Modern technology makes dental implants a strong, beautiful, and natural-looking treatment for missing teeth. We can restore your smile and self-confidence in as little as two office visits.
Dr. Sara Chen and Dr. Mark Sowell provide affordable dental implants in Plano, Texas. They use advanced techniques to give you a smile you will feel confident with. Fill in the gaps and permanently replace your missing teeth with dental implants today.
Dental patient before and after getting dental implants from Dr. Sara Chen.
Dental Implants in Plano, TX
For many people, missing teeth can affect self-confidence because of an unattractive smile. They may also feel awkward talking, have trouble eating, and have a less active social life. The most important reason to replace your missing teeth is to protect your oral health.
Without treatment, missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration, jaw recession, gum disease, and further tooth loss. Missing teeth can be embarrassing and painful, making it hard to chew and speak properly.
Traditional ways to replace missing teeth include dentures, bridges, and crowns. However, these solutions can be hard to maintain and may not last as long.
Dr. Chen is a certified prosthodontics specialist who provides complex cosmetic, implant, and full-mouth reconstructive dentistry. She completed a 3-year prosthodontics specialty residency program at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Chen has the education and experience to restore your smile.
Dr. Sowell is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). He has training in both the surgical and restorative phases of implant dentistry. This means we provide comprehensive dental implant treatments at our dental office in Plano, Texas. So you don’t need to go anywhere else to see an implant surgery specialist.
Our dental implants give you the same comfort, appearance, and function as your natural teeth. The implant process usually takes four to six months and involves three or more appointments with Dr. Chen or Dr. Sowell. But the results you get are well worth the time and investment.
Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell use advanced dental implant technology, making dental implants possible for nearly anyone. Let Aesthetic Dentistry Centre restore your oral health, stop your pain and discomfort, and boost your confidence and well-being.
Dental Implants Provide Structure & Foundation
Modern dental implants are precise devices made in different designs to suit your needs. The most common type uses a titanium screw anchored in the jawbone.
This screw acts like a tooth root, supporting a custom-made artificial tooth or dental prosthetic. Once the artificial teeth are in place, you won’t be able to distinguish the dental implant from your natural teeth. The whole system functions just like a real tooth replacement.
Moreover, dental implants are the only proven method to prevent bone loss after losing natural teeth. Studies show that implant-supported prostheses improve how comfortably you can bite. They’re also easy to care for and are the best alternative to real teeth.
Our implant specialist offers patients who are missing one, several, or all their teeth an alternative to partial or complete dentures. Implants remove worries about denture mishaps and make eating, smiling, and talking stress-free. Talk to Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell about the benefits that affordable dental implants from our dental office can give you.
Some of the advantages include the following:
- Implants permanently replace missing teeth
- A single implant can replace one tooth
- They will not impact your oral hygiene routine
- Multiple dental implants can support dentures
- Teeth-in-a-day are dental implants
- There are full-arch implant options that replace all teeth
- They are strong and natural-looking restorations
- Tooth implants are functional and comfortable
What to Expect from Our Dental Implant Process
At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, we believe that knowing what to expect takes the fear out of dental care. That’s why we’ve designed our implant process to be clear, comfortable, and personalized at every step.
Step 1: Your Personalized Consultation
Every great smile starts with a conversation. During your consultation, Dr. Sara Chen or Dr. Mark Sowell will sit down with you. They’ll understand your goals, review your medical history, and discuss what you’d like to achieve with your new smile.
We’ll perform a thorough oral exam, including advanced digital imaging, to assess your jawbone health and determine the best approach. If you have any underlying issues, such as gum disease or residual tooth fragments, we’ll address them first. A healthy foundation is key to long-term success.
In some cases, patients may need a bone graft to build up enough healthy bone to support an implant. If that’s you, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you’re fully prepared before moving forward.
Step 2: Precision Planning with Advanced Technology
Once you’re ready for implants, we use modern dental tools and 3D imaging software to plan the exact placement of each implant. This advanced planning lets us position implants at optimal angles and depths to maximize strength and achieve a natural-looking result.
With an in-house ceramic lab and a team that includes a prosthodontist, Dr. Chen, and a nationally recognized implant expert, Dr. Sowell, we can handle every phase of your care.
Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be comfortably numbed, and sedation options are available to help you relax. Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen will gently place the titanium implant posts into your jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots, designed to fuse with your bone over time.
After surgery, your mouth will need time to heal. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, your implant is becoming a permanent part of your smile.
While you heal, we may place a temporary restoration to help you go about your life with confidence.
Step 4: Your Final Restoration
Once your implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, you’ll return to our office. We’ll attach a small connector called an abutment to each implant. This is what holds your new tooth in place.
Then comes placing your custom restoration. Whether you need a single crown, a bridge, or a full arch of teeth, Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell will create a restoration that’s designed specifically for you. We match the size, shape, and color to your natural teeth.
Master Ceramist James Chung works in our on-site lab to craft your restoration with exceptional artistry and precision. The result is a smile that looks and feels like it’s always been yours.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New Smile for Life
With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime. They’ll give you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
And because Dr. Chen is a prosthodontist with advanced training in implant restorations, you can trust that your new teeth will be both beautiful and built to last.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Dental implants are the only thing that helps maintain the health of your jawbone after tooth loss. Bridges don’t offer this because they rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Because of this, we will need to grind down healthy adjacent teeth to secure traditional bridges. The adjacent healthy teeth can later have problems of their own, requiring new and costly dental work. For example, bridges can detach without the patient noticing.
Some patients also find that implants feel more natural and comfortable in their mouths. Unlike bridges, they don’t rely on external factors. However, the process of getting implants can take a bit longer, involve many visits, healing time, and surgery.
On the flip side, getting a dental bridge is a quicker process and a faster tooth-replacement option. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell can place a bridge in just a few appointments. They also provide implant-supported bridges.
A bridge can also offer a two-for-one benefit by addressing multiple issues at once. For example, if you have adjacent teeth that could benefit from dental crowns. Let’s not forget that some patients prefer conventional bridges because the procedure’s straightforward.
Patient Review
Taking Care of Dental Implants
Post-Surgery
Dental implants have one of the highest success rates in dentistry, and proper aftercare helps ensure they heal well.
- The First Few Days: You’ll have some soreness and discomfort for a few days. Stick to soft foods, avoid chewing near the implant site, and skip hot or spicy foods for now. Mild bleeding and red saliva are normal for the first day or two. Use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. If we prescribe antibiotics or pain medication, take them exactly as directed. Call us if bleeding or severe pain continues.
- Keeping the Area Clean: On the day of surgery, gently brush and floss around the site, but don’t rinse. After 24 hours, start rinsing with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. After a few days, you may also gently clean the abutment with a cotton swab.
- What to Avoid: Avoid alcohol and smoking while your implants heal (3 to 6 months). Both can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Long-Term Care: Schedule regular dental checkups to keep your implants healthy and functional for years.
After the Final Restoration
Implants don’t require extra maintenance when you continue to take care of them. Just brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Don’t forget to visit our dental office regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush. Avoid using any metal or other hard materials in your mouth once the implants are in place. Use non-abrasive toothpaste, too. Other materials can scratch up your implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Plano, TX?
The cost of dental implants varies based on several factors. These include how many teeth you’re replacing, whether you need bone grafting, and the type of restoration you choose. A single implant with a crown costs differently than a full-arch solution like All-on-Four.
After your consultation, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen provide a detailed, written estimate. We don’t give “ballpark” quotes over the phone because every patient’s needs are unique. We also file your insurance and offer financing options to make treatment affordable.
How Long Does the Full Dental Implant Process Take from Start to Finish?
The complete process usually takes four to six months. It involves three or more appointments. Here’s the general timeline:
- Consultation and planning: 1-2 visits
- Implant placement surgery: 1 visit
- Healing and osseointegration: 3-6 months
- Abutment placement: 1 visit
- Final restoration: 1-2 visits
Some patients qualify for Teeth-in-a-Day, which gives you a new smile in a single appointment. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants. You need healthy gums, adequate bone density, and good overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may need to be addressed first.
If you don’t have enough bone, we offer bone grafting to build a strong foundation. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell use advanced technology to make implants possible for nearly anyone. They’ll evaluate your specific situation during your consultation and explain all your options.
What Happens If I Don’t Replace My Missing Teeth?
Leaving missing teeth untreated can lead to serious problems. Your jawbone can deteriorate, remaining teeth can shift out of alignment, and your bite can change. You may also develop gum disease and lose more teeth.
Missing teeth can also affect your ability to eat and speak. Many patients feel self-conscious and avoid social situations. Replacing missing teeth protects your oral health and restores your confidence. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’ve Been Told I’m Not a Candidate Elsewhere?
Yes, many patients come to us after being told they’re not candidates elsewhere. Dr. Chen is a prosthodontist with advanced training in complex implant cases. Dr. Sowell is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Together, they handle cases that general dentists can’t.
We offer bone grafting, zygomatic implants, and other advanced techniques. We also have an in-office ceramic lab for precise restorations. If you’ve been turned down before, schedule a consultation. We’ll give you an honest evaluation and explore every option.
What Makes Your Dental Implant Process Different from Other Plano Dentists?
Three things set us apart. First, our team. Dr. Chen is a prosthodontist who completed a 3-year specialty residency. Dr. Sowell is one of only 40 dentists worldwide with both MAGD and AACD credentials. You get two experts working together on your case.
Second, our in-office ceramic lab. Master Ceramist James Chung crafts your restorations on-site. You can see and approve your new smile before we place it permanently.
Third, our concierge approach. We schedule one patient at a time, offer spa-like amenities, and assign you a personal concierge. From consultation to final restoration, you’ll feel like our only patient.
To learn more about our dental implant services, visit:
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Cost of Dental Implants
- All On Four Dental Implants
- Dental Implants versus Dentures
- Multiple Implants
- Teeth In a Day
- Bone Grafting
- Dental Implant FAQs
Visit for a Free Implant Consultation Today
Ready to replace missing teeth with dental implants near you? Request a dental implant treatment consultation today. We will work with your dental insurance and provide financing options.
Call one of the top implant dentists in Plano, Dr. Sara Chen or Dr. Mark Sowell, or schedule an appointment online. Visit our Plano dental office for effective treatments today.