Author: sharon.boyd

is it painful to get dental implants

Does It Hurt To Get Dental Implants?

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

If you have missing teeth, you probably want to know: does it hurt to get dental implants? Dental fear and anxiety affect an estimated 1 in 3 adults. Even if you love your dentist and dental phobia has never been a concern, you may still have questions about your comfort during various procedures, including dental implants. 

Why Implant Treatment is Unique

Implants are placed into the bony socket of your jaw, just like natural tooth roots. What surprises most people is that while the gum tissues are quite delicate, bone is not. In fact, there are no nerve endings or pain receptors in the bone where your implants will set.

To ensure your comfort throughout the implant procedure, local anesthetic (numbing medication) will be used to numb the gums around the installation site. That way a small opening can be created at the top of the gums, without any irritation. The numbness wears off after a few hours, providing ample time for the implant to be installed in a pain-free manner.  The same as you would if you were getting a dental filling. 

What Most People Say

All dental implant patients have missing teeth. Either the teeth are already absent, or they need to be extracted by the dentist prior to the implant placement. In general, the majority of tooth extractions are quite simple and straightforward. People who have already been through a dental extraction usually tell us that “getting dental implants is easier than having a tooth pulled.”

Like extractions, the sensations felt during an implant placement are similar; all you should feel is a bit of pressure and nothing else. Again, your mouth is numbed in that general area. So while you won’t feel any type of discomfort, pain, or sensitivity, it’s still natural to feel some pressure. 

But unlike having a tooth removed, the recovery for implant treatment is far easier than a dental extraction. Since it’s such a minimally invasive procedure, you won’t have to worry about things like sutures or dry sockets afterward. 

Comparing Implants to Basic Dental Treatments

If you’ve ever had treatment like a dental crown, bridge, or even a gentle root canal, you’re more than prepared to have a dental implant! Each of these services is typically performed with the same numbing medication to ensure your comfort. The only difference is that some procedures take a little longer than others, depending on the complexity of the case. 

Rest assured that you’re in great hands with our DFW implant specialists. We do everything possible to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible whether you’re getting one dental implant or restoring your entire smile. 

Choosing Sedation During Implant Placement

Some clients prefer to bypass dental sedation and “stay awake” throughout the entire appointment. Basic dental implant treatment can easily be completed with local numbing medication. 

For cases involving multiple implant placements or adjunctive surgeries (sinus lifts, etc.) it’s usually best to request sedation. It’s not that it’s impossible to ensure your comfort, but choosing sedation makes longer visits seem much quicker, allowing for a smooth and carefree experience on your part. 

When you choose dental sedation, your implant dentist still numbs the area around the installation site. Although you may feel like you’re sleeping or daydreaming through everything, you won’t have to worry about even a hint of discomfort during your visit. In fact, the majority of sedation medications also cause a mild case of amnesia. There’s a good chance you won’t remember much, if anything, about the actual appointment. 

What About the Recovery? “Will I Need Pain Meds?”

Since dental implant treatment is minimally invasive, you won’t need much time off from work. Simple implant placement requires the rest of the day off because of numbing medication or sedation, but most people are back to their normal routine by the next day. 

If you’re getting multiple implants, grafting, or some type of oral surgery, you may want a couple of days off before heading back to work. 

Although we may give you a few restrictions — such as a soft diet or avoiding exercise for a few days — your recovery is a fairly comfortable process. Straightforward implant cases rarely require pain management with prescription medication. Most people address minor irritation with a warm saltwater rinse or an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Motrin. Within a couple of days, practically all sensitivity or mild irritation should be gone. 

You don’t have to take our word for it. Listening to the testimonials of other people who have been in your shoes can give you the peace of mind you deserve. 

Working with a Gentle Implant Dentist

Ensuring a comfortable patient experience goes beyond that of just using the best numbing medications or offering sedation service. It also depends on a compassionate team of providers who truly value your needs and treat you like they would if they were in your shoes. 

From discussing your past dental experiences to your goals for the future, open communication is integral in selecting the best, gentlest DFW implant dentist. At ARCHPOINT we value relationships as much as we do the quality of the dental care we provide. Bridging the two together allows for a truly exceptional process where our clients feel both physically comfortable and emotionally relaxed for something as complex as smile reconstruction. 

Gentle Dental Implant Treatment | Fort Worth

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry makes it a goal to surpass the expectations and needs of our clients. Here you won’t just receive great care, you’ll be treated to an exceptionally life-changing experience. 

To learn more about the dental implant process and find out what’s required for your own unique needs, reserve a consultation. Our dental specialists will discuss exactly what’s necessary for your situation and if there are any additional comfort needs to discuss. When there are, you can still enjoy a pleasant care experience with an add-on like dental sedation. 

Contact our Fort Worth or Dallas implant specialty clinic today. Flexible payment plan options are available. We look forward to putting a smile back on your face!

what is the time requirement to get dental implants

How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

If you’re considering getting dental implants, your #1 question is probably either “How much do dental implants cost” and #2, “How long does it take to get dental implants?” Although the cost of dental implants can vary, the length of time required for implant therapy is usually fairly constant. Particularly if you’re working with a skilled implant specialist. 

The overall timeframe for dental implant treatment is usually spaced over a longer amount of time than most people realize. In the days of same-day dentistry and instant makeovers, it can be difficult to understand why some types of therapy do require a bit more time. Instead of looking for the fastest dental implant treatment in DFW or “same day” implant providers, here are some things you’ll need to keep in mind about the overall experience and how long does it take. 

It’s All About Osseointegration (How Long Does it Take?)

The first and most important thing everyone should understand about dental implants is how they integrate with your body. “Osseointegration” is the process where your bone is attracted to the surface of your dental implant and forms a thin layer of bone tissue against it. In turn, your implant becomes “fused” into place as the new bone integrates with the microscopically-textured implant surface. 

Osseointegration is what makes implant therapy so safe and predictable. However, it is not an overnight process nor should it be rushed. Your implant must be fully integrated with your bone before it is capable of withstanding heaving pressure. Biting and chewing forces are some of the heaviest that your body can withstand. As such, you need to be sure the implant has time to fully integrate before placing a crown or bridge on top of it. 

How long it takes for implants to integrate is usually about the same for everyone. Assuming you’re healthy, we’ve completed a thorough medical screening, and you take good care of your mouth, integration typically takes 4-6 months on average. We will take an X-ray of the implant to assess how well the new bone has integrated since the date the implant was installed. At that point, we can uncover the top of the implant, install an abutment, and attach a fixed restoration. 

What About Same Day Implants or “Teeth in a Day”?

Quickly replacing missing teeth is a huge concern for most individuals. However, dental implant therapy should never be rushed. Placing an implant and immediately affixing a permanent prosthesis onto it could result in implant failure and unnecessary discomfort. Any process that promises teeth in a day or same-day dental implants needs to be carefully assessed for overall placement practices. If the new “teeth” are an immediate permanent bridge or All-on-4 treatment, you may want to reconsider your options. 

Essentially if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ultimately the same-day implants are usually not permanent or there may be hidden fees to consider, such as your same-day device being temporary and needing to purchase an additional permanent prosthesis a few months later. 

Does that mean you’ll need to go around with missing teeth for 3-6 months? Not necessarily! While your implants are integrating, we can fit you with a temporary healing prosthesis that you wear in the meantime. That way you can smile and talk without having to worry about people seeing you without teeth. Knowing about healing and integration times is an important “fine print” item that needs to be discussed if you’re considering teeth in a day. 

Occasionally if you’re only replacing one lower front tooth and using a mini implant, the crown can be placed on the same day. But same-day mini implants are typically reserved for case-by-case situations. 

The Overall Treatment Timeframe: How long does it take?

The average dental implant case is spaced out in phases over 6-12 months, depending on your preferences and oral health needs. A straightforward implant case may begin with an exam, implant placement, integration, then final prosthesis placement in 4-6 months. Whereas someone with extensive bone loss may require additional grafting and healing periods ahead of time, placing a slight pause on the implant installation. 

Dental implants are not a same-day dentistry service. But if you work with an experienced team of specialists you never have to go around with “missing teeth”…even if the overall process is phased out across several months. 

One of the best aspects of implant therapy is that you don’t have to worry about missing teeth even though the overall process isn’t overnight. The best implant dentist will still arrange to outfit you with a temporary prosthesis so that you can smile with confidence. The only difference is that you start wearing it once your implants are placed — while your smile heals — and you update it with a permanent version once everything is fully integrated. 

Leading Up to Your Implant Process

Some people consider the implant planning process to be the lengthiest of their smile reconstruction experience. Between selecting a dentist, scheduling a consultation, and just “sleeping on it” before committing to treatment, you might only need two weeks or you might spend 12 months working through everything. Bottom line, how quickly you choose to get dental implants is usually a personal decision. At ARCHPOINT we aim to inform and educate our clients, so you don’t have to worry about feeling pushed or pressured into something you’re not ready for. You can get started when you’ve had time to think about everything and feel confident about your decision. You’ll have all of the information you need to help co-plan your care. 

How Long Does it Take: Get an Estimated Breakdown

ARCHPOINT implant dentists walk with you through the entire smile restoration process from start to finish. When you visit us for your first consultation we’ll answer any questions you have, discuss what options are available, and provide you with different choices to consider. Your itemized care plan will include a breakdown of applicable fees, insurance benefits, and financing options that we offer. 

Are dental implants right for you? Call ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry to reserve your private consultation and get all of the answers you’re looking for.

types of dental implant designs

How Many Types of Dental Implants Are There?

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Any time you’re looking for the best dental implant treatment, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the number of treatment options (and types of dental implants) that are out there. In DFW alone, the variety of dental implants on the market range from specialty designs made for people who don’t otherwise qualify for implants to those from budget manufacturers. 

Choosing the right types of dental implants is just as important as selecting the best dentist. In fact, they often go hand in hand. 

Choosing a Restoration

First and foremost, dental implants serve as “roots” to your new “teeth.” The restoration on top of the implants is what you see when you smile or use to chew with. Depending on how many teeth you need to restore, you may only need a single crown or something more complex like All-on-4 hybrid dentures to replace them all at once. 

Types of dental implants and their restorations will fall into single tooth, multi teeth, or full arch categories. The first (single) is for individual tooth replacement. Multi-teeth restorations are typically those like fixed bridges for replacing 3-4 teeth at a time; they’re supported by a pair of implants. When you need to restore all of your upper or lower teeth with a streamlined treatment, a hybrid fixed or snap-on prosthesis are the two most popular options. 

During your initial dental implant consultation, we’ll talk about the types of dental implants or restoration that’s best for your needs. From there, you have a general idea of what your long-term results will look like before the actual treatment starts. 

What the “Teeth” are Made From

Now that you know which type of restoration you need (crown, bridge, All-on-4, etc.) it’s time to discuss what it’s made from. At ARCHPOINT, our Dallas and Fort Worth implant specialists frequently utilize a material called zirconia. Zirconia is a high-grade ceramic that is both extremely durable as well as aesthetically attractive. The best part about zirconia is that it’s virtually indestructible and resists stain. 

Some types of dental implant restorations are made from acrylic. Acrylic is frequently used in traditional dentures or partial dentures. Some implant dentists also use acrylic for overdentures (snap-on) or full arch prosthetics. Acrylic is fairly common as it’s more of a budget-savvy material. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit more porous, which means it can pick up more stain over time than something solid like zirconia. 

Size and Design of Implants

Now, back to the actual dental implant. Most implants are about the size of a tooth root. This design lets them set directly inside of a bony socket — like a tooth — without impacting the healthy teeth around them. In fact, implants are made out of a material called titanium, which actually improves bone quality and implant integrity because of how attractive it is to our bodies. 

Occasionally you’ll also see dental implants on the market that are made out of ceramic. Ceramic implants are similar to the color of the crown that’s placed above the gums. This aesthetic material is important for some people depending on where the implant is going and how dense the gums are in that space. Ceramic implants are designed a little bit differently than a titanium implant because they have a fixed abutment that extends up through the gums instead of a separate attachment to support the “tooth” on top. 

Then you have specialty dental implants like mini implants and zygomatic implants. As you might guess by the name, mini implants are a much smaller alternative to traditional titanium designs. They’re typically placed in areas with limited space or thin bone, where a full implant won’t fit. Since they’re so small, mini implants usually can’t support a lot of weight on them. Instead, they’re used for replacing one small tooth, like the ones at the bottom front part of your smile. 

Zygomatic implants are an advanced implant design made for people with extensive bone loss. Let’s say that you’ve gone years with missing teeth and the bone ridge through your jaw has shrunk significantly. Since there’s not enough bone to support an implant, zygomatic implants (which are a bit longer) can be placed at an angle so that they extend further and take advantage of the bone support you still have. Usually, we can place about four zygomatic dental implants to anchor a permanent full-arch hybrid restoration (i.e. All-on-4). 

Who the Implant is Manufactured By

Last but not least, one other thing you’ll need to consider is who the dental implant manufacturer is. Every implant dentist orders their implants from a manufacturer. Some are more reputable than others. Knowing that your dentist uses a high-quality implant (with years of extensive data behind it) can give you the peace of mind that you deserve. Cheap dental implants from lesser-known manufacturers may lack the microscopic quality of detail that you need for optimal bone integration. 

Selecting an experienced implant specialist will help ensure that the best materials are chosen for your smile reconstruction. 

How Much Does Each One Cost? 

The cost of dental implants in DFW depends on factors like the type of implant you choose, the type of restoration that you need, how many teeth are missing, and adjunctive services such as grafting or sedation. The best way to get a clear estimate on the price of implant treatment is to meet with a provider one-on-one to talk through your options. If you have insurance coverage, you’ll want to be sure to provide a copy of your insurance card so that your dental team can estimate a breakdown of how your benefits can be applied. 

Looking for the Best Dental Implants in DFW?

ARCHPOINT provides our patients with years of specialized research and skill when it comes to smile reconstruction. Our variety of implant treatments are tailored to the individual. Dental implants are not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Working with a highly experienced team of experts can give you the peace of mind that you’re getting the best dental implants in DFW. Contact us today to reserve an appointment!

tooth loss and replacement options

Side-Effects of Tooth Loss

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Tooth loss isn’t necessarily a “natural” part of aging. It’s the result of past trauma, disease, injuries, infections, and even habits or family history. Like a lot of people, you might not truly miss your teeth until they’re finally gone. But whether you’ve lost teeth naturally or have decided to get them removed for another reason, there are several side effects of tooth loss that you need to be aware of. 

Bone Resorption from Tooth Loss

“Resorption” is a naturally occurring shrinkage in your bone structure. Any time a tooth falls out or is extracted, we see the bone in that immediate area begin to resorb. This phenomenon weakens the jaw at that location but it also jeopardizes the integrity of the teeth on either side of it. Unfortunately, once the bone is gone, there’s really no way to get it to grow back on its own. 

Tooth Loss Causes Shifting Teeth

The extra space created by a missing tooth is like taking a book off of a bookshelf – the ones on either side of it will start to tilt or drift into that space. Your current tooth acts as a placeholder and support for its neighbors. When you combine shifting teeth with bone resorption, it can jeopardize the integrity and biting power of the teeth that you still have. 

Super-Erupting Teeth

“Super-eruption” is where a tooth begins to erupt further out of the socket, looking for a biting partner. In this case, it’s the tooth opposite of your missing tooth. Without a tooth to bite against, the opposing tooth drifts further and further out of its natural socket, weakening the support around the roots. So not only are the teeth next to your missing tooth starting to move, so are the ones opposite it. This dilemma creates a chain reaction throughout your bite overall, impacting tooth alignment in other parts of your mouth. 

Sunken-in Facial Features (Premature Aging)

As your bone begins to thin out and shrink, the height of your jaws starts to shorten overall. From the outside, your face looks shorter, your lips and cheeks start to sink inward, and your youthful profile begins to fade. Tooth loss adds to the “age” of your face, even if everything else seems just fine. 

Limited Diet Because of Tooth Loss

When you have fewer teeth to chew with, the types of foods you’re able to eat become more limited. Firmer textures like various meats, crisp vegetables, or even French bread can be extremely difficult to work into your meals. You’ll probably find that you’re cutting your food up into smaller pieces, opting for softer or more processed textures, and starting to experience premature wear on one side of your mouth. If you have missing teeth on one side, there’s a good chance you’re only chewing on the opposite one. 

TMJ Disorder

Tooth loss causes overall atypical chewing and biting. So when your jaw joint is trying to compromise for it, strain to those muscles and ligaments is natural. TMJ pain doesn’t occur overnight, but gradual TMJ disorder can develop over time if your smile isn’t restored. 

Self-Consciousness from Tooth Loss

Depending on where your missing tooth is located, you might be too embarrassed to smile around friends, pose in photos with family, or even laugh around your coworkers. The impact of just one missing tooth on your self-esteem can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Even if you have a removable prosthesis like a denture or partial, you might still feel uncomfortable talking or eating around other people. 

How Dental Implants Can Help

Fortunately, dental implants in DFW can help halt the progression of unwanted side effects caused by tooth loss. Here’s how:

Add Bone Stability

When a dental implant is set into the bone, it triggers a natural process called “osseointegration.” Osseointegration is where a new layer of bone is formed onto the surface of the dental implant, fusing it permanently into the jaw. Once fully integrated, the implant and surrounding bone are stabilized, reducing any weakening in that immediate area of your jaw. In turn, it helps to stabilize the placement and alignment of your surrounding teeth. It’s the osseointegration process that makes implants so long-lasting and predictable. So long as you keep your implants and the gums around them clean, you can expect your investment to last for the rest of your life. 

Support a Youthful Facial Profile

Installing dental implants allows you to preserve the natural “height” of your arch of teeth. In turn, the structure of your smile naturally fills out your facial profile. Your lips, cheeks, and chin no longer seem sullen or sunken-in, as there are “teeth” resting behind them. 

Enhanced Diet

Dental implants are extremely durable. You can eat whatever you like, without having to opt for softer textures or smaller bites. Having the ability to eat a balanced diet means improved nutritional absorption. Implants have no dietary restrictions, being that you can eat the same things you would before you had missing teeth. If you’re currently wearing dentures, the shift back to dental implants will give you the freedom to go back to “the way things were” before you lost your teeth. 

Improved Self-Confidence

A beautiful, healthy smile is priceless. When you feel great about the way your teeth look, you’ll be more prone to smile and laugh around other people. And survey after survey shows that people with healthy, attractive smiles tend to be seen as friendlier and make great first impressions. Some even suggest that more attractive teeth can help you land that job interview and get offered a higher salary. So the investment in replacing your missing teeth isn’t always just an emotional or cosmetic one; it can affect numerous aspects of your lifestyle. 

Dental Implants in Fort Worth, Dallas

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry provides comprehensive implant therapy in DFW. Whether you’re missing one or two teeth or are on a mission to restore your entire smile, our experts are here to help. Learn more about the dental implant experience and find out if they’re right for you. Contact ARCHPOINT today to request a consultation.

benefits of all-on-4 implants

Advantages of All-on-4 Implants in DFW

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

“All-on-4” implants is an innovative, full-arch treatment that replaces all of your upper or lower teeth at one time. The hybrid design blends the durability of dental implants with the convenience of a streamlined yet permanent appliance. All-on-4 isn’t a dental bridge and it’s not a denture, but it does replace a full arch of teeth at one time with a single restoration. 

Like other fixed dental implant treatments, All-on-4 is a permanently attached restoration that never comes in and out of your mouth. 

If you’re considering updating your denture or restoring your smile, here are the must-have benefits that All-on-4 has to offer:

You Only Need 4 Dental Implants

Most adults have a total of 32 permanent teeth (wisdom teeth included,) with 16 on top and 16 on the bottom. Since dental implants are so strong and reliable, we don’t need to use a 1-to-1 ratio to replace all of your teeth that are missing. All-on-4 treatment uses just four dental implants to permanently anchor and support a full-arch restoration, which is usually the width of 14 teeth.

A Streamlined, Hybrid Design

The shape of All-on-4 implants is a curved “U” that traces the natural arch of your teeth. There’s no bulky “plate” that covers the roof of your mouth since suction isn’t used. The hybrid, slimmer design makes All-on-4 implants more comfortable on an everyday basis. And since nothing is covering the roof of your mouth, it’s easier for you to enjoy the tastes of all your favorite foods and speak without having to change the shape of your tongue. It’s truly the lowest profile full-arch restoration that’s available on the market. 

No Removable Dentures

Once your All-on-4 implants treatment is complete, you’ll never have to worry about removing your dentures at night ever again. These appliances are permanently fixed to the four implants underneath and can only be removed with special instruments by an implant dentist. 

Easy to Speak and Smile With

People who have worn conventional removable dentures know how hard it is to speak clearly. Even with intense amounts of practice, you might notice your letters sounding different than before you lost your teeth. Slurring, lisps, or other speech concerns are fairly normal for some people (especially if your denture doesn’t fit well.) That doesn’t even take into account the fear of your appliance slipping out of place when you’re smiling or talking.

All-on-4 implants are permanently set in place, so there’s no shifting, lifting, or rocking. But most importantly, the streamlined shape frees up the extra space you need to speak more clearly. Transitioning to an All-on-4 implant treatment doesn’t require much practice when it comes to feeling confident sharing a meal with your friends or colleagues. 

Simplified Home Care

Living with All-on-4 implants doesn’t take much out of your time when it comes to daily home care. As long as you’re great about brushing and flossing, you’re set! The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that you’ll need to clean under the All-on-4 appliance, between it and your teeth, each day. While you could use a floss threader or tufted floss and weave it underneath, the easiest thing to do is to invest in a water flosser (such as a Waterpik.) After you brush your teeth, use the water flosser to clean underneath the All-on-4 and around each of the supporting implants. We recommend doing this at least once a day but twice is even better. 

While you’re at it, be sure to schedule regular six-month checkups to have your implants evaluated and cleaned on a routine basis. 

Strong Enough for All Your Favorite Foods

You can eat practically anything once you replace your missing teeth with All-on-4 implants. Technically speaking, implants are stronger than even the healthiest of teeth. If your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, then dental implants are the best way to restore your normal biting and chewing functions. 

Once your new dental implants are fully integrated, you can count on them to take on whatever you throw their way. There’s no risk of something like steak or corn on the cob being too much of a challenge. You can literally eat whatever you want. 

Predictable and Long-lasting

No tooth replacement lasts as long as dental implants in DFW. All-on-4 treatment is no different. By working with a specialist — and properly maintaining your implants each day — you can expect your implants to stay with you for the rest of your life. The predictable placement and overall treatment experience are both straightforward and comfortable. At ARCHPOINT we work with you one-on-one to plan a smile rehabilitation plan that delivers the best outcome for your lifestyle. All-on-4 is the preferred alternative over dentures when you need to replace all of your teeth at once. 

Mimics the Look and Feel of Natural Teeth

When you’re smiling and eating with dental implants, it’s the closest thing you’ll have to natural teeth all over again. Selecting an All-on-4 implant treatment means you can go about your day without having to change your diet, focus on how you sound over the phone, or laughing around your friends. Each of your new “teeth” is custom-designed to look realistic yet attractive. Everything from your facial profile and physical characteristics to your personal preferences plays a role in the size, shape, and color of your new smile. When you feel great about the way your All-on-4 implants look, you’ll feel a renewed sense of both confidence and energy. 

DFW All-on-4 Implant Dentists

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry is your choice provider for All-on-4 dental implants in Fort Worth and Dallas. As DFW implant experts, we’re able to provide the specialized care that individuals with tooth loss require. Even if you’ve been told in the past that dental implants aren’t an option, we may be able to help. 

If you’re ready to restore your smile once and for all, contact ARCHPOINT to reserve an All-on-4 implant consultation with one of our DFW specialists.

snap-on dentures and overdentures

Snap-on Denture FAQ

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

With so many types of dentures and dental implant solutions in DFW, it can sometimes seem a little overwhelming to choose the one that’s best for you. Between traditional dental implants,  All-on-4, and snap-on denture or overdentures, each one plays a different role when it comes to smile rehabilitation. Here are the most commonly ask questions we hear about snap-on dentures in Fort Worth and Dallas. 

What is a Snap-on Denture?

A snap-on denture is essentially a traditional denture that has built-in buttons or locators on the underside of it. These locators correspond to a dental implant in your mouth, allowing it to “snap” onto it, much like buttoning a button. The snaps hold the denture in place. 

Are Snap-on Dentures Removable?

Yes. The convenience of a snap-on denture is that you can still easily take it in and out of your mouth to clean it each day. Some people are completely happy having a removable appliance but they want an added layer of support to keep it locked in place during their daytime activities. We still recommend removing your overdenture at night while you sleep. 

Is a Snap-on Denture the Same as All-on-4?

No. All-on-4 dentures are a streamlined, hybrid appliance that’s shaped like a “U” to follow the contour of your arch of teeth. It’s also permanently affixed into place on top of the supporting dental implants. Only a dentist can remove All-on-4 implant dentures. With an overdenture or “snap-on” denture, the appliance still covers the roof of your mouth and can be taken in and out by the person wearing it. 

Do Snap-on Dentures Feel Like Normal Dentures?

Yes and no. Yes in that the overall shape, appearance, and feel of your snap-on denture does almost mirror that of a traditional denture. But when you wear your appliance you’ll notice a difference in how it fits against your mouth. There won’t be the same suction or rubbing and slipping that you might be used to with a traditional “plate.” This one is snapped into a single position. 

Is an Overdenture Also a Snap-on Denture?

Yes. Overdentures and snap-on dentures are the same things, so the terms are used interchangeably. Both are removable dentures that “snap” or “clip” onto corresponding dental implants to keep them in place throughout the day. Depending on which dentist you visit or who you talk to, they may use one of the terms over the other. 

Can I Convert My Current Denture into a Snap-on Denture? 

If you have a fairly new denture that fits your mouth well but needs added stability — due to something like a shallow bone ridge or bone loss — it may be possible to retrofit your denture into an overdenture. Converting dentures into snap-on dentures must be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of your existing denture. 

What are the Advantages of a Snap-on Denture? 

With a snap-on denture, you get to enjoy the advantages of dental implants, even if you’re not a traditional dental implant candidate. For instance, if you’ve lost a lot of bone, a snap-on denture is probably still an option. Then there’s the advantage of affordability, as overdentures are just a tier above the price of traditional dentures. 

Do I Need to Use Denture Adhesive or Paste with a Snap-on Denture?

No. Denture adhesives and pastes are only meant to act as a sticky seal between removable dentures and your gums to keep them in place throughout the day. Since your overdenture snaps onto dental implants, there’s no need for any extra “protection” to keep it secure. The implants themselves are more than enough support. 

How do I Keep My Overdenture Clean?

You’ll want to clean your overdenture the same way you would a traditional denture. Soak it in an effervescent cleansing solution once a day to loosen any residue, then use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to clean away the buildup. Rinse your denture clean. Never use hot water, harsh chemicals, or abrasives such as baking soda. 

Do I Qualify for a Snap-on Denture? 

The majority of our patients with missing teeth will qualify for a snap-on denture. Since the supporting dental implants can be placed wherever the best bone support is, you have more flexibility for meeting the requirements of an overdenture or snap-on design. Especially if we want to incorporate an alternative treatment like zygomatic dental implants.

How Long Does a Snap-on Denture Last? 

Most dental implants — assuming they are well cared for — can last for the rest of your life. While a removable snap-on denture may gradually wear out and need to be updated, it will last longer than a traditional denture since it has dental implants to keep it in place throughout the day. That means fewer adjustments, fewer relines, etc. 

What is the Process of Getting an Overdenture Like?

Depending on whether or not you already have dentures or you have teeth that need to be extracted, any existing teeth will first need to be removed. From there, we’ll set the specific number of implants at the desired locations. Your new overdenture will be fitted with corresponding locators or “snaps” which will attach to the matching dental implants. 

Where Can I Get a Snap-on Denture in Fort Worth/Dallas?

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry provides a comprehensive line of dental implant options, including individual, multi-tooth, All-on-4, and snap-on denture designs. We believe that offering a wide variety of dental implants in DFW allows our clients to select the one most appropriate for their lifestyle. Enjoy more flexibility during your smile reconstruction experience. 

Reserve Your Consultation Today

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry is your choice for preferred dental implant experts in Dallas and Fort Worth. Our DFW specialists provide a variety of implant therapies to fit the lifestyles and oral health needs of our clients. Find out which type of alternative denture treatment is right for you. 

Contact ARCHPOINT today to request a consultation with one of our top DFW implant experts.

zygomatic dental implants

Can You Get Dental Implants if You Don’t Have Any Bone Left?

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Dental implants are one of the most successful and predictable ways to replace missing teeth. But in order for dental implants to be effective, they need to have a sound, stable foundation supporting them. In this case, healthy, dense bone. 

Since bone is what anchors and fuses to the surface of dental implants, a person needs to have enough of it (bone) before their dental implants can be installed. Otherwise, the implant would protrude through the soft tissues or rupture a nasal sinus cavity. If the bone is too short, the implant would extend above the gums or be too loose to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. 

Is it possible to get dental implants if you don’t have enough bone? Although the short answer is “it depends,” the longer version is that yes, you can get dental implants if you don’t have enough bone, as long as you work with an implant specialist who offers services such as grafting or zygomatic dental implant designs. 

“What if I Don’t Qualify for Dental Implants?”

There are typically two major reasons why someone might not qualify for dental implants. One is an active oral disease, such as periodontitis. Fortunately, gum disease can be stabilized, especially if the diseased teeth are being removed or you’re working with a periodontal specialist. The other is not having enough bone to support a traditional dental implant. The keyword here is “traditional.” There are still alternative solutions available to make dental implant therapy possible, such as augmentation (bone grafting) or incorporating zygomatic dental implants that are set in a different area of your mouth. 

Why You Need Healthy Bone for Dental Implants

Every type of dental implant — whether it’s traditional, mini, or zygomatic — relies on a process called “osseointegration.” Osseointegration is where your body recognizes the dental implant surface and is naturally attracted to it. In turn, your mouth forms a new, fine layer of bone attachment between the jaw and the surface of the dental implant. Without this fusion process occurring, the implant will not stay in place. But for full integration to even happen in the first place, you need to already have a bony socket surrounding the implant the same way you would for a natural tooth. 

Unfortunately, tooth loss also naturally triggers bone loss. As does periodontal disease. Waiting a long time to replace your missing teeth means that you’re fighting against additional bone loss. Even if you’ve been told that dental implants aren’t an option for you, we highly recommend speaking with our implant specialists in Fort Worth and Dallas. Chances are, there will still be options that you can consider. 

Dental Implants When You Don’t Have Enough Bone

“Can I get dental implants if I don’t have enough bone?” As long as you’re open to alternative implant designs and treatments, yes! At ARCHPOINT, our implant specialists may recommend one of the following strategies:

Placing a bone graft. Bone grafting (augmentation) helps to naturally build out a healthier, denser, stronger bone for your dental implant to set inside. Once a bone graft is placed, it begins to integrate with your current bone and helps restore areas of your jaw that resorbed (shrunk). 

Changing the location of your implant installation site. Depending on which teeth are missing and how many need to be restored, dental implants don’t necessarily need to go in a specific area of your jaw. It may be possible to slightly alter where they’re installed, moving it forward or backward in your jaw, or even inserting it at an angle to take advantage of the healthy bone you already have. 

Switching to an alternative implant design, such as zygomatic dental implants. Zygomatic dental implants are designed specifically for people with extensive amounts of bone loss who might not otherwise qualify for dental implants. These special treatments use a longer implant design that’s set at an angle inside of your mouth, reaching into your zygoma or “cheekbone.” 

Zygomatic vs. Traditional Dental Implants

A traditional dental implant closely resembles the size and shape of an anatomical tooth root. And most noticeably, it’s set into the bone of your jaw in a nearly identical fashion to natural teeth. On the other hand, Zygomatic dental implants are longer and installed at an angle. They are not restricted to the bone in your immediate jaw but reach up into your zygomatic arch, which is the bony area that makes up your cheekbone. Since it’s much longer, a Zygomatic implant can take advantage of other bone structures around your mouth, making them extremely useful when you might not otherwise qualify for dental implant treatment (because of bone loss.) They’re designed to expand the criteria for dental implants. But if your dentist doesn’t offer Zygomatic implant designs, they may still tell you that you don’t qualify for implant treatment. 

Can I Replace All of My Teeth with Zygomatic Dental Implants?

Yes. Zygomatic dental implants can be paired together, just like traditional dental implants are. Our DFW implant specialists can place as few as four dental implants total, using them to permanently anchor a prosthesis such as an “All-on-4.” All-on-4 is a hybrid full-arch design that replaces all of your upper teeth at one time with the support of only four dental implants underneath. 

Getting zygomatic dental implants in DFW can be hard if you’re not sure who to ask. Only specialists and implant experts such as the team here at ARCHPOINT usually offer this expanded service. Since our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of dental specialists, we’re able to provide care that’s beyond the traditional scope of a DFW dental implant office. 

Expanding Dental Implant Services to More People

ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry understands that not everyone fits the same criteria when it comes to replacing missing teeth. While many DFW implant providers offer traditional restorations, ARCHPOINT is one of the only specialists in the Fort Worth and Dallas area to provide advanced services like Zygomatic dental implants. Contact us today to reserve a consultation.

best DFW implant dentist

7 Signs You’ve Found the Best DFW Implant Dentist

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Are you still searching for the best DFW implant dentist? Choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming, especially in a large area like Dallas-Fort Worth. But as you’re looking for the right provider, there are some specific things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are 7 signs to look for when you’re trying to shorten your list. 

1. The Best DFW Implant Dentist Offers a Variety of Services

The best DFW implant dentist (for you) will be the one who offers the treatment you’re looking for. Many dentists in the area advertise dental implants, but not all of them provide the same types of services. For instance, you might be looking to get All-on-4 treatment, or maybe you’re interested in learning more about implant stabilized overdentures (“snap-on” dentures.) Depending on the office, they may focus on one particular area of implant therapy but not any others. 

At ARCHPOINT we offer several different types of implant treatments because implants are not a “one-size-fits-all” type of solution. Some people need a different type of implant restoration than others. Being fluent in a variety of implant therapies allows us to better serve the diverse needs of our patients in DFW.

2. They’ve Got the Technology to Back Their Care

Installing dental implants is an extremely delicate process that affects all of the immediately surrounding structures. Although an implant can be placed using traditional dental X-rays, the better solution is to incorporate 3D CBCT scanning. 3D scans make it possible to evaluate your oral anatomy from every angle, well before your planned date of treatment. Virtually assessing or even digital placement of your implant ensures that there is adequate bone density and rules out other adjunctive steps in care, such as grafting or sinus lifts (when applicable.) 

At ARCHPOINT, our implant dentists have invested in the best resources possible for our patients. Utilizing 3D imaging allows us to provide the highest level of care — both for an efficient, successful procedure, as well as improved comfort — giving you the best outcome. 

3. The Best DFW Implant Dentist is an Expert

A dental implant expert is a board-certified specialist who has intensive post-doctoral training in a particular area of oral health care. Usually, it’s a prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or periodontist. 

Although a general dentist can technically place dental implants, they are not a “specialist” or “expert.” It’s up to the dentist to seek out additional training in implant therapy if they so choose. At that point, many general providers will home in on a specific type of implant service (see #1 on our list.)

By working with a team of implant specialists, you’ll know that you have immediate access to high-level care, regardless of the type of dental implant therapy you’re receiving. Their skill with extremely difficult or complex cases makes them fluent in providing care to a wider range of patients. 

4. You Don’t Have to Visit Different Offices

One of the hidden secrets about dental implant treatment is that a lot of family dentists will restore the implant, but not physically place it in their office. Instead, they’ll refer their patient to an implant specialist for the surgery, then work on coordinating the appointments to install the final crown, bridge, etc. That means driving back and forth between different dental offices or parts of town for the treatment to be completed properly.

Instead, it might be better (and more convenient) to choose a DFW implant specialist who completes the process start-to-finish under one roof. ARCHPOINT brings together specialists of all varieties to ensure successful care and aesthetic outcomes, without having to send you to another office. 

5. There are Sedation Options Available

A lot of people prefer to have their dental implant treatment completed under some type of sedation. Although it’s not required, the added level of comfort can put your mind at ease. When you feel relaxed, it’s easier to go ahead and complete all of your treatment at the same appointment. For services like All-on-4 implants or if you also require several extractions, dental sedation is recommended. 

Ask your DFW implant dentist which types of sedation they offer, and if they have a sedation provider on staff. 

ARCHPOINT provides in-house sedation dentistry with our implant therapy cases, allowing you to enjoy an extremely comfortable experience. Chances are, you won’t remember much of anything!

6. Payment Plans are Simple

Now for the elephant in the room: dental implant costs. It’s impossible to quote a price over the phone for dental implants, simply because so many variables are at play. The type of implants you need, adjunctive therapies required, the type of sedation you’re choosing, etc.  That doesn’t even include whether or not you have dental insurance benefits that you’re planning to use. 

The best DFW implant dentist will make the payment process simple and straightforward. Their treatment plan coordinators will outline the therapies recommended, incorporate your expected insurance portion, and then offer flexible payment options for any remaining balance. Perhaps you prefer to make low monthly payments, and if that’s the case, they can help you do so. 

At ARCHPOINT we offer different financial options and access to 3rd party dental implant lenders, making it easy to afford your care with or without dental insurance. 

7. You Feel Great in Their Office

There’s something to be said for the way someone makes you feel. Sometimes the best way to choose an implant dentist is to visit them for an exam and get a feel for their practice. Is it stuffy and impersonal? Do you feel like a number? Or is their team attentive to you and your needs? This final step is often the determining factor when it comes to selecting the best DFW implant dentist. 

Request a Consultation Today

ARCHPOINT is committed to treating our patients like family. We value your priorities, whatever they may be. As your partner in oral health and rehabilitation, our DFW implant experts will guide you through the smile reconstruction process to find the best solution. 

Contact our implant office in Fort Worth or Dallas today to request a zero-pressure visit with one of our providers.

dental implant benefits

10 Reasons Dental Implants are Right for You

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Are dental implants the best choice for your missing tooth needs? If you’re still trying to decide which type of tooth replacement option is the best for your lifestyle, here are some important points to consider. 

1. Dental Implants Can Last for Life

Today’s dental implants are the only modern tooth replacement that has the capability of lasting an entire lifetime. It’s not typical to have to replace or update implants like you would fillings or bridges. The goal is for them to last for decades on end, and ideally the rest of your life. To make that possible, you’ll just want to care for them properly. 

2. Dental Implants are Stronger than Other Restorations

When you lose a tooth, one of the biggest problems is the loss of your biting integrity. Replacing it with something like a denture or partial can restore oral function, but your chewing pressure is still reduced. That’s not the case with dental implants. An implant is capable of withstanding any amount of biting pressure you’re going to put on it during normal mealtime. In fact, they’re even stronger than natural tooth enamel. But don’t use them for opening packages anytime soon!

3. A Dental Implant Promotes Healthy Bone

Osseointegration. It’s a big word, with big benefits. And it’s what makes dental implants such a success when it comes to permanent tooth replacement treatment. The titanium material that dental implants are made out of is capable of triggering new bone fusion directly to the surface. So, when we install the implant into your jaw, your body is naturally attracted to it. As bone integrates with the implant’s slightly ribbed texture, it fuses the implant into place, making it a permanent fixture in your smile. Osseointegration not only stabilizes your implant but also minimizes the natural bone loss that tends to occur when a tooth is removed. As such, it helps further protect any immediately neighboring teeth. 

4. They Complement Your Facial Profile

Whenever someone loses teeth, their facial profile can start to look “sunk in” or short, as the jaws lose their density. Perhaps your lips and cheeks even appear a bit looser, with no support behind them. Since dental implants restore the missing teeth and also promote healthy bone, they can in turn support a more youthful-looking facial profile. Their permanency ensures structure support behind your soft tissues, helping you avoid — or at least minimize — the aged look that comes along with tooth loss. 

5. Dental Implants are Easy to Care For

Daily dental implant maintenance is simple. Just treat them like you would your natural teeth! Brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule a professional dental cleaning every six months, minimum. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, be sure to sleep in a nightguard to avoid chipped dental work. Your daily home care routine is probably the biggest factor when it comes to ensuring a successful treatment outcome. 

6. You Can Replace Any Number of Teeth

There really isn’t anything you can’t do with dental implants. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth, several at a time, or your entire smile, all of those options are an everyday reality. Since implants are so strong, they can support an intense amount of weight. We can use a pair of them to support a multi-tooth bridge or as few as four in total for a full-arch All-on-4 smile treatment. But if you only have one missing tooth, that’s fine too. We can install a single dental implant with a crown on top of it, and the restoration will blend in with all of the teeth around it. 

7. They’re Non-Invasive to Other Teeth

An implant is the only permanent tooth replacement treatment that is non-invasive to natural teeth. Instead of relying on a neighboring tooth for support, the implant rests immediately next to it, without touching it whatsoever. No alteration to your natural tooth structure is required. You could say that having implants installed is the most conservative choice concerning replacing missing teeth. Especially compared to traditional dental bridges. 

8. Implants are Hypoallergenic, Biocompatible

The materials used in dental implants are biocompatible. In other words, your body accepts them as if they were a natural part of your mouth. There isn’t a risk of an allergic reaction, even if you have a metal sensitivity. Your implant and adjacent teeth can function together side by side, without the added risk of complication. Dental implants are actually made from some of the same materials that surgeons use during joint replacement and similar types of medical procedures. 

9. They Have the Highest Success Rate

Today’s dental implant treatments have the highest success rate of any tooth-replacement option. When you work with a specialist team like the experts at ARCHPOINT, your procedure is even more predictable. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and research to ensure each care plan is well thought out in an efficient manner. When you have both expertise and science on your side, you can only expect the very best! The other key is to commit to day-to-day maintenance to ensure the gums and bone tissues around your implants stay as healthy as possible. 

10. No One Has to Know the Difference

Your dental implant restoration will be designed from aesthetic, durable materials that are both functional and attractive. That way you can smile with confidence and know your teeth look their very best. No one has to know you’ve had dental implant treatment unless you decide to tell them that you did. Since we use high-quality ceramics and similar restorative options, your new smile will look and feel as natural as possible. 

Reserve a Consultation Today

Find out how ARCHPOINT implant dentists in Fort Worth and Dallas can help you smile with confidence again. Reserve a consultation with us to find out if you qualify and learn more about the best implant solution for your situation. Flexible payment options are available. Contact us today to get started.

dental implant bridges Fort Worth, Dallas

About Dental Implant Bridges

Posted on | by sharon.boyd

Dental implant bridges have some similarities with traditional bridges, but with a lot of added perks. If you’re lost deciding between a traditional bridge, dental implant bridge, or All-on-4 treatment, here’s what you need to know about implant bridges and what makes them different from other options. 

The Difference Between Fixed or Implant Bridges

Most people are fairly familiar with traditional dental bridges. AKA “fixed bridges.” These restorations are attached to natural teeth and suspend an artificial (pontic) tooth between them, filling in an open space. A sound tooth on either side is required. 

But fixed bridges also have a couple of disadvantages. For one, if one of the supporting teeth begins to fail due to gum disease or decay, it jeopardizes the integrity of the entire restoration. Secondly, they’re quite invasive to the teeth supporting them. The healthy tooth has to be cut down so to speak, for the bridge to fit on top of it. If those teeth don’t need crowns, it’s not a very conservative treatment option. 

With an implant bridge, we place the porcelain bridge directly on top of a pair of dental implants for support. No anatomical teeth are involved. Usually, 3-4 teeth at a time are being replaced, whereas a traditional bridge will only replace 1-2 teeth, maximum.  

Advantages of a Dental implant Bridges

Incorporating dental implants with an attached bridge adds stability. In turn, you don’t have to wear a removable appliance. So, if you thought that a partial denture was your only option, think again! The integrity of a dental implant bridge means that you can keep eating all of your favorite foods without having to significantly alter your lifestyle. 

You can replace more teeth at a time with dental implant bridges. You don’t need a one-to-one ratio of an implant per tooth missing. Since implants are so strong, we can use fewer of them to permanently anchor your dental restoration. 

When you choose to go with dental implants, you’re preserving the integrity of your natural, healthy teeth. There’s no cutting into intact enamel to install a bridge. Those intact teeth are left alone. Implants are the non-invasive alternative that’s beneficial to the teeth around them. 

Dental implant bridges last for years. Whereas traditional dental bridges (over natural teeth) have to be routinely updated over time. Since the supporting implant underneath your bridge isn’t going to erode or decay like tooth structure may, you know it has the potential to last a lifetime. As long as you care for the bridge on top of it, your investment can outlast other types of tooth replacements. 

How Many Teeth Can You Replace?

With a dental implant bridge, you can replace several teeth at a time. A traditional bridge (placed on top of natural teeth) can only restore one or two missing teeth, but an implant version could replace 3-4 or more, depending on how many implants you wind up using. Since the implants are stronger than a tooth would be, we know that they can support a more intense amount of biting pressure. This is why it’s completely safe to pair them together for multi-tooth restorations like bridges. 

Typically, we use a pair of dental implants to support a three or four-tooth bridge. If there are more teeth involved, we can incorporate additional dental implants to widen the length of the bridge. This option prevents our patient from having to wear a removable partial denture. A traditional bridge isn’t capable of replacing three or more teeth at a time.

If you think that your only option for replacing missing teeth is a partial denture, a dental implant bridge is a perfect solution! But the key is to work with experienced implant experts who understand the complexity of the situation and have the skill to ensure a successful outcome. ARCHPOINT implant dentists specialize in a wide variety of implant therapy. If it’s a possibility, we can make it a reality. 

“Is an Implant Bridge or All-on-4 Better?”

Hypothetically speaking, is it better to get a longer dental bridge, multiple implant bridges, or to go with a full-arch “All-on-4” type of treatment? 

It all depends on how many teeth you need to replace and whether any natural teeth can be preserved. If you don’t have any at all, the better solution would be to go with a single, full-arch prosthesis that spans the length of your smile from one side to the other. 

When you think about it, an All-on-4 Total Smile treatment is almost like a single, extended dental bridge. The entire restoration replaces multiple teeth at a time and secures them side by side. But with an implant bridge, you’re typically only using about two implants (there are some exceptions.) An All-on-4 process will use four or more implants for the full-arch prosthesis. 

Any time you need to restore a full arch of teeth, be it your upper or lower jaw, the more structurally sound option is to replace them together as a whole. Rather than piecemeal them with a series of different segments. The implants of an All-on-4 restoration will help to stabilize one another as the overall prosthesis distributes weight more evenly throughout the mouth. You could think of it similar to having multiple fenceposts with one solid, connected fence line, or several fence segments next to one another: which one would be able to support more pressure? The one where all of the posts and fence are connected to one another for added reinforcement. 

Implant Bridges in Fort Worth, Dallas

ARCHPOINT Dental Implants provides our clients with personalized care that tailors the treatment plan to their unique smiles. Your needs are different than everyone else. Your implant treatment should be, too. 

Working with the best implant team in DFW will give you the peace of mind you deserve. Both regarding the outcome of your treatment, as well as the overall care process. Contact ARCHPOINT today to reserve a consultation with one of our specialists. We treat you like family!