Dental Implants — Richardson, TX

Replace Missing Teeth with the Next Best Thing

Are you missing one, several, or all your natural teeth? If so, you already know that tooth loss can make it harder to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Fortunately, at McDougal and Richards Dentistry, we can replace missing teeth with the next best thing: dental implants. This revolutionary tooth replacement option restores every part of a missing tooth, giving you results that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. To learn more about this potentially life-changing treatment, give us a call today.

Why Choose McDougal & Richards Dentistry For Dental Implants?

  • Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
  • Talented Team of Professionals with Over 25 Years of Experience
  • Sedation Dentistry Available for Maximum Comfort

What Are Dental Implants?

Natural teeth have two parts: the crown that you can see, and the root that anchors it in place under the gumline. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from noble grade titanium. This small post can be placed directly into your jaw where the roots of a missing tooth once were, effectively replacing them. Atop the dental implant and above the gumline, a small connector piece secures a custom restoration. One or more dental implants can be used to support a crown, bridge, partial, or full denture depending on how many teeth you’re missing. In the end, your new smile will look, feel, and function as if it had never lost any teeth in the first place.

The Implant Process

The process of getting one or more dental implants has four main steps. First, you’ll visit us for a consultation, where Dr. Richards will evaluate your oral health and review your medical history to ensure that dental implants are a good choice for you. Once you’ve completed any necessary preliminary treatments, we’ll schedule your dental implant placement surgery. The implants will need several months to heal afterwards as they undergo a process called osseointegration. Then, you’ll be ready to have your brand-new teeth attached. While the process is lengthier than that of other tooth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges, the results are incredibly lifelike and have the potential to last a lifetime.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the healthiest tooth replacement service. They allow for the replacement of missing teeth without preparing good adjacent teeth like traditional dental bridges do.  The dental profession has historically advocated the preservation of natural teeth and natural tooth structure.  This concept is certainly upheld when using dental implants for tooth replacement.  The need for removal of healthy tooth structure (enamel) has been eliminated by dental implant treatment.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury or some other reason. The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health.  Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gun tissues that are free of periodontal disease.  Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth.

Missing 1 Tooth

If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you are missing several teeth, one or two dental implants and an implant-supported bridges can replace them.

Missing All Teeth

If you are missing all your teeth, an implant denture can replace them.  You may even be a candidate for our All-on-4 Dental Implants.

Advanced Dental Implant Procedures

Not every patient who is interested in dental implants can get them right away. If you aren’t initially considered a good candidate, we can potentially help you become one with certain advanced dental implant procedures. Sinus augmentations, ridge modifications, and more can help patients who don’t qualify for dental implants to get on track for their new smile! Read on to learn about these preparatory procedures.

Sinus Augmentation

 A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed.  The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality, and the close proximity to the sinus.  Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.

Ridge Modification

Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants.  To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect.  The deficit is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge.  Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implant that can last for years to come.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at home oral care and regular dental visits.  Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care.  In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!  After treatment, your dental team will work closely with you to develop the best care plan for you.  Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.