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.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs

Posted December 19, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are something most of us have. Not everyone who develops wisdom teeth needs to have them removed. Some people go their entire lives without any issues or needing to have them extracted.

Here are a few FAQs to help you get to know a little more about wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Your third molars are your final set of adult molars and they are usually the last set of teeth to erupt. They tend to start coming through the gums between the ages of 16 to 25 years of age. We typically call them “wisdom teeth” because we’re older when we get them.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

When wisdom teeth begin to erupt, they can begin to cause issues for some patients like spacing and crowding concerns. Growing in the wrong direction can cause wisdom teeth to put pressure on the teeth positioned in front of them, resulting in damage to the tooth and nerve of otherwise healthy teeth. An impacted tooth can be stuck inside of the bone or behind the second molar and cannot erupt properly. This can lead to pain and swelling.

What about partially erupted wisdom teeth? Their location puts them at a high risk for gum disease and tooth decay, which can jeopardize neighboring teeth.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Checked?

Regular check-ups are very important for everyone. If you have a teenager, a special x-ray around age 15 or so will allow us to assess their wisdom teeth. Monitoring the growth of their teeth over the next few years allows dentists to screen for potential issues in the future (to help prevent dental issues before they start.) If there are any concerns, our oral surgeon will discuss the next steps. The high school and early college years are the best times to have wisdom teeth removed.

What Are Some Wisdom Tooth Symptoms to Look For?

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a variety of symptoms such as:

Swelling in the gums
Pain or discomfort
Difficulty biting or chewing
Facial swelling
An unpleasant taste in the mouth

What Should I Expect From Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery?

Impacted teeth need to be surgically removed to prevent damage and infection in the tissues and teeth around them. For your comfort, you will be sedated during the procedure. Then, a small incision will be made in the gums so the tooth can be accessed and removed. Sometimes it may be necessary to segment the tooth in order to remove it. Once out, the area will be medicated and we’ll give you strict instructions on how to care for the surgical site as it heals. We do not place sutures, as this allows the most holistic healing process for our patients.

How Long Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery?

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal can take an average of 7-10 days. Each situation is different and should be monitored accordingly. Very important aftercare instructions will be provided and should be followed in order to ensure a successful recovery.

Wisdom Tooth Consultations in Midlothian, Cedar Hill, and Waxahachie

For questions about your or your teen’s wisdom teeth, contact Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery. We encourage you to reserve a no-obligation exam with our surgeon to determine the best needs for your smile. Call us today to get started.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Posted December 7, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Dental Implants are surgically implanted tooth replacements for our patients who are looking to replace one or more missing teeth. Ellis County dental implants help to maintain the long-term health and integrity of your smile because they look and feel like natural teeth.

Implants have become one of the most sought after tooth replacement options in Midlothian because of their success, cost-effectiveness, and minimally-invasive treatment process.

Where Do I Begin?

Although dental implants are not a new concept in dentistry, when it comes to seeking treatment, many patients still do not know what’s involved and where to begin. The first place to start is with a consultation at our dental implant clinic in Midlothian. At your consultation, our specialist can perform the necessary exam to see if you are a candidate for implant or implant-related therapy. Your oral anatomy and bone must be healthy enough for the procedure and to ensure the success of the implant.

How Does it Work?

Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium material that will act as the “root” of the new tooth. The implant is placed into the bone and allowed to integrate, where the bone will naturally begin to bond with the implant, fusing it into place next to your other teeth. The installation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that requires a small incision in the gum tissue. The implant is then guided into place and inserted into the dental ridge in the best position. Once completed, it can take 3-6 months for the bone and the implant to integrate together. Once this is complete, a crown or bridge is fixed to the top of the implant(s), providing you with a completely new smile.

Custom Made

Every mouth is unique, which will make every implant case unique as well. This requires every treatment plan we create to be designed with your personal needs and preferences in mind. The proper measurements are taken for each patient including how the implants are placed, the types of implants you need, and that the visible crown portion is also customized with the specific size and color that matches the rest of your teeth. This level of attention ensures that the implant will function as your natural tooth would without interfering with the surrounding tooth and gums. It also provides the high level of aesthetic outcome you depend on from a smile reconstruction.

Contact Us To Learn More

Some people only require one implant while others may have a more complex situation requiring multiple or full-arch implants. Whatever the case may be, the team at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery are trained and highly experienced in all types of implant cases.

In order to learn more about the process and find out how you can benefit from dental implants, schedule a consultation with our specialist. We will complete a comprehensive exam to determine the best course of treatment for your situation. There is no obligation and you will leave our office well informed and ready to make the best decision for your oral health.

We proudly serve patients in the Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, and Waxahachie areas. Call us today.

Time Off For the Holiday? Plan A Dental Implant Consultation

Posted November 28, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

The holidays are a time we take to enjoy the people and places around us. Our calendars are filled with holiday parties, family gatherings, and outings with friends. Or maybe you’re planning to take it a bit slower this season and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Whatever the case may be for you this year, a missing tooth can leave a lasting impact on whatever you’re up to. Texas Institute of Oral Facial & Implant Surgery specializes in restoring smiles once and for all, so why not gift yourself something special this holiday season, like a consultation to discuss your smile reconstruction?

Worry-Free Implant Appointments

Planning a consultation over the holiday break can make it easier to fit ‘me’ time into your busy schedule. Especially if you’re already taking some extra time off from work or have a long holiday break planned. Because dental implant treatment is typically scheduled out across more than one appointment, you can save up other days if you decide to plan treatment in the future since the consultation phase will already be complete.

A Time to Talk Over Your Implant Options

There have been so numerous advancements when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, you may have been told that you don’t qualify for some of them even though new advancements have changed the way these treatments are completed. Many people are not aware of all of their treatment options and today there are more than ever!

Planning a consultation with our Ellis County dental implant specialist allows us to discuss treatments like a single tooth implant, All-on-4 implants, or an implant-supported denture. If you are unsure what any of these could mean for you, we can discuss the details of each procedure and what it would entail. Then you can take time over your break to consider your choices and come back for treatment whenever you’re ready.

A New Smile in the New Year

Our no-obligation consultation process will help guide you through the steps necessary to achieve a healthier, happier smile. Get all of the information you need to plan ahead for implants in the new year. Most dental insurance coverage ends at the end of the calendar year, so coming in for an exam over the holidays gives you an opportunity to utilize any benefits that have still gone unused. It also gives you a chance to look forward to the new year to map out the obligations needed to complete your implant treatment. Our financial coordinators will prepare a treatment plan along with an insurance estimate for your review.

Set Yourself Up For Successful Implant Treatment

Take advantage of your time off and plan a visit to Texas Institute of Oral Facial & Implant Surgery over your holiday break to discuss your dental implant journey. Contact us today to schedule your dental implant consultation. Our Ellis County implant specialist serves patients throughout the Midlothian, Waxahachie, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, and surrounding DFW communities.

Yes, There’s Time To Fit in Wisdom Teeth Removal Over The Holiday Break

Posted November 16, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Scheduling appointments for yourself or other family members can take quite a lot of juggling. This is especially the case if you have teens or college students’ schedules to work with. The holidays are a time when students return home and some parents are taking extra time off from work. This makes the holiday break an ideal time for wisdom teeth removal surgery. If you live in the Ellis County area and need to see an oral surgeon for a wisdom tooth consultation, Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery still has openings through the remainder of the year.

Time to Rest and Recover After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many students who have wisdom teeth removed over a school break recover with more than enough time to get back to classes after they’ve healed. Within a few days, most of the swelling and discomfort will have gone away. And yes, they’ll be able to enjoy many of your favorite family foods, so there’s no need to worry about them missing Christmas dinner. Plus, being able to recover in the comfort of your family’s home with help from parents or friends is an added bonus and helps make the recovery process a lot smoother.

Not Every Wisdom Teeth Case Is The Same

Not all wisdom teeth extractions are the same. They vary in their degree of complexity, so don’t assume your family’s situation will involve a worst-case scenario. This can prevent many people from getting the care that they need because they assume the worst. When you come in to see our oral surgeon for a consultation, we will take a digital scan to determine the best type of wisdom tooth removal technique. Talking things through with our skilled oral surgeon will give you the reassurance you need to plan ahead for a wisdom tooth removal. Plus, it’s also a good opportunity to visit our office to make yourself familiar with our team and office environment where your surgery will be performed.

Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits

Fitting in a wisdom tooth appointment near the end of the year will give you the opportunity to use up some of the unused insurance benefits you may have left over. You can use your policy’s benefits towards the removal of wisdom teeth before they expire, which is helpful to reduce the expense of the surgery. Our treatment coordinator will prepare the necessary paperwork needed to submit to your dental insurer so that you have a good idea of the type of coverage that will be available to your student’s oral surgery needs. It’s best to use them now, before they expire at the end of the year, as all unused insurance benefits typically expire on December 31^st.

Contact Us Today

We’ve performed countless wisdom tooth removal for teens and college students from the Midlothian, Waxahachie, Cedar Hill, and Mansfield communities. If you are concerned about your teen or college students’ wisdom teeth, the holiday break is a perfect time to talk with a specialist. Call Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery today to reserve a no-obligation appointment.

Thanksgiving Plans? Schedule Your Botox Visit Today

Posted November 8, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

November has arrived and it is the unofficial start to the holiday season. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, followed quickly by Christmas and countless holiday festivities. If you have plans already set and your family’s outfits, menu, and maybe even the annual family photo, then now is a great time to add a little something more to your smile this year: Botox.

Botox treatments just before the holidays get here will have you ready to smile in countless photos, look your best at office parties, and feel great in your own skin wherever you go.

Midlothian Botox Treatments

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery specialize in Botox treatments that will subtly enhance the qualities of your facial profile in a natural, attractive manner. We can use the applications to smooth out fine lines or wrinkles developing around areas like your mouth, eyes, and forehead.

All of our treatments are performed in the office by our trained specialist who has extensive experience treating orofacial tissues for functional and aesthetic purposes. Botox is used by experts worldwide because it can also be used to reduce muscle spasms, treat migraines, and appease tension in your jaw and muscles. Our extensive knowledge and experience mean you will be getting the highest quality of care and safe Botox treatment you deserve from a team that believes in giving our patients the best.

Botox: Just in Time for a Holiday Fix

Botox treatments are a great perk around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays because it’s relatively quick, non-surgical, and involves very little discomfort. You’ll begin to notice the changes taking place within a few days after your Botox treatment, with full results a few weeks thereafter. Plus, there’s no concern about noticeable irritation by the time Thanksgiving dinner rolls around. Your skin will look fresher, revived, and more youthful by the time you meet up with family. If you’re using your time off to catch up with some friends, why not be the one who’s glowing when they enter the room?

As an orofacial expert, our provider is one of the best in the Ellis County areas to offer Botox treatments in Midlothian. Our intense experience working with facial tissues ensures a high level of accuracy and precision during your cosmetic treatment.

Botox Consultations Midlothian, TX

We understand there may be some concerns about receiving Botox treatment for the first time. We’re here to answer all your questions! Botox offers safe and non-invasive cosmetic results to help you feel your best. It’s best to start with a consultation first so you feel comfortable with your options and the area being treated.

Give Yourself A Boost, Contact Us Today

The team at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery want to see you smile with confidence to look and feel like your best self this holiday season. Botox treatments are an easy and safe way of achieving a more youthful glow during this special season.

Want Implants? Use Insurance Benefits Before They Expire

Posted October 28, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

When teeth are missing or need to be extracted, there should always be a plan to replace them. Even if they aren’t visible, missing teeth affect your entire smile. For example, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift and tilt to try to fill the spaces created by extracted teeth. With the roots missing, the bone in that area will begin to recede and shrink away. In order to reduce these complications and others (such as TMJ pain or worn teeth) from occurring, a suitable replacement should be considered within a reasonable amount of time. Dental implants are the most recommended choice!

Start Planning Now for Dental Implants

Making a choice to invest in dental implants is not usually an easy or fast decision to make. The treatment takes multiple steps and can require up to 3-6 months to complete. Implants are more of an investment than dentures or bridges, which can also cause some hesitation.

Fortunately, dental implants offer the best return on investment of any tooth replacement. And if you have dental insurance, your benefits are a great resource that can be used to help minimize the cost of the implant. But in order to get the most out of your benefits, it’s a good idea to start considering getting your implant journey underway before the end of the year when your benefits reset.

Benefit From Your Dental Insurance Coverage

We know when it comes to insurance plans, understanding all the details of the terms and conditions can be frustrating at times. But we’re here to make the process as easy to understand as possible.

At the time of your consultation, we will find out more about your dental plan from your carrier and help you to understand the terms of the policy. This is why a consultation beforehand is important because it will allow us to prepare everything that is needed for your insurance company and create a breakdown for you to look over before treatment is ever on the table.

One thing that is usually standard is most policies are active within a calendar year. You will not be able to carry over any unused benefits into the new year, and you cannot allocate them to another family member, which means you will lose any allowances which are left for the current year (if you don’t use them, you lose them!)

Make the Investment in Dental Implants Today

Implants are the most stable and highly functioning tooth replacements available. They are custom designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. Since they are placed directly in the bone, you won’t have to worry about them shifting or coming loose. If taken care of properly, they can last for the rest of your life! With dental implants, the long-term benefits for your oral health are worth the investment.

If you’re considering getting dental implants or just want to learn more about the process, book your consultation at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery in Midlothian today.

Fall is the Time for Wisdom Tooth Consultations

Posted October 17, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

The seasons have changed and everyone is pretty much back into a steady routine. High school and college students are back to school and well into their academic year. Their schedules are more organized but a lot busier with extracurricular activities before, during and after classes. We know the hassle it can be trying to get them to disrupt their plans to go see a dentist. At this stage of life, however, it’s important to prioritize monitoring their wisdom tooth development.

The Fall is an excellent time to plan wisdom tooth consultations; it leaves time before the end of the year for any necessary procedures and better flexibility when it comes to working around classes and holidays.

Expert Wisdom Tooth Exams

Teens often wait until they’re experiencing pain from their wisdom teeth before they ask their parents about going to the dentist. But in some scenarios, there’s no pain or associated symptoms present at all. But that doesn’t mean their wisdom teeth aren’t growing in or becoming impacted. The only way to be sure of how things look is to get expert advice from an oral surgeon.

A wisdom tooth consultation will provide a detailed analysis of your child’s situation, which will help you to understand the next steps need to be. When you visit the expert team at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we use the latest technology and 3D imaging to pinpoint the exact positioning of each wisdom tooth. At that point, we can discuss whether it’s best to watch and wait on things, or to plan a wisdom tooth removal over the holiday break.

Take Advantage of School Holidays

Trying to find the right time to have wisdom teeth removed can be a bit tricky when working with your child’s timetable (especially if they’re off at college.) You need time for planning any necessary surgery and the recovery afterward as well. Why not take this time to schedule a consultation before or during the thanksgiving holidays. Most people are off for a few extra days and setting an appointment for a brief consultation will allow you to prepare for the right time to have any surgery completed, if it’s necessary. This will also give you enough time to look into your dental benefits with regards to coverage for the surgery. Wisdom tooth removal already brings its own set of anxiety and concerns. Sorting out your finances early, before the end of the year, will help to remove any added worries about the costs involved when your insurance benefits expire.

Reserve a Wisdom Tooth Consultation Today

If you are in the Ellis County, Midlothian, Waxahachie, Cedar Hill, or Mansfield areas, contact us to schedule an appointment for a no-obligation wisdom tooth consultation. Our specialty office is equipped to handle treatments that range from simple to complex in a warm and inviting space. Our team is highly trained and experienced, with a commitment to provide you and your family with expert care on your oral health journey.

Schedule your consultation with us today.

Dear valued patients,

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