Placed in our McKinney office by Dr. Nishit Patel
If you are missing one tooth, several teeth or a full arch, Outlook Dental offers dental implants in McKinney at our office on W Eldorado Parkway. Dr. Nishit Patel places the implants himself and designs the teeth that attach to them, so your care stays in one office from the first scan to the final crown. It starts with a consultation and 3D imaging to see whether implants are a good fit for you.
- Placed in-house, no referral for placement
- 3D cone beam planning
- Single tooth to full arch
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that takes the place of a missing tooth's root. It is placed in the jawbone below the gumline. Over the following months, the bone bonds with the post, which gives it a stable base. A connector called an abutment then attaches to the implant, and a custom crown, bridge or denture attaches to that.
Because an implant sits in the bone, it replaces the whole tooth, not just the part you see. That matters because the jawbone naturally begins to shrink after a tooth is lost.
Who places your implants: Dr. Nishit Patel
At Outlook Dental, you do not need a referral to another office for implant placement. Dr. Patel places the implant here and designs your custom restoration to match your natural teeth. He is a general dentist who has practiced since 2007. His implant training includes:
- A dental implant preceptorship at the UT School of Dentistry in San Antonio
- A fellowship with Implant Pathway in Tempe, Arizona
- Membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
He graduated from the Government Dental College and Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, and earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California. You can read more about Dr. Patel.
Your implant options
Replacing a single missing tooth
Dr. Patel places one implant in the gap, and once it has healed, a custom crown goes on top. Unlike a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side do not need to be reshaped to hold the new tooth.
Replacing several missing teeth
When three or four teeth in a row are missing, two implants can support an implant bridge across the gap, without relying on your natural teeth for support. If the gaps are spread around your mouth, a few implants can anchor a partial denture so it stays in place.
Implant-supported dentures and All-on-X
If you have lost most or all of your teeth in an arch, or your current denture slips, a full denture can be secured onto implants. With All-on-X dental implants, a small number of implants support a full arch of teeth that you do not take out at night.
Dr. Patel will talk with you about which approach suits your bone, your health and your goals. If you do not have dental insurance, see current offers before your visit. Our offers are for patients without dental insurance and change during the year.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who are missing teeth can be considered for implants. What Dr. Patel looks at:
- Your jawbone. An implant needs enough bone to bond with. The 3D scan at your consultation shows how much bone is there.
- Your gums. Gum disease needs to be treated first. We provide gum disease treatment (scaling and root planing) in the office.
- Your overall health. Placing an implant is minor oral surgery, so we review your health history and medications with you before planning treatment.
- Your age. We do not recommend implants for patients younger than 18, because the jaw is still growing. There is no upper age limit.
Will I need a bone graft?
Sometimes. The jawbone can shrink after a tooth has been missing for a long time, or after gum disease. If there is not enough bone to support an implant, a bone graft can rebuild the area first. The only way to know whether you need one is a consultation and a 3D scan.
The dental implant process, step by step
Consultation and 3D cone beam imaging
We take all-digital X-rays and a 3D cone beam scan, which captures a 360-degree view of your jaw and face and shows the nerves, tissues and bone that need to be considered when planning an implant. You receive a treatment plan and a cost estimate before any treatment begins.
Getting your mouth ready, if needed
Some patients need a tooth removed, gum disease treated or a bone graft before an implant can be placed. If so, that comes first, and the area is given time to heal.
Placing the implant
Dr. Patel places the implant in our McKinney office during a minor oral surgery appointment. If you feel mildly anxious about dental work, ask about nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Healing and bonding with the bone
The bone grows around the implant and bonds with it. This step typically takes several months, and the time varies from patient to patient. Ask Dr. Patel what to expect for the gap while you heal.
Attaching the abutment
Once the implant has bonded with the bone, Dr. Patel attaches the abutment, the small connector that will hold your new tooth.
Your final crown, bridge or denture
We take digital impressions with a small, pen-like scanner instead of cold putty, and the dental lab makes your restoration. Dr. Patel then attaches it, shaped and shaded to fit in with your natural teeth.
What recovery is like
Everyone heals differently. After implant placement, some tenderness and swelling around the area in the first days is common, and many patients manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Dr. Patel will go over aftercare with you before your procedure, including what to eat and how to keep the area clean.
Call our office at (945) 224-0070 if you have questions while you heal.
Call 911 or go to the ER for
- Facial swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Bleeding that will not stop
Dental implants vs. bridges and dentures
All three are offered at Outlook Dental, and they work differently:
Dental bridge
Fills a gap with a false tooth held by crowns on the teeth on either side. Those neighboring teeth need to be reshaped for the crowns. A bridge does not replace the missing root.
Traditional denture
Rests on your gums. Over time it can lose its fit and slip as the jawbone changes, and some patients use adhesives to keep it in place.
Dental implant
Anchored in the jawbone. It does not rely on the neighboring teeth, it can support a single crown, a bridge or a full denture, and it helps preserve the jawbone where the tooth was lost.
If you are comparing a dental bridge in McKinney with an implant, bring your questions to your consultation. A bridge or denture can still be the right choice for some patients, and Dr. Patel will explain each option, including costs.
Cost, insurance and financing
The cost of dental implants depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether you need an extraction or bone graft first, and what type of crown, bridge or denture goes on top. Because of that, we give you an estimate after your exam and scan, not before.
Dental insurance
We welcome PPO dental insurance plans. Coverage for implants varies from plan to plan, and our team can help you review your benefits before treatment. See the dental insurance plans we work with.
Wellness Plan
If you do not have insurance, ask about the Outlook Dental Wellness Plan, our in-house membership plan.
Financing
CareCredit and Sunbit let you spread the cost into monthly payments, based on eligibility. See payment options for patients.
Current offers
Offers for patients without insurance change during the year. See current offers.
Caring for your dental implants
Implants are cared for much like natural teeth:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, including around the implant and under any bridge.
- Keep up with your checkups and cleanings, typically twice a year, so we can check the implant, the gums around it and your other teeth.
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a custom nightguard.
With good home care and regular checkups, dental implants can last many years. Results vary from patient to patient.
Dental implant FAQs
Can a single missing tooth be replaced with an implant?
Yes. One implant is placed in the gap, and after it heals, Dr. Patel attaches a custom crown made to match your natural teeth. Unlike a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap do not need to be reshaped. A consultation with 3D imaging shows whether you have enough bone for the implant or need a bone graft first.
Am I too old or too young for dental implants?
We do not recommend implants for patients younger than 18, because the jawbone is still growing. There is no upper age limit. If you are in good overall health and have enough jawbone and healthy gums, you can be considered at any age. Some older patients need treatment first, such as gum care or a bone graft, to give the implant a good chance of success.
Do I need a referral to another office for dental implants?
Not for implant placement in most cases. Dr. Patel places implants here in our McKinney office and designs the crown, bridge or denture that goes on them. His training includes an implant preceptorship at the UT School of Dentistry in San Antonio and a fellowship with Implant Pathway. If your case needs care outside our office, he will tell you and help you arrange it.
How long does the dental implant process take?
It depends on your plan. After the implant is placed, the bone typically needs several months to bond with it before the final crown goes on. If you need a tooth removed or a bone graft first, that adds healing time. Dr. Patel will give you a timeline for your own treatment at your consultation, and results vary from patient to patient.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
It depends on your plan. We welcome PPO dental insurance plans, and coverage for implants varies widely between them. Our team can help you review your benefits once you have a treatment plan and estimate. If you do not have insurance, ask about the Outlook Dental Wellness Plan, financing through CareCredit or Sunbit, and our current offers for uninsured patients.
What if I am nervous about implant surgery?
Tell us. Dr. Patel will walk you through each step before anything begins, so you know what to expect. For mild dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which you breathe through a small mask. It helps many patients relax within minutes, and the effects fade quickly once it is turned off.
Find out if dental implants are right for you
Outlook Dental, 7820 W Eldorado Pkwy Suite 150, McKinney, TX 75070, near Methodist McKinney Hospital. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and many Saturdays 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Tuesday and Sunday.
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