Dental Implant FAQs – Irving, TX

Will I get my teeth in one day?

You will receive your “smile in a day” and leave with your new smile affixed to the newly placed implants in just one day. As an added benefit, our patients can enjoy their new smile while having the flexibility to make any changes they would like.

What are the common side effects of dental implant treatment?

Inserting dental implants into your jawbone is a surgical procedure. Therefore, it is very normal to experience some side effects, particularly during the first few days after surgery. Once the anesthesia has worn off, it is normal to experience some discomfort, and you should take it easy for the rest of the day. This can normally be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers, or we can prescribe something to ensure you feel comfortable.

Are dental implants possible if I have severe bone loss in my jaw?

One of the best and most advanced ways to replace missing teeth is with dental implants that artificially replace a natural tooth root. However, dental implants need to be surrounded by several millimeters of strong and healthy bone, which helps the implant post to integrate and bond with the bone. If this bone isn’t present, it may mean a bone graft is required before dental implant surgery. A bone graft isn’t a large procedure, but it does require a great deal of skill. Dr. Iskandar is an experienced prosthodontist who has done countless bone grafting procedures. He uses the most advanced bone grafting material and techniques in the market.

How much downtime can be expected following dental implants?

With single implant surgery procedures, it’s common to experience only a little, if any, discomfort, and you should be well enough to return to work the next day. For the All-on-4 procedure it’s recommended to rest for 4 days after the surgery and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

What is a bone grafting procedure?

There are several different types of bone grafting procedures depending on the extent of the bone loss. Sometimes the amount of bone required may be relatively minor, and a bone graft may be carried out simultaneously during a tooth extraction. 

The bone grafting material is often artificial and contains special growth mediums designed to encourage the growth of your natural bone cells. This artificial bone may be in the form of a matrix or membrane. The bone forms a framework for new bone growth and is gradually absorbed by your body. It can take between 3 and 6 months or even longer for a bone graft to heal fully and to become completely integrated with your natural bone. The exact time frame can vary according to the amount of bone required. We currently use the most up-to-date grafting materials from the Glymatrix Technology by Ossix.

How many dental implants will I need?

Depending on the level of treatment needed, you can get a single implant or multiple implants or have all your teeth replaced with dental implants. The procedure to replace all your teeth is called All-on-4. This highly specialized technique requires 4 to 6, and sometimes more, dental implants to secure a complete implant-supported full mouth bridge.

What is the best material to use in the restorative process?

Our patients have been thrilled with their XircOn™ restorations, which are as strong and durable as they are beautiful and have a complete natural feel and look. XircOn™ is the most advanced material available in dentistry today and it provides remarkable translucent qualities that mimic the appearance of natural enamel. With lightweight and shock absorbent properties which are unparalleled, there is no clacking sound while biting.

XircOn™ is increasingly considered a superior choice. In addition, our practice utilizes the best quality titanium implants in the industry. They are manufactured and packaged using only the most stringent standards.

How much do dental implants typically cost?

During Your initial complimentary consultation, Dr Iskandar will provide you with a customized comprehensive treatment plan. This plan will include all the costs needed for the procedure and any additional fees, for example, any necessary IV sedation fees.

Will others know I have new teeth?

Your teeth will look 100% natural. We customize the tooth and gum color to match each patient individually. For those that know you, absolutely, they will see a big difference! They will see you smile with greater confidence and see a significant difference in your teeth. For those who you have yet to meet, they will see your smile and admire a very natural and beautiful look.

How long should I wait to get dental implants after a tooth extraction?

In most cases, the implant can be placed the same day, with the restoration placed after four to five months. Depending on the area of the mouth and the quality of the bone, dental implants can take four to six months to heal before they can be ready for restorations.

How painful is it to get dental implants?

The fear of pain is common among new dental implant patients. However, as you probably know, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. One patient may easily tolerate the pain of dental implants, while the next may find they need over-the-counter pain medication.

Another item to take into consideration is the amount of treatment being completed. The pain level may be different depending on the level of treatment received. A patient who receives one implant may have very little pain and/or discomfort. However, a patient with a full mouth restoration may implement other pain-relieving tactics like ice packs and moist heat therapy. Over-the-counter pain medication is also very effective in treating the pain and discomfort of the treatment process.

How long until I can eat solid food again?

Immediately after surgery, eat soft foods that don’t require chewing. Good food choices include ice cream, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, and soup. For single implants, as the area begins to heal, you can gradually introduce harder foods, but wait a while before you try to eat anything very crunchy or with lots of seeds that could get stuck around the surgery site.You can typically start eating normal foods again in 2-3 days with a single implant.

With a full arch restoration a soft food diet is to be followed during the entire healing process. A good rule of thumb is if you can cut it with a plastic fork, it is okay to eat! After the bone is successfully fused (3-4 months), patients can typically eat whatever they want again.

What is my best option if I have broken teeth down to the gum line?

The best solution is to have the broken tooth extracted and bone grafted. In most cases, an implant can be placed immediately, with the restoration placed after 4-5 months.

Is there financing available?

The team at Radiance is committed to providing solutions throughout the entire process, including offering financing options. These options include CareCredit and LendingClub. These are just a few of the many options we offer. We are happy to sit down with you to help navigate the right solution for your budget needs.

What is the procedure for planning dental implant surgery?

To plan your implant surgery, our team will take a cone beam CT scan. This scan provides highly detailed 3D images of your jawbone, allowing him to assess the condition of your jawbone fully. He can identify all the important structures, such as sinus cavities, nerves, and blood vessels to avoid during surgery. These images will show if you have sufficient bone for implant placement or if you require a bone graft or sinus lift before surgery.

What to expect during dental implant surgery?

We offer several types of sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation provided by a board-certified dental anesthesiologist to help you relax during surgery. To insert the dental implant, Dr. Iskandar will make an incision in your gum to expose the jawbone. The area is then stitched and left to heal. In certain cases, the entire implant placement surgery can be performed without opening any flap using the latest innovative X-Guide implant placement navigation system technology. At this stage, Dr. Iskandar will attach what is called a healing cap to the dental implant post. This gently shapes the surrounding gum tissue as it heals, improving aesthetics once your tooth is restored.

What can I expect immediately after dental implant surgery?

Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may experience minor discomfort. You should take it easy for the rest of the day. This can normally be controlled with over-the-counter medication, or we can prescribe something to ensure you feel comfortable. If you had a single dental implant, it’s not uncommon to experience very little, if any, discomfort.

When can I return to normal activities post-dental implant surgery?

After oral surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous physical activities until their surgeon advises otherwise. We ask patients to avoid smoking or using smokeless tobacco. Smoking can cause serious damage to the gum tissue and increase the risk of infection. Patients should also avoid using drinking straws for several weeks. The suction created by the drinking straw can cause the blood clot in the incision site to come loose and can also affect any sutures that are in place.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Provided you have reasonable oral and general health, you will likely be a good candidate for dental implant treatment. If you smoke and still wish to have dental implants, you must be prepared to quit for at least the duration of treatment and preferably for good. Dr. Iskandar will also assess your jawbone quality. Dental implants must be surrounded by several millimeters of strong and healthy bone to bond with it during osseointegration. If you don’t have sufficient jawbone, it’s not a barrier to treatment. We can restore missing bone using the latest grafting techniques. No bone, no problem!

Who might not be suitable for dental implants?

You mustn’t have any active dental disease, like periodontal or gum disease. These active dental diseases must be controlled before the dental implant procedure. You must also be in reasonable general health. People who are taking certain medications may be unsuitable for dental implant treatment. For example, bisphosphonates can affect healing. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, you may be advised to consider another way to replace missing teeth. We work with the most complex and difficult cases and we are usually able to find solution to place the needed dental implants,