What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They replace your tooth roots with screw-like metal posts. This durability enables them to be permanent with proper care. A crown is attached to the dental implant screw to act as a tooth. The artificial tooth (crown) looks like a tooth in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Dental implants are a great idea if you’re missing teeth because you can resume regular oral health routines and enjoy a variety in your diet again.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants As a Senior?

To be a candidate for dental implants as a senior, you need to meet a few basic requirements. 

If you meet these requirements, you’ll most likely qualify for dental implants:

• Candidates need healthy oral tissues for dental implants
• Candidates need adequate bone mass for dental implants
• Candidates must have a fully grown jawbone
• Candidates must not have health conditions that affect bone healing

Why Should I Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are usually the best alternative to other teeth replacement options such as bridgework or dentures. Dentures or bridgework do not provide the desired function and aesthetic qualities that a dental implant can.

Dental implants are ideal when there are no surrounding teeth or natural roots to allow for bridgework. Implants are also a more permanent tooth replacement solution. After you receive your dental implants, you can go about your normal routine, lifestyle, and diet as if you have natural, healthy teeth!

Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors

There are many benefits to having dental implants, such as regaining your confidence in laughing, eating, and talking. If you have decided to get dental implants, you can live and feel like you used to when you had natural teeth.

Here are a few benefits of dental implants for seniors:

• Dental implants are much more comfortable than dentures
• They can improve your nutritional intake and diet
• They are much better for your facial and bone profile
• You can regain your confidence back and your normal lifestyle routine

• They have proven and predictable results
• They are a permanent solution
• They are easy to care for
• They have a long-term success rate

Dental Implants Procedure for Seniors

There are a few steps involved in placing dental implants for seniors here at our practice in Amarillo, TX. Dr. Damon will perform the following to get your dental implants inserted:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (if required)
• Dental implant placement
• Bone healing and growth
• Abutment replacement
• Artificial tooth placement

Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day?

The good news is, yes, dental implants can be done in one day by Dr. Damon! They can be placed in a single procedure from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on how many teeth need to be implanted. This procedure will be the placement of your temporaries. 

During your dental implant procedure, these fully functioning temporary teeth will be placed for about three to six months while your jawbone heals. You need to come back thereafter for your permanent implants to be placed. 

The Best Alternatives to Dental Implants for Seniors

Dr. Damon will be able to advise you on dental implant alternatives if you don’t qualify for them.

Dental implant alternatives are:

• Implant-supported bridge
• Flipper
• Resin-bonded bridge
• Partial dentures
• Full dentures
• Implant-supported dentures
• Dental bridges

Are Dental Implants for Seniors Painful? 

The dental implant procedure is not painful; we’ve got you covered! You will receive anesthetic options for your surgery, and we’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Discomfort after surgery can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen and Tylenol®.

What Is the Cost of Dental Implants for Seniors in Forth Worth, TX?

Dental implants cost between $200 and $6,000 for a single tooth implant.

For a full mouth of dental implants, you can expect to spend $34,000. This cost can vary immensely from patient to patient.

If you suffer from bone loss, you can expect to spend $200 to $3,000 on a bone grafting procedure.

Give our dental office a call to schedule a consultation and discuss what the cost will be for your unique smile. 

Start Your Smile Journey with Dental Implants in Amarillo, TX

If you would like to learn more about dental implants for seniors, schedule a consultation today or give us a call. Our staff will be delighted to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you and starting your smile journey together!

Snap-on Dentures in Amarillo

With just two implants, we can attach your entire lower denture. The implants serve as anchors which provide stability and security. Implants are innovative and more economical in securing your denture. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Snap-on Dentures (FAQ)

What Are The Benefits of Snap-on Dentures?

The most beneficial aspect of snap-on dentures in Amarillo is stability, security, and your happiness. You can improve your eating and speaking abilities with this modern denture technology. Other benefits of snap-on dentures include:

• Increased Bite Force
• Increased stability
• Increased Security
• Limited slippage of the denture
• Improvement in overall quality of life
• Improved self-confidence

Who Is A Good Candidate For Snap-on Dentures?

Any patient considering going into dentures for the first time should highly consider their options for dentures and implants. Why? It allows for the implants to be placed simultaneously as the extractions, saving you time, money, and a second surgery!

If you have an existing lower denture and want more out of social events, life, etc., snap-on dentures can help you achieve this by anchoring your lower denture to two implants, so it does not slip and slide around. If you have a partial, adding one or two implants can also improve the fit and function.

What Is the Process for Snap-on Dentures?

First, you will have a consultation and a 3-D CT scan. After that, we will consider your medical history and then begin the denture-making process. We will make your dentures first – and then deliver the healing dentures at the surgery. The healing dentures will be worn for four months. 

After the healing process, we will make you a new metal reinforced snap-on denture with snaps that engage the implants well. It is important to note that not every patient is the same; on occasion; we will go right into surgery if a patient has a decent set of dentures and then make their finals once they have healed. 

Why Choose Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo in Amarillo?

We are one of the only true dental implant centers. Having our own In House Lab allows us to manage the outcomes along the way. Dr. Damon and Dr. Whittington can provide you with a better prosthesis than the traditional outside dental lab.

For extra security, we provide metal frameworks in all of our implant dentures or snap-on dentures. This metal framework reinforces your snap-on denture. Every year, we repair many cases of other dentists’ patients who have an all acrylic snap-on denture that breaks. 

The metal is necessary as it provides a strong prosthesis. Also, we do not convert an existing healing denture into a snap-on denture. Conversion is an even worse idea because healing dentures go through many rounds of soft liners, adjustments, and overall wear and tear. Converting this to a final will lead to failure soon. 

Start Your Smile Journey With Snap-on Dentures

The Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo in Amarillo specializes in implants and dentures. We are one of the top choices in the area. Give our office a call today to schedule your consultation in Amarillo, TX.

Filling Gaps in Your Smile With Single Tooth Implants in Amarillo

Thousands of patients in the US have congenitally missing teeth, and millions more have missing teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma. The placement of single-tooth implants can meet the functional and esthetic needs of individuals with missing teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Tooth Implants (FAQ)

Why Choose an Implant vs. Fixed Porcelain Bridge?

Traditionally, dentists would replace a single missing tooth with a three-unit “bridge” permanently cemented onto two adjacent teeth. However, this procedure sacrifices the adjoining tooth structure to make room for the metal/porcelain superstructure – also, only 50% of dental bridges last just ten years due to fracture, recurrent decay, or periodontal problems.

Today’s dentistry offers dental implants as an option to fill the space and replace the missing tooth. We can conserve all tooth structures on the adjacent teeth when the implant is placed in the missing space. Implants and their implant crowns have a much higher success rate than traditional fixed bridges – success rates of up to 95% for most cases.

What Are The Benefits of Single Tooth Implants in Amarillo?

Untreated tooth loss often leads to several more complex conditions, such as altered soft tissue contour, bone resorption, and changes in speech patterns. It is because of these complex conditions as to why it is such an important problem to fix. 

The teeth behind the missing space will tilt forward, closing the bite, and the teeth will become off-angle. The teeth below will super-erupt into the space. All of these are not good for the individual wanting long-term oral health. 

Missing teeth can overload or create additional stress on adjacent dentition, leading to fractures and premature tooth loss of otherwise healthy teeth. It is important to have the missing teeth replaced and ensure proper oral functions. The advantages include the following:

• A strong foundation for tooth replacement.
• Improved esthetics.
• Improved self-confidence.
• Improved comfort when eating and speaking.
• Retention of the surrounding bone.
• Reduced gingival discrepancies.
• Easy maintenance.
• Restored oral functions.

What Is The Procedure?

Initial consultation with Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington is needed to discuss expectations if additional treatment like bone grafting or orthodontics is required. Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington and the team will take a complete set of digital radiographs, including Panoramic x-ray or CBCT (digital 3-D Cone Beam) and study models. We will discuss all aspects of the surgery and determine if you will require IV sedation or just local anesthesia.

Once the proper treatment plan has been achieved, the surgery will be scheduled. Most single-unit implant surgeries are done in under an hour. You will be able to go to work the next day with instructions to execute extra care and perform a daily oral routine to ensure positive oral flora and avoid any possibility of infections.

The implant typically needs to fuse to the bone for 4-6 months. Then the patient is brought back into the office for exposure of the implant head and a final torque check. This is important so that if early failure exists, it will be detected, and proper treatment to be commenced. In this case, a healing abutment is placed, and the gum begins to form over the next three weeks if all is well. Then a final impression is taken, which will be sent to the lab so the abutment and crown can be made.

What Are The Final Results?

The healing process typically takes several months. Once it is completed, the permanent restoration is fabricated and placed over the implant. Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington will choose the best type of restoration for your implant.

Commonly in the anterior esthetic zone, he will put a custom zirconia abutment with a LAVA all-ceramic crown. In posterior regions where the load increases, we usually place titanium abutments with full zirconia implant crowns. The functionality and overall esthetics of the smile are always addressed when deciding on the type of implants and final restorations.

When considering single-tooth implants, our patients are encouraged to ask detailed questions and become educated about the entire process. We understand that knowledge of the procedure helps put you at ease, and we find patient education critical. 

Most patients are candidates. They can improve their smile and functionality of the mouth with minimal discomfort during the treatment. Contact the Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo of Amarillo today to schedule your initial evaluation and determine if you qualify for implant therapy.

Complete Your Smile With Our Team

We are one of the top-rated and the only true dental implant center in Amarillo. Call our office today to learn more about what our specialists can do for you with implant dentistry. We look forward to meeting you!

All-On-4 Dental Implants

We often see patients with a failing dentition who have been told they don’t have enough bone for implants. We can help. If your dentures are failing you and you want a more permanent and comfortable option, you should consider the all-on-4 treatment with our specialists here in Amarillo.

Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo offers the highest quality of treatment with All-on-4® dental implants. Our teeth in a day procedure is a fast-track solution to a restored smile.

If you are ready to get your smile back, and even better, your life back, keep reading to learn more about our all-on-4 dental implant treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About All On 4 Dental Implants (FAQ)

What Makes Permanent Dental Implants All-on-4 a Good Option?

It’s simple. Results!

Dr. Clark Damon has spent the last decade performing the same-day dental implant procedure for thousands of patients across Texas. Our team has given smiles back to many patients who lost their smiles due to loose, missing, or just unhealthy teeth. 

We can restore your bite as well as your ability to speak freely, eat whatever foods you want, and you will gain life-changing self-confidence. Our patients love how much younger and better they look after all-on-4 treatment than they even did when they had all their natural teeth. Dental implants are an investment that will change your life. 

All-On-4 Dental Implants Are Disease Curing

End your suffering with Periodontal Disease, dental decay, the ever-ending dental appointments, and failing dentistry with permanent dental implants. By eliminating the teeth, we eliminate the disease – and now, with the disease gone, patients feel better—no more painful toothaches.

No More Dentures!

Dentures create limitations for patients as they are a prosthesis. Dentures don’t allow patients to chew food well. Now more can patients can eat more as they did before when they had their natural teeth. For patients facing tooth loss or who have a current denture, permanent dental implants are the best option for getting their teeth back and eating all the foods they desire. Click here to learn more about the difference between dentures and all-on-4 dental implants!

Feeling More Confident

We love seeing the confidence all-on-4 treatment gives our patients. You can have a more secure, natural-looking smile and replace weak enamel with Dental Implants. Another advantage? Dental implants do not decay – so you can look your best and not worry about your crowns or veneers decaying! 

Replacing Missing or Failing Teeth

We can replace a full set of failing teeth under IV Sedation with one procedure in one day. Traditional dentistry can require up to 30 visits to fix some of our patients’ teeth – not anymore with dental implants at Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo in Amarillo.

All On Four Patient Reviews

Dr. Damon Describes His Teeth in a Day Procedure on the Wellness Hour

What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants and Fixed Teeth With One Procedure in One Day?

Reduced Costs

Since all-on-4 uses just four implants placed in a way that maximizes patients’ available bone with tilted implants, we can provide a same-day, graft-less implant solution! Less hardware means fewer dental appointments, and a simple single surgery equals cost savings compared to other grafting and older standard implant methods. 

Less Invasive

Traditionally, patients seeking a permanent implant solution needed three surgeries over 16 months with hip grafts, sinus lifts, healing in a denture, and an expensive cost of over $75,000!

The all on four is a less invasive option, as most cases need only a single surgery done in 55 minutes—less than an hour. Less can be more! Less hardware and less preparation also equal a shorter procedure with less downtime. When choosing Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo, you only have to go to one office as we are a true implant center with the Surgery Suite, Dental Lab, and restorative dental office. This is a rare commodity.

Immediate Results

Our doctors can remove teeth, place four implants, and attach a fixed temporary bridge for nearly all patients, all in the same appointment (under IV Sedation). This means you can leave our office with a fixed temporary bridge in just a few hours. Our patients are overjoyed to hear that they can even eat a hamburger for dinner that night with their new teeth.

Take a look at how four implants can support your new fixed bridge.

More Benefits of All on Four Dental Implants

• There are no diet limitations once the implants are integrated.
• No palatal coverage
• Increased bite force – almost what you had with teeth
• There are typically no bone grafts involved, which is not the case with traditional implants. So the time to teeth is within a few hours! 
• There is no removing an appliance from the mouth like dentures. The prosthesis is permanently fixed, i.e., screwed down onto the implants.
• No embarrassing slips like that with dentures. 
• They last much longer than dentures.

All-on-4 Implants provide lasting results and are one of the most studied dental procedures since 2000. 

*According to a study by the Journal of the American Dental Association

Are you wondering if the all-on-4 will work for you? Contact us today at 806-803-9219 to schedule a consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for All on 4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a good option for many patients facing tooth loss or who are currently in a denture.

Necessary Extraction

If you have been told you need multiple teeth removed and are facing a denture, you may be a good candidate for All-on-4. We can often extract teeth, place implants, and attach a restoration in one day—no more dentures.

Jawbone Recession

If you have waited to do something about missing teeth, you have probably suffered bone atrophy or loss. In most cases, the all-on-4 can be placed without the need for bone grafting.

Multiple Missing Teeth

If you have lost most or all of your teeth on the upper or lower dental arch, a denture supported by All-on-4 implants can quickly and efficiently restore your smile.

How Does All-On-4 Work?

The All-on-4 Technique

While under IV Sedation, the necessary teeth are removed, your jaws are prepared, and four implants are placed in the jaw; Two angled implants are placed in the back of the jaw, and two vertical implants are placed in the front.

After surgery, we attach a temporary fixed bridge to the abutments and implants; incredibly, 97% of patients can walk out of our office with a permanent fixed temporary bridge, a great new smile, and ready to eat a hamburger for dinner that very night. We tilt the posterior implants to avoid sinuses, avoid bone grafting, and engage more dense bone to ensure immediate loading.

What Can I Expect During All-On-4 Treatment?

Sedation

Before we begin your procedure, we will ensure you are comfortable using IV Sedation. You can rest comfortably through the procedure.

Extraction

Once you are sedated, Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittongton will perform any necessary tooth extractions of severely decayed, loose, or damaged teeth.

Implant Placement

Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington will place two implants vertically at the front of your jaw and two implants at an angle in the back of the jaw to maximize contact with bone tissue and avoid bone grafting.

Fixed Temporary Bridge

The final step of your initial procedure will be attaching a Non-removable Fixed Temporary Bridge that you can wear while your implants become integrated with your jaw. You can eat a hamburger the night of surgery! 97% of the time, patients leave our office with a fixed set of teeth ready to eat what they want on the day of surgery. 

Final Restoration

In three to six months, our team can attach your permanent final implant bridge. We make ours out of zirconia, so it is the longest-lasting and strongest. We wait 3 – 6 months to ensure the gums have found their way to their final resting place and that the implants were successful. This is important to ensure your implants last long-term.

See How the Bridge Attaches to Implants for a Secure Foundation

Eat What You Want, Regain Your Teeth With All-on-4 Dental Implants

At Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo and with dental implant experts Dr. Damon and Dr. Whittington, we have the tools, team, and experience to do all-on-4 procedures in our office. We are a true dental implant center in Dallas, Amarillo. As a dental implant center, this means we combine the surgical suite, dental office, and dental lab in one convenient location.

With our all-on-4 procedure, Dr. Damon or Dr. Whittington can replace all of your failing teeth with one procedure in one day. You will walk out of our office with permanently fixed teeth on the day of surgery. We are one of the busiest implant centers in Amarillo, completing 3 – 4 cases per week. 

Our Patient Results

The all on 4 is a concept wherewith one procedure, in one day, bad teeth can be removed, four dental implants can be placed, and a fixed – non-removable – temporary prosthesis is created to replace teeth immediately. Our patients walk out with a fixed new smile after the procedure.

There is no bone grafting involved, so it is a one-surgery, one-step procedure. We perform the all on four in both Richardson, TX, and Amarillo, TX. Dr. Damon performs several cases each week, and we were the first dental implant center in Amarillo to bring the all-on-four together in one location. Dr. Damon has been successfully treating over 1000 cases of all-on-four patients since early 2013.

View More All-on-4 Cases

How Do I Start the All on 4 Process?

Give us a call at 806-803-9219 to schedule a consultation where you will meet our dental assistants and doctor. We will perform a 3-D CT Scan and have a complete oral exam. Our doctors will evaluate your condition and if the all on four is right for you. We are excited to hear from you!

What Does All on 4 Cost?

At the initial consultation, we will also go over the cost of your all on 4 treatment, as it varies from patient to patient. Everyone’s oral health situation is unique. To move forward, you will need impressions, a second appointment for a wax rim, and then a third appointment for a viewing of your next teeth. We will then schedule surgery. Get ready for a new smile and an amazing new quality of life.