Dental Implants
Oral & Facial Surgery of Northeast Texas – Texarkana & Paris TX
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that a dental implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
“Don’t Be Afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Bunel, Dr. Duke, Dr. Legan or Dr. Hastings is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Bunel, Dr. Duke, Dr. Legan or Dr. Hastings performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Oral & Facial Surgery of Northeast Texas
Patient Review By Deborah B
Thank you all for caring about everyone! Wonderful care in every area! I'll be back!
- Deborah B
Patient Review By Jerry D
Dr. Bunel runs a dental office as one should be operated- very professional, caring, and efficient.
- Jerry D
Patient Review By Tracie K
Great office and staff! I would definitely recommend this office & Dr. Duke to family and friends.
- Tracie K
Patient Review By Corbin H
Excellent staff and an excellent, professional doctor makes for an excellent experience. 5 stars.
- Corbin H
Patient Review By Daniel M
Very friendly and professional.
- Daniel M
Patient Review By Bradley C
Great staff all-together. They treat you like family.
- Bradley C
Patient Review By Carl F
Implant procedure went well. So far so good.
- Carl F
Patient Review By Tommy S
Very pleased with the procedures and Dr. Bunel/ Very professional and explained everything in a way I understood it all. Couldn't be happier.
- Tommy S
Patient Review By Randy T
Accomodating and easy to work with. Made an uncomfortable experience go with ease.
- Randy T
Patient Review By Dave T
I commend the doctors and staff. These folks bend over backwards to make sure you are healthy. I don't know of many MD's that call you after surgery to make sure you're ok. Great folks.
- Dave T
Patient Review By Barry M
My extractions were clean & fairly pain free. My implants were very clean cuts & stitches healed fast and fairly pain free!
- Barry M
Patient Review By Tony U
Dr. Bunel and his staff are professional and very caring people. Dr. Bunel will call the night adter surgery and check to see how your doing. Not to many doctors will do that. Have been coming since 1981. Things have not changed one bit. Caring and good folks.
- Tony U
Patient Review By Rand K
I highly recommend Dr. Bunel. He is professional, thorough, and follows up with the needs of his patients. His staff is knowledgable and competent.
- Rand K
Patient Review By Tina R
My husband and I have both seen Dr. Bunel previously and highly recommend him.
- Tina R
Patient Review By Jenny T
Have seen Dr. Bunel for 3 dental implants. Easy to make appointments, great follow-up care. Painful dentistry is truly a thing of the past!
- Jenny T
Patient Review By Martha K
Kind, experienced, definitely recommend for dental implants!
- Martha K
Patient Review By Sandy F
I am very pleased with the way I was treated. The implant was not painful at all.
- Sandy F
Patient Review By Frances B
If possible, I can say I enjoyed Dr. Bunel and his staff. They are a kind and caring bunch of people. They made me feel like family.
- Frances B
Patient Review By Melba H
Overall experience excellent. Staff is very effecient, kind, and caring. Dr. Bunel is always professional, work always excellent, and calls personally post surgery to check on patient status. Could not ask for better care!
- Melba H
Patient Review By Annie F
Excellent facility! Dr. Bunel always follows up on the same dayas the procedure to make sure everything is good! The staff is amazing.
- Annie F