Q&A: Implant Stabilized Dentures (Overdentures)

Posted March 22, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Overdentures are a popular alternative for people who want the convenience of dentures but the stability of dental implants. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about this unique implant-supported prosthesis:

What is an overdenture?

An overdenture is a type of denture that is supported by dental implants. It is also referred to as an implant-supported denture, snap-on denture, or clip-on denture.

How many implants do snap-on dentures use?

In most cases, snap-on dentures use two to four implants for support. Fewer implants are needed because the denture is simply stabilized, rather than permanently anchored in place.

Are implant stabilized dentures expensive?

Implant stabilized dentures can be relatively expensive compared to traditional dentures, but the cost may vary depending on the number of implants used and the individual’s specific needs.

What does an overdenture look like?

An overdenture may look similar to a traditional denture, but it has special attachments that connect to the implants for additional support. The locators in these attachments may need to be replaced every now and then, as they can wear out. Each one corresponds to a dental implant in your mouth. Otherwise, your denture looks like any other conventional “plate.”

Are implant stabilized dentures removable?

Yes, implant stabilized dentures are removable. They can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance. Like traditional dentures, overdentures need to be removed at night whenever you go to sleep.

What other alternatives are there?

Other alternatives to implant stabilized dentures include traditional dentures, dental bridges, full-arch and individual dental implants. The most suitable option will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences, as well as their oral health and the number of missing teeth they have. It is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the best option. Most of our patients prefer permanent “all on” options, as they are more durable and feel more like natural teeth.

Do you offer financing for dental implants?

Yes. Each of our dental implant patients receive a customized treatment plan before the treatment is even scheduled. You’ll be able to see a breakdown of the fees, what your insurance is expected to contribute, and a choice of payment plan options.

What type of dental implants are used for overdentures?

Depending on which implant specialist you see, most snap-on dentures use traditional dental implants. However, some providers may offer specialized implant designs such as mini implants or zygomatic implants when there is not enough bone structure to install a traditional one.

You Have Choices

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we specialize in replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Not every type of dental implant system or implant restoration is right for everyone. At our Midlothian implant clinic, we can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to identify a plan that’s right for you.

If you’re considering a permanent implant option or want to talk to an implant expert about your options, it’s time to give us a call!

Injectables: Smooth Your Skin in One Easy Step!

Posted March 9, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing fine lines and wrinkles staring right back at you? Do you want to smooth out your skin and regain a youthful glow? Look no further than Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery in Midlothian, TX!

Our specialty office provides cosmetic injectables that can help treat a variety of issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, creases, and more. One of the most popular treatments we offer is Botox, which can smooth out your skin in just one easy step!

What to Expect From Your Injectables Treatment

Botox is a safe and effective treatment that works by relaxing the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles and fine lines. It is especially effective for treating crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows. The treatment is quick, with each session taking only about 10-15 minutes. You can even schedule your appointment during your lunch break and return to work immediately after!

One of the best things about Botox is that it is a non-invasive treatment. There are no incisions or surgeries required, so there is minimal downtime needed for recovery. You can resume your normal activities immediately after your treatment. Some patients may experience mild redness or swelling at the injection site, but this typically resolves on its own within a few hours or a couple of days at most.

How Long do Injectables Results Last?

Another great benefit of Botox is that it is a long-lasting treatment. While individual results may vary, most patients can expect their results to last for about 3-4 months after the first treatment. Subsequent treatments tend to last a little closer to six months at a time. You can maintain your smooth and youthful appearance by scheduling regular follow-up appointments with our specialist.

Botox Injectables Applied by a Specialist

If you’re interested in smoothing out your skin with Botox or other cosmetic injectables, the team at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is here to help! Our experienced and skilled staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and helps you achieve the results you want. As an oromaxillofacial specialist, we’re one of the best places to go when considering facial injectables.

Ellis County Facial Injectables

In addition to Botox, we also offer other cosmetic injectables such as dermal fillers, which can help restore volume and fullness to your face, especially where areas are lacking collagen. We are committed to helping our patients look and feel their best, and we would love to help you achieve the smooth and youthful appearance you desire, so we might recommend combining the two different types of injectables for the best results.

Botox Injectables in Midlothian

What are you waiting for? Smooth your skin in one easy step by scheduling a consultation with us today! We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and regain your confidence.

Spring Break Wisdom Tooth Exams

Posted March 2, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Spring break is a great time to catch up on doctor visits, dentist’s appointments, and yes, your teen’s wisdom tooth exams. If you are a high school student in Midlothian, Waxahachie, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, or coming home from college for a few days, consider taking advantage of your break to schedule a wisdom tooth exam with Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery.

Why Should I Get a Wisdom Tooth Exam?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically start to develop in your mid teens. But, they can keep growing until your late twenties. It’s ideal to have impacted or problematic wisdom teeth removed so that they don’t flare up when you’re off and away at college (or no longer on your parent’s insurance policy.)

Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and they’re located in the very back of your mouth. In many cases, they do not have enough room to grow properly. This can cause a number of problems, including impaction, infection, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth.

A wisdom tooth exam is a simple and painless process. We’ll take a quick 3D CBCT scan of your teeth and jaws to determine the position, size, and orientation of your wisdom teeth. Based on the results of your exam, our Midlothian oral surgeon can recommend the best course of action to prevent or address any potential problems.

What Are My Options for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, removing them can be a safe way to preserve the health of your other teeth. There are two types of wisdom tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction.

Simple extraction is used when the tooth is fully visible in the mouth and can be easily removed like any other tooth. Surgical extraction is used when the tooth is partially or fully impacted and requires a small incision in the gum to access and remove it.

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we specialize in surgical wisdom tooth extractions. Our skilled oral surgeon uses the latest techniques and equipment to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective procedure. Including PRF/PRP treatments to expedite your healing process! We also offer a range of sedation options to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your surgery.

How Can I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Before your wisdom tooth extraction, you should avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure, as you may be groggy or disoriented from the sedation.

After your surgery, you should follow your dentist’s instructions for care and recovery. This may include taking pain medication, applying ice packs, and eating soft foods for a few days.

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Exam Today!

Don’t let wisdom teeth problems ruin your summer. Schedule a wisdom tooth exam with Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today to discuss your personal wisdom tooth treatment plan.

Is it Bad to Have Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth?

Posted February 23, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can cause a variety of oral health problems if they don’t fully erupt or if they become impacted. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are especially concerning, as they can be difficult to clean and can lead to a host of other dental issues. If you have partially erupted wisdom teeth, it’s important to understand the potential risks and to take steps to protect your oral health.

What is a Partially Erupted Wisdom Tooth?

Whenever a wisdom tooth (third molar) begins to erupt through the gums but doesn’t erupt all of the way, it’s considered “partially erupted.” A part of the tooth is still submerged under the gum tissues.

A tooth can be partially erupted if there isn’t enough room for it to erupt properly, or if it’s wedged against its neighboring tooth.

Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth are Hard to Clean

When wisdom teeth are only partially erupted, they can be difficult to brush and floss thoroughly. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate in the hard-to-reach areas around the partially erupted tooth, leading to recurring tooth decay and gum disease. This can also increase your risk of developing an infection or abscess in the area.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Can Spread

If partially erupted wisdom teeth develop infections such as tooth decay and gum disease, those issues can spread to the surrounding teeth. This can cause pain, swelling, and a host of other oral health problems, including tooth loss and added dental expenses.

Are My Wisdom Teeth Impacted or Partially Impacted?

If you’re unsure whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or partially impacted, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a dental professional. During your appointment, our Ellis County wisdom tooth specialist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and assess whether they are impacted or partially impacted.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If your wisdom teeth are partially erupted or impacted, you may need to have them removed. This is a common procedure, and our oral surgeon will be able to explain the steps involved and answer any questions you may have. In some cases, partially erupted wisdom teeth should be removed. Our Ellis County specialist will be able to determine the best course of action for you based on your individual situation.

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we understand the importance of properly caring for your wisdom teeth. Our team of experienced dental professionals and wisdom tooth specialist are dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalized dental care to help our patients achieve their oral health goals.

If you have partially erupted wisdom teeth or are concerned about the health of your wisdom teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’ll be more than happy to evaluate your third molars, discuss your options for treatment, and help you determine the best course of action for maintaining a healthy and functional smile.

Call our Ellis County oral surgeon today.

How Does Botox Work?

Posted February 13, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Botox is a non-surgical procedure that involves the injection of a small amount of botulinum toxin—which is a natural muscle relaxer—into the muscle responsible for the formation of wrinkles. This treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its effectiveness and relatively low risk of side effects.

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a type of protein that is used to temporarily paralyze the muscles in the face, such as across your forehead or around your TMJ. The treatment works by blocking the nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract, resulting in a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is typically used on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, but it can also be used to treat wrinkles on other parts of the face.

Does Botox Help With Wrinkles and Creases?

Yes, Botox is highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. The treatment works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause the wrinkles, resulting in a smoother and more youthful-looking appearance. As a result, it also helps slow the development of new wrinkles before they form.

Botox is particularly effective for treating wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions, such as frown lines between the eyebrows, smile lines on either side of your mouth, or crow’s feet around the eyes.

How Long Does Botox Last?

The effects of Botox typically last for three to six months, after which time the treatment will need to be repeated in order to maintain the results. The length of time that Botox lasts can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s skin type, the size of the wrinkles being treated, and the amount of Botox used. However, most people find that they need to repeat the treatment every three to six months in order to maintain the results.

How to Choose a Botox Provider

Choosing a Botox provider is an important decision, as it will determine the success of your treatment and the level of risk involved. It is important to choose a provider who is experienced, knowledgeable, and has a good track record of delivering successful Botox treatments. You should also look for a provider who is licensed and certified by the appropriate organizations and who uses only high-quality, FDA-approved products.

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, our team of experienced and knowledgeable providers is dedicated to providing safe and effective Botox treatments to our patients. As an oral surgery facility, we have an extremely precise awareness of facial anatomy and muscular functions. Our specialist uses only high-quality, FDA-approved products, and we strive to ensure that each patient is completely satisfied with their results. If you are considering Botox treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our dental specialist to learn more about how this treatment can benefit you.

What are the Side Effects of Missing Teeth?

Posted February 2, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health, appearance, and overall well-being. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible in order to avoid any long-term negative effects.

Thankfully, there are permanent options to replace your missing teeth, such as dental implants.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not it’s “worth it” to get implants for missing teeth, consider these common side effects of tooth loss:

Changes in Your Tooth Alignment (Crooked, Leaning Teeth)

One of the most noticeable side effects of missing teeth is changes in tooth alignment. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift, leading to crooked or leaning teeth. This can cause problems with biting and chewing, as well as make it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Abnormal Enamel Wear Due to Missing Teeth

Another side effect of missing teeth is abnormal enamel wear. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to bear more pressure, leading to excessive wear and tear on the enamel. The additional movement or tooth shifting can cause these teeth to bite against their partners abnormally. This can cause your teeth to wear down at an accelerated rate or even crack or break, leading to further dental problems.

TMJ Problems

Missing teeth can also lead to problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When a tooth is missing, it can put extra stress on other teeth, leading to changes in your TMJ movement. Abnormal chewing patterns can lead to pain, discomfort, and problems with jaw function.

Bone Loss Around Missing Teeth

When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the bone in that area of the jaw begins to resorb (shrink.) The good news is that dental implants help prevent bone resorption by strengthening the areas where they’re installed.

Dental Implants in Midlothian, Ellis County

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for missing teeth, and can help to mitigate many of the negative effects associated with missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to replace the root of a missing tooth, providing a stable foundation for a replacement crown. This helps to prevent changes in tooth alignment and abnormal enamel wear, and can also help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone and TMJ.

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we offer dental implant treatment in Midlothian to help our patients restore the function and appearance of their smiles. Our implant expert is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalized dental care to help our patients achieve their oral health goals.

If you are missing one or more teeth and are concerned about the side effects, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our implant specialist today. We can evaluate your oral health, discuss your options for treatment, and help you determine the best course of action for restoring the function and appearance of your smile.

Did You Know: Extra and Missing Wisdom Teeth

Posted January 30, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Each of our teeth erupts at different stages of life. Our baby teeth come in but then fall out, giving way to our adult teeth. Our wisdom teeth tend to be the last set of teeth that emerge and are almost forgotten about until they begin making their way through the gums. At times, wisdom teeth may come in without any problems, but then there are some cases where they cause issues like swelling or pain. When wisdom teeth don’t come through the gums on their own or only emerge halfway through the tissue, extractions may be needed. And in some cases, they might even be missing…or you could have more than the typical four!

Routine Checks to Assess Wisdom Tooth Development

Regular dental exams are very important in monitoring the health of your teeth. These visits are also used to help dental professionals to determine if wisdom teeth are present. Yes, it is true, not everyone is born with wisdom teeth. Approximately one-third of the population are born without wisdom teeth. If they are all present, we will need to make sure they are growing in properly throughout your teen and young adult years. You won’t know if this is the case unless the appropriate x-ray is taken, as some things cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Missing Wisdom Teeth

People with a missing wisdom tooth may only have one tooth missing. Missing wisdom teeth will not affect the way we chew and eat. It’s still not known why some people are without wisdom teeth, but it’s thought to be genetic as most people with missing wisdom teeth also have a parent with the same condition. If you have been told you missing one or more wisdom teeth, it’s ok, and you can brag about being one of the few who won’t need to have any or as many wisdom teeth extractions.

Extra Wisdom Teeth

On the other end of the spectrum to not having wisdom teeth, some people may actually have an extra set of “wisdom teeth.” These extra teeth are not actually wisdom teeth at all, but something known as “supernumerary teeth.” Having an additional number of wisdom teeth is rare, with less than 5% of the population falling into this category. If extra teeth are present, it isn’t something to worry about, but it is important to keep an eye on them. Most of these extra teeth are extremely small and can be removed at the same time as your wisdom tooth surgery.

Wisdom Tooth Exams in Midlothian

If you have additional questions about wisdom teeth or are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, contact Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery in Ellis County. You can learn more about your wisdom teeth by planning a consultation with us that is specific to your case. If you are in the Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, Waxahachie, or surrounding areas, we are here to treat you and your family for all your specialized dental needs.

Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Bridges Or Dentures?

Posted January 20, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Tooth loss is a concern whether it’s only one missing tooth or all of them. Missing teeth can affect your oral health and alter your overall quality of life. It can also have a big impact on your self-esteem, and make you feel more and more self-conscious when you’re around other people. This can cause you to change how you interact with others on a daily basis, whether it’s at work or around your family.

Missing teeth don’t have to permanently disrupt your confidence or diet. There are great ways of restoring your smile and dental implants are one of the options Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery offers as a solution.

Dental Implants (Ellis County)

Dental implants are the best option to choose when considering replacing missing teeth. Single tooth implants are very common, but implants can also be used for replacing multiple missing teeth. We can use the technology of implants to provide the stability and function of your natural teeth, supporting multi-tooth restorations. Implant-supported dentures or “all on” systems can use as few as 4 or 6 implants to secure the prosthesis, making it a more successful long-term option over dentures.

What Makes Implants Better?

Dentures have been used for years to address the issue of missing teeth. While they remain a popular choice, dental implants provide a better solution, and here are some of the reasons why:

Implants are Non-invasive to Permanent Teeth

Dental implants do not require any support from surrounding healthy teeth. This means that before, during, and after implants are placed, your natural teeth do not have to be altered. The implant sits in the jaw and will not need to be clasped onto other teeth as some partial dentures (or bridges) are. They rest independently between the other teeth, protecting their overall integrity and alignment.

Implants Function Like Real Teeth

Implants do a terrific job of functioning like natural teeth. The stability they provide is greater than that of dentures, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting when eating your favorite foods or slipping around as you speak. Their integrity is so good, that you can enjoy all of your favorite crunchy or chewy foods.

Implants Help Preserve Bone

Without any stimulation, the bone in our jaws will start to resorb or shrink away after a tooth falls out or is extracted. Dentures are usually designed to sit on the bone ridge, which can cause the bone to shrink away more quickly than before. On the other hand, implants are placed within the bone and stimulate new bone formation around them. This reduces bone loss and will help to keep your appearance and smile more youthful as it supports the surrounding facial structures.

If you have missing teeth and are looking for a hassle-free way of restoring your smile once and for all, call Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery in Ellis County. Our Midlothian implant specialist will assess your smile and go over all your tooth replacement options to help you select the best treatment for your circumstances.

What To Consider Before Getting Botox

Posted January 4, 2023 by drslaughteroffice

Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is an injectable medication that temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles where it’s applied. It has become very popular because of its ability to enhance your skin tone and appearance with very little downtime. Plus, there’s no irreversible surgery required. At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery, we recommend planning a consultation with our specialist before having any Botox treatment. This is a very important step as each person’s goals and needs are unique. Your one-to-one with us also allows us to learn more about your medical history to make sure there is nothing that would adversely affect these cosmetic treatments.

Here are a few other things that should be considered before getting Botox in Midlothian or Ellis County.

Choosing the Right Botox Practitioner

When considering Botox treatments, finding the best medical provider is a very important step. Having the right suitably qualified person to administer the injections means getting the desired look you want in the right way. Our cosmetic practitioner is experienced in administering Botox and is an expert when it comes to the muscles and tissues throughout your face. You will receive the highest quality care from a team who knows more about your smile and orofacial anatomy than most other types of providers.

Cost of Botox

One of the benefits of Botox is that it is an affordable solution for reviving and enhancing your natural features. Depending on the area being treated, the costs can vary. A full understanding of what you would like to achieve will enable us to give you a clear cost estimate of the treatment. You can then decide how many areas you would like treated during each session.

Possible Side Effects of Botox

Although Botox injections are safe, you must consider the possible side effects. Different medical conditions or prescribed medications can cause different side effects, and just like with any other medical procedure this has to be taken into consideration before treatment. Completing a thorough review of your medical history during your consultation will allow us to go over any concerns and advise you in the best direction. Choosing an experienced specialist to apply your Botox will reduce your chances of unwanted side effects.

Fitting Botox Into Your Schedule

Another thing to consider when it comes to Botox treatments is your schedule. Although the injectables are minimally invasive, you will probably want to have a few hours of downtime after your appointment. Small red areas may appear at the areas of injection, but nothing too noticeable. After your appointment, you’ll want to avoid wearing any makeup, exercising, or flying for the next 12-24 hours is recommended. This will limit any skin irritations and help prevent injectables from becoming disturbed.

More To Know About Botox

These are just a few things to consider before having Botox treatments. There is still more review before having any cosmetic procedures done. Contact our Ellis County specialist today for a consultation, and you’ll be one step closer to getting the look you want.

Top Resolutions For Your Smile This Year

Posted December 29, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

We all do it. We tend to make them the as the end of the year comes around. Most of the time we have the best intentions of keeping them, but usually fall short. Yes, we’re talking about New Year’s resolutions. Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is here to help you fix that. Working together, we can assist you in achieving the goals you have for your smile this coming new year. If you’re not sure where to start, here are the top smile resolutions you can make:

Replace Missing Teeth in Your Smile

If you’ve been suffering from the embarrassment of missing teeth, make this new year the one to fix that. Dental implants are the perfect way of making your smile whole again. Using implants to replace missing teeth allows you to transition smoothly from having open spaces to a complete set of functional “teeth.”

Implants are made from a biocompatible titanium material that makes it a sustainable and compatible part of your smile. Customized to fit your bite, no one will know the difference between your new implant and your natural teeth.

A Botox Boost to Your Smile and Face

There is nothing wrong with wanting to refresh your appearance or look more rested. A little boost with some Botox can help you feel rejuvenated for the new year without the hassle of long and invasive surgical procedures. With Botox you can smooth out the appearance of your skin, erasing fine lines and wrinkles that develop over time. Easily begin the new year with the confidence of knowing you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

Smile Healthy: Catch Up on Dental Work

If you’ve been putting off important dental work like wisdom teeth removal or having a diseased tooth removed, now is the time to get it done. You can begin the year without the worry of any unexpected, preventable dental emergencies. Not addressing oral health issues like wisdom teeth can give them the opportunity to worsen and flair up at the most inconvenient time. It’s better to be proactive and get ahead of things, keeping you in control of the situation and allowing you to choose when to have the procedures planned.

Scheduling treatment too late in the year can also limit the appointment times available, so completing any outstanding dental work in the early part of the year can be very beneficial since your insurance policy resets at that time.

Call Us to Discuss Your Smile Needs

Our consultations are provided so that you can come into the office with all your questions and leave feeling confident and informed about treatment options. We take the time to put together a plan specifically designed for you, keeping your smile goals in mind.

This year as you start making your resolutions, why not let Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery in Midlothian, TX help you fulfill the plans you’ve had for your smile for some time now?

Start your new year off right this year by looking after your oral health goals. Call us today to schedule your no obligation dental exam.

Dear valued patients,

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