- What are dental implants?
- How much do dental implants cost?
- How long does the dental implant process take?
- Are there hidden fees?
- How many separate visits will I need to be prepared for?
- What is the benefit of an in-house lab?
- Do you accept patients from outside of the Dallas area?
- Do you offer all dental services including general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
- How long is recovery?
- What difference does it make to have your mouth cleaned even if you have no teeth?
- Is there follow-up care required?
- How often should I see the dentist for a check up?
- If it has been longer than six months since my last cleaning, what happens then?
- I brush every day and I still have mouth odor, what can I do?
- What kind of toothbrush should I use?
- I have a child, when do they first need to see the dentist?
- How can I have whiter teeth?
- I want better looking teeth but without braces. What are my options?
- What can I do about snoring?
- What can be done about teeth grinding?
- Does the Forte Implant Center meet OSHA safety standards?
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial root that secures a replacement tooth into the jawbone. The replacement teeth are anchored to the dental implant in the form of a crown, bridge or denture. Dental implants are stronger and longer lasting than natural teeth.
Click here for more information on dental implants.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants will vary depending on the extent of work that is needed. With dental implants all factors must be considered including brands. Each brand will have different tools, so it’s important that the brand is a well-known, long-standing brand name, so that any future needs will be taken care of as well.
How long does the dental implant process take?
This will depend on the extent of work that needs to be done and the condition of the bone in your mouth. The Dental Implant Center is equipped with everything that is needed for surgery, pre-op and post-op. All-on-4 fixed dentures can be completed in one day (following initial consultation for candidacy). Implant treatment can take as little as two appointments or it can take 12-18 months for extensive treatment. Rarely longer.
Are there hidden fees?
Our dental implant center has all the surgeons and equipment needed in one location, thus eliminating the chance for hidden fees. After your free consultation and free 3D CAT scan, we will be able to determine your exact needs and the exact cost.
How many separate visits will I need to be prepared for?
This is dependent on your exact surgical prognosis. However, for a patient with sufficient bone the average number of visits is three. For a patient that will also require a bone graft, it can be up to five.
Click here for more information on treatment time.
What is the benefit of an in-house lab?
Few dental offices have a dental lab in-house. However, we have found that to provide both convenient and precise service to our clients, this is a necessary provision.
Do you accept patients from outside of the Dallas area?
Absolutely. Patients from other states and even other countries have their dental implants placed at the Plano office.
Do you offer all dental services including general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Yes, we offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and surgery. Our services include:
General: Fillings, crowns, dentures, partials, dental cleanings, periodontal treatments, x-rays, ct scans, whitening.
Cosmetic: Porcelain crowns and veneers.
Surgery: Bone grafting, sinus grafting, gum grafting, dental implants, crown lengthening.
How long is recovery?
Dental implants generally take around 3 months to heal completely.
What difference does it make to have your mouth cleaned even if you have no teeth?
Bacteria that has been associated with gum disease is still in the mouth even when the teeth are gone. Dental implants have a lower success rate when periodontal disease is present, so even with missing teeth, keeping regular hygiene appointments is important.
Is there follow-up care required?
Regular dental hygiene appointments are an essential part of follow-up care.
How often should I see the dentist for a check up?
At a minimum you should have your teeth cleaned and checked every six months. If you have a history or suspect you have gum problems (periodontal disease), then you may need to have your teeth cleaned and checked every 3-4 months.
It is important to understand that receiving a regular check up and cleaning can help protect you from periodontal disease, oral cancer, or other dental problems.
If it has been longer than six months since my last cleaning, what happens then?
The Forte Implant Center will evaluate your gum health and recommend to you what will restore or maintain your gum health. Typically, if you are between 1-3 months overdue and you have had good oral hygiene then a regular cleaning will take care of things. Beyond 3 months you may require additional cleanings. If it has been years since your last cleaning you may require cleaning appointments that focus on each section of your mouth. These are called quadrant scalings.
I brush every day and I still have mouth odor, what can I do?
Mouth odor can come from several areas. If it has been a while since your last cleaning, it may be time to come see us. If you are not flossing, you could be building up the bacteria that cause bad breath. Your tongue harbors bacteria and should be brushed along with your teeth. You may have some old leaking dental work that needs to be changed. Retained tonsils, sinus problems, allergies, esophageal reflux, diabetes, alcohol, coffee, some foods, fasting, and dehydration can all cause bad breath.
If you have persistent mouth odor after following the advice above, you may contact the Forte Implant Center of Dallas to schedule a dental appointment for a check up and cleaning. We will attempt to determine the cause and find a solution to your mouth odor.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
The Forte Implant Center of Dallas recommends an electric toothbrush for all our adult patients and for children who can handle them with adult supervision. Sonicare is our first choice, with a compact head for adults and ultra compact head for an older child or those who prefer a smaller size. Small children may need to use the Oral B Braun toothbrush, due to the size.
I have a child, when do they first need to see the dentist?
We recommend that your child sees the Dentist for the first time at 18 months. This is critical for long term care. A child is not born with the bacteria that causes dental decay. They acquire the bacteria from contact with others. The time for transmission is 19-30 months. We encourage you to have your child evaluated by one of the Pediatric Dentists that we recommend to minimize your Child’s exposure to this harmful bacteria.
How can I have whiter teeth?
Many people desire whiter teeth, and there are many different options for teeth whitening and teeth bleaching. You can learn more about in-office teeth whitening here, which is offered as part of the Forte Implant Center’s cosmetic dentistry services.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What are my options?
In many cases, we can place Porcelain Veneers/Laminates to make a shade and/or shape change with your front teeth. Many of our patients want a change now and don’t want to wait 18-24 months with braces. Porcelain Veneers can accomplish this in a matter of days.
What can I do about snoring?
The Forte Implant Center has a non-operative solution to snoring. There is a simple appliance you can wear at night to prevent you from snoring called a Snoregaurd.
You can contact the Forte Implant Center for an appointment to discuss your options if snoring is stopping you or a loved one from getting quality sleep.
What can be done about teeth grinding?
If you or someone you know has a problem with grinding your teeth, the Forte Implant Center can fit you for a removable appliance that will keep your teeth from touching. Please see information on Bruxism, or contact the Forte Implant Center for an appointment to discuss your options.
Does the Forte Implant Center meet OSHA safety standards?
Yes we do. Most of the Forte Implant Center systems not only meet but exceed all requirements. We have an OSHA consultant that comes in routinely to advise us on the most current levels of compliance. All of the instruments that we use in patient care are sterilized, and all the water we use in our systems is bottled water (reverse Osmosis).
For medical questions, see the Medical FAQ sheet.