

As it turns out, there’s a good reason that most dentists recommend visits every six months—and most insurance companies will pay for it. How often you should go to the dentist ultimately depends on your oral health history, but every six months is a good benchmark, even for otherwise healthy adults. Skipping a dental appointment can take a toll on your teeth and gums both now and in the future.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally?

To maintain stellar oral hygiene, you must make a habit of brushing your teeth twice daily. You should also floss once a day at a minimum. These are two easy tasks you can perform at home to remove food particles from your teeth and, in turn, keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

However, even a spectacular brushing and flossing routine will not remove all of the plaque buildup on your teeth. Some places are too hard to reach on your own, or in some cases, you will need a stronger tool than a toothbrush.

Debris Removal

If you’re wondering how often you should get your teeth cleaned, consider seeing your dentist twice yearly to ensure that all the plaque and tartar is removed from your teeth. Plaque is the soft debris that forms on your teeth after you eat. Meanwhile, tartar, which is also called calculus, is the hardened form of plaque that wasn’t removed.

Plaque and tartar constantly accumulate along the gums and on the teeth. Even though flossing and brushing can certainly minimize such accumulation, they cannot totally prevent it. That’s where a dental hygienist comes in. He or she can perform the type of thorough and robust cleaning you need to prevent plaque and tartar from building up over the span of a few months.

What Happens During Your Cleaning

When you visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam, your hygienist will evaluate your teeth for signs of gum inflammation or decay. He or she will then remove the tartar and plaque present on your teeth. This is necessary for stifling the growth of bacteria, preventing the development of cavities, freshening your breath, and keeping your smile looking whiter.

During this appointment, the dental staff might also take X-rays of your teeth to determine if you need additional treatment, such as dental fillings, crowns, or implants. In addition, your dental hygienist will likely rinse, floss, and polish your teeth. Fluoride may additionally be applied to your pearly whites to help to prevent cavities and strengthen the enamel. For those wondering how often you should get your teeth cleaned, all of these benefits demonstrate why six-month cleanings are worth the time.

Problem Prevention

Keep in mind that undergoing a cleaning every six months also offers the benefit of helping you to avoid more time-intensive and aggressive cleanings long term. These deep cleanings are known as scaling and root planing, which involves removing calculus both below and above the gumline to stop the progression of gum disease. This is important in that advanced gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can cause the gums to begin receding—a condition that might require periodontal surgery.

During your dental visit, your dentist can also pinpoint other important dental problems, such as alignment issues with your teeth. In this situation, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment using clear aligners, for example.

Other Ways Checkups Help

Getting your teeth cleaned regularly will furthermore help with detecting problems such as oral cancer. That’s because in addition to checking your teeth, your dentist will look carefully at your tongue and gums—the soft tissues surrounding your teeth. If you’re asking, “How often should I go to the dentist,” note that six-month checkups will allow you to detect and treat this potentially serious issue early rather than waiting until it’s too late for treatment.

The reality is that not every oral health problem causes pain initially. For this reason, you might not know that you have an issue until you are evaluated at your dentist’s office. By pinpointing such problems early on, your dental team can recommend swift treatment or propose adjustments to your dental care routine at home to address these issues.

More Often for High-Risk Groups

Ultimately, how often you should get your teeth cleaned depends on your current oral health and overall health condition. Note that going more frequently than every six months may be necessary if you belong to a high-risk group.

For instance, let’s say you smoke or use chewing tobacco. The plaque that builds up on your teeth will be stickier than it would if you did not use tobacco. This makes the plaque more likely to absorb bacteria, which can result in quicker cavities or increase your chances of developing periodontal disease.

The frequency of getting your teeth cleaned may be higher for patients with specific medical conditions as well. For instance, the saliva of people with diabetes may carry a larger amount of sugar compared with non-diabetics, which might lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay.

You may go to the dentist every three to four months if you currently suffer from gum disease. The same is true if you tend to develop large amounts of plaque and cavities due to genetics. Even great oral hygiene at home might not be enough for you to avoid frequent dental cleanings in this situation.

Learn More about How Often You Should Get Your Teeth Cleaned from Definitive Dental

At Definitive Dental, we pride ourselves on offering top-of-the-line dental cleanings and exams to keep your teeth in tip-top shape—or to get them there.

Known for dentistry done right, we have earned more than 375 five-star reviews due to our excellent track record of listening to patients and helping them to maximize their health through our various treatments. We use the latest advances in dental technology for all of our patients for the best results.

Our practice is additionally committed to providing top-tier customer service through a caring, friendly staff. Whether you’re wondering how often you should get your teeth cleaned or how to tackle a specific dental problem, we’re here to help. Book a dental appointment with us by calling (972) 646-0660 or filling out our contact form. Let’s take your smile to new heights today!