Get a Complete Smile with Dental Implants
Having a complete smile allows you to enjoy the simple pleasures of eating and speaking effortlessly. Tooth decay and loss are common issues, but they shouldn’t prevent you from experiencing life’s special moments. At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and our skilled dental team specialize in restoring smiles with natural-looking dental implants that are tailor-made just for you.
Keep reading to discover how Dr. Ruehle can enhance the appearance and function of your smile using our dental implant restorations. Our Denton, TX, dental practice proudly serves patients in the Robinson Oaks, Southridge, and Corinth areas.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are custom-made fixtures that permanently replace any number of missing teeth. Unlike other restorative treatments, these implants are directly attached to the jawbone, ensuring their strength and longevity. Each implant fixture consists of three parts: a titanium post that integrates into the jawbone, an abutment that connects the implant to the crown, and a crown placed above the gum line. We’ll customize your procedure to achieve a truly life-changing outcome.
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer dental implant solutions for single missing teeth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific requirements, helping you achieve your desired smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for permanent tooth replacement. In addition to their non-removable nature and minimal need for adjustments, dental implants provide a range of benefits, including:
- Simple Maintenance: Dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth since they are meticulously designed to seamlessly blend in with your smile, both in appearance and functionality.
- Enhanced Stability, Strength, & Durability: The titanium implant undergoes osseointegration, a process where it integrates with your jawbone. This fusion not only promotes improved bone density but also provides remarkable stability, strength, and resistance against decay.
- Restored Functionality: With dental implants, you can freely engage in conversations, savor your favorite foods, and even play musical instruments without experiencing pain or worrying about the integrity of your teeth.
- Improved Confidence: Dental implants not only restore your smile but also boost your self-assurance. You can confidently showcase your complete set of teeth, knowing that they are secure and indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- Long-term Solution: Dental implants have an impressive track record for their long-lasting effects, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss. With proper care and maintenance, they can serve you well for many years to come.
The Dental Implant Process
Since dental implants require multiple appointments for your dentist to place over several months, the process is typically broken down into three main steps.
Your Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Ruehle, he’ll examine your oral health to determine whether dental implants are right for you. Missing teeth often cause your gums to deteriorate and the jawbone to lose density over time. If your deterioration has become severe, don’t worry — Dr. Ruehle may recommend a supplemental procedure to restore the strength of your oral health before placing the implants.
Placing Your Dental Implant
Once our dentist determines you’re ready for implants, we can begin the process right away. First, Dr. Ruehle will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area so that he can place the implant directly into your jaw. Through a normal process known as osseointegration, your titanium fixture will gradually fuse with your jawbone to create a stable foundation.
The Healing Period
It will take some time for your implants to fuse with your jawbone. This timeline also varies depending on the patient’s oral health. Generally, it can take three to six months to complete. We will monitor the progress of your healing at our Denton office. Since your health and safety are our primary concern at Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’ll provide instructions on how to care for your implants after they’ve been placed.
Receiving Your Custom Restoration
Once the healing process is over and your implants have successfully fused with your jaw, you’ll return to our Denton office so Dr. Ruehle can place your custom restoration. Most patients receive a porcelain crown, but we can also place a denture or dental bridge if it’s better for your situation. Your restoration will be designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating an almost undetectable replacement to complete your smile.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are often the ideal choice for individuals with missing, decayed, or damaged teeth. While perfect oral health isn’t a prerequisite, it’s important to note that not everyone is an immediate candidate. To achieve optimal outcomes, Dr. Ruehle suggests having healthy gums and a sturdy jawbone. If you desire a permanent solution to restore your smile, dental implants might be a suitable procedure for you.
Choosing Dr. Ruehle As Your Implant Provider
When selecting an implant provider, Dr. Patrick Ruehle stands out as a highly qualified professional. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of his field, Dr. Ruehle has pursued further education and specialization beyond his 1983 graduation. Notably, he has completed fellowships in oral implantology at the prestigious Misch Implant Institute. This additional training has equipped him with advanced knowledge and expertise in the implant dentistry field.
By choosing Dr. Ruehle as your implant provider, you can benefit from his extensive experience and dedication to continuous learning. Rest assured that you will be in capable hands throughout your implant journey, receiving personalized care and exceptional results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Receiving dental implants is a virtually painless process because your dentist will apply a local anesthetic before your procedure. That way, you won’t feel any pain while your implant dentist works on your implants. While it’s normal to experience some slight discomfort afterward, this can be easily managed with a cold compress and over-the-counter medication. Your dentist will give you personalized aftercare instructions before your procedure.
Dental implants are safe and can benefit your overall oral health. The procedure boasts a 98 percent success rate, making it the gold standard in restorative dentistry. Not only will your smile’s appearance benefit, but dental implants also improve your gums and jawbone. As long as an experienced professional oversees the operation, you should have nothing to worry about.
Dental implants can last 25 years or more with proper oral care and attending regularly scheduled checkups at our Denton office. Proper oral care means brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing between meals, and flossing daily to maintain the health of your smile. While your restorations may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear, your dentist will let you know if your fixtures need to be replaced.
Most insurance companies provide some level of coverage for dental implants. We recommend that you contact your provider beforehand to get an accurate understanding of your policy. If you’d like assistance figuring out your coverage, you can also ask the dental office.
Achieve a Beautiful Smile With Dental Implants
Missing or damaged teeth can hurt your smile and self-confidence. That’s why our Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry dental team is dedicated to helping you achieve your smile goals with dental implants. Dental implants offer a permanent and beautiful solution for completing your smile.
You deserve a beautiful set of teeth ready for daily life and any social situation. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, contact our Denton office and schedule a consultation by calling us at (940) 566-4888 or by filling out a convenient online contact form. We also proudly serve patients in the Robinson Oaks, Southridge, and Corinth areas.