A Life-Changing Solution Within Reach

We believe that a life-changing smile should be accessible. To help you take this incredible step, we are proud to offer a comprehensive special for our full-arch implant patients.

Your Entire Journey, All in One Place

Being referred between different specialists means handing off your care from one doctor to the other and back again. At Desoto Family Dentistry, we’ve removed that stress.

With over 15 years of advanced implant training, Dr. Varkey personally handles your entire journey right here in our office. From your first consultation and 3D-guided planning to your final, permanent smile, you will be cared for by the same familiar, trusted team. There are no hand-offs and no outside referrals, just one team dedicated to your care from start to finish.

Your Two-Step Path to a Forever Smile

A lot goes into creating your new smile, and while you dream of that final reveal, we’ll be doing a lot in the background to make your next smile its best one yet. At a glance, we can break it into 2 steps, shown below.

• Step 1: Your New Smile (The Same Day) Our process begins with expert planning, using 3D imaging to map out the healthiest, strongest bone in your mouth. If extractions are needed, we often use a gentle, ultrasonic device that uses high-frequency vibrations to loosen teeth, avoiding the discomfort of traditional methods. We then place your four implants and attach a beautiful, functional, and natural-looking hybrid denture. You will not leave our office without a complete smile.
  
• Step 2: Your Forever Smile (The Final Restoration) After your implants have fully integrated and healed (known as osseointegration), you’ll return for your final upgrade: a custom-milled zirconia arch. This final restoration is the gold standard. It’s metal-free, incredibly durable, and has a luster and feel that is the closest you can get to natural teeth. It’s a stronger, more aesthetically superior smile designed to last a lifetime.

Have You Been Told “No” in the Past?

Many patients who need full-arch implants have been told they have too much bone loss or aren’t good candidates. This isn’t the end of your smile’s journey. There’s hope.

Dr. Varkey specializes in finding solutions for complex cases. We can customize your healing process, and procedures like bone grafting can often create the foundation needed for a successful outcome. Your journey starts with a conversation, where we will listen, evaluate your unique situation, and build a customized plan together.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

We understand that this is a significant emotional and financial investment. We also know that cost factors and financing questions can be a major source of anxiety.

Our team is here to be your partner. We will sit down with you to explain all your options, help you understand your insurance benefits, and walk you through available financing plans. Our job is to help you find a comfortable and clear path forward so you can get the care you deserve.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You’ve lived with dental discomfort and frustration for long enough. Your journey to a confident, healthy, and permanent smile starts with a simple, no-pressure conversation.

Give us a call today at 305-661-8240 to schedule your consultation. We can’t wait to show you what’s possible and help you get back to smiling with confidence.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a type of dental restoration that we use to replace one or more missing teeth here at DeSoto Family Dentistry. They consist of two main components: artificial teeth, called pontics, and the dental crowns that anchor these teeth on either side. The crowns are fitted onto the teeth adjacent to the gap (known as abutment teeth), effectively bridging the space where teeth are missing.

The primary purpose of a dental bridge is to restore the function and appearance of the teeth. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face, prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and restore the ability to properly chew and speak. They also distribute the forces in your bite correctly, which is important for long-term oral health.

Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramics, or metal alloys. These materials are chosen for their durability and ability to mimic natural teeth’ appearance. Your DeSoto dentist will help you select a material depending on the location of the missing tooth, aesthetic considerations, cost, and your preference.

What Are The Benefits?

Dental bridges offer several benefits, particularly when considering the consequences of not replacing missing teeth. Here are some of their key advantages:

1. Restored Functionality: Dental bridges enable proper chewing and speaking, which can be significantly affected by missing teeth. They restore the functionality of your bite, allowing you to eat a wider range of foods and speak more clearly.
2. Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can lead to a sunken facial appearance over time. Bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face by supporting the contours of your jaw and cheeks.
3. Preventing Misalignment: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment. Bridges fill these gaps, keeping the remaining teeth properly aligned.
4. Protecting Oral Health: By preventing teeth from shifting, bridges also help reduce the risk of further dental complications, such as a misaligned bite or jaw problems, which can lead to issues like TMJ disorders.
5. Aesthetic Improvement: They can significantly improve the appearance of your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

When you don’t replace missing teeth, several issues can arise:

• Teeth Shifting: Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, leading to misalignment and bite problems.
• Jawbone Deterioration: The absence of tooth roots leads to the loss of jawbone density, which can alter the structure of your face.
• Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly and affect your speech.
• Increased Risk of Oral Health Issues: Gaps in your teeth can become traps for food and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Who Should Consider Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are an ideal solution for almost any patient who is missing teeth, but particularly those who:

1. Have One or More Missing Teeth: The most basic criterion for a dental bridge is the presence of one or more consecutive missing teeth. Bridges are designed to fill the gap left by these missing teeth.
2. Have Healthy Abutment Teeth: To support a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) must be strong and healthy. These teeth will be fitted with crowns that anchor the bridge in place. Alternatively, there should be dental implants in place to support the bridge.
3. Seek a Non-Removable Option: Unlike dentures, which are removable, dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. They are a good choice for patients who prefer a more permanent solution that doesn’t require removal for cleaning or sleeping.

What To Expect

1. Initial Consultation and Examination: Your journey begins with a consultation with your dentist in DeSoto, TX – Dr. Varkey – where he will examine your teeth and discuss your dental history. This step is crucial to determine if a dental bridge is the most suitable tooth replacement option for you.
2. Preparing the Abutment Teeth: If a dental bridge is deemed appropriate, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth). This involves reshaping these teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
3. Taking Impressions: Once the abutment teeth are prepared, our DeSoto Family Dentistry team will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge, including the crowns and the false tooth (or teeth), will be created.
4. Temporary Bridge Fitting: In the meantime, we’ll provide a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
5. Fitting of the Permanent Bridge: On your next visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new permanent bridge is adjusted and fitted. Dr. Varkey will check and adjust the fit to ensure your comfort and proper bite alignment.
6. Final Adjustments and Cementing: Once the fit is perfect, the bridge is cemented into place. This is the final step in the process, leaving you with a restored smile.
7. Follow-up: We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check the bridge, ensure you are comfortable, and make any necessary adjustments.

The entire process usually takes a couple of weeks, from the initial preparation of the abutment teeth to the final fitting of the bridge. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene with your new bridge, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to ensure the longevity of the bridge and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.

Remember, while this is a general outline, so specific details may vary based on your case and your dentist’s approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

A dental implant consists of two main parts:

• The Implant: This is a small, strong post typically made of titanium that is placed into your jawbone. It acts as a replacement for the tooth root, providing a stable foundation for your new tooth.
• The Crown: This is the visible part of the implant, the artificial tooth. It’s custom-made, usually from porcelain, to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth for a seamless blend.

Implants can replace a single tooth, support a bridge for multiple teeth, or even secure a full denture for a complete smile makeover!

Why Choose Dental Implants at DeSoto Family Dentistry?

Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth because they offer so many benefits:

• Natural Look and Feel: They look, feel, and function like your own teeth.
• Long-Lasting: Built to last and with proper care, they can give you a lifetime of smiles.
• Prevent Bone Loss: Implants help to keep your jawbone healthy.
• Maintain Surrounding Teeth: They don’t rely on or damage nearby teeth.
• Promote Gum Health: Implants can help to keep your gums healthy.
• Prevent Facial Sagging: By supporting your jaw, they help maintain your natural facial structure.

If you’re looking to restore your smile’s appearance and function, and boost your confidence, dental implants may be the ideal solution for you. They provide strength and stability to your jaw, and with the right care, they’re a permanent solution! 

Caring for them is just like caring for your natural teeth – with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. If you’re looking to restore your smile with a solution that lasts, give us a call and schedule your consultation today!

The Dental Implant Process

Part of your experience here with us at Desoto Family Dentistry is feeling not only reassured, but informed. Understanding the process can make your journey to a restored smile feel a lot less daunting, help you prepare for your smile journey, and provide a much smoother experience from consultation to smiles. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

• Consultation and Planning: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at DeSoto Family Dentistry. Dr. Varkey or Dr. Saiyed will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. We utilize advanced imaging technology to plan your treatment with precision.
• Implant Placement: The dental implant, the titanium post, is surgically placed into your jawbone. This procedure is performed with careful attention to detail to ensure optimal placement and long-term stability.
• Healing and Osseointegration: After placement, the implant needs time to heal and fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, creates a strong and stable foundation for your replacement tooth.
• Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, an abutment, which is a connector post, is attached to the implant. The abutment will serve as the base for your crown.
• Crown Placement: Finally, your custom-made crown, the replacement tooth, is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, creating a seamless and natural-looking result.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are a versatile solution for many patients experiencing tooth loss. If you are in good general and oral health, and have sufficient jawbone to support an implant, you may be a good candidate. The best way to determine your eligibility is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Varkey or Dr. Saiyed. We’ll carefully evaluate your individual needs and discuss all your options.

Take The First Step Toward a Complete, Healthy Smile

If you’re curious about what dental implants can do for your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to going on this journey together!

What are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. They can help:

• Restore your beautiful smile
• Improve your ability to chew and speak
• Support your facial structure and prevent a “sunken in” appearance
• Boost your confidence and self-esteem

Types of Dentures to Suit Your Needs

We offer a range of denture options to meet your individual needs and preferences.

Partial Dentures

If you’re missing only a few teeth, partial dentures can be a great solution to restoring your smile to a full and complete aesthetic. They are designed to fit snugly around your remaining teeth and “anchor” in place, filling in the gaps and restoring your smile.

Complete Dentures

When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures can replace an entire arch (upper or lower) of teeth to give you back the ability to chew your favorite foods and smile with confidence. They provide a natural-looking and comfortable solution for full tooth loss.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For the most secure and stable fit, implant-supported dentures are an excellent choice. These dentures attach to small dental implants, providing a strong foundation for your new teeth and preventing any slippage or movement.

Why Choose DeSoto Family Dentistry for Your Dentures?

At DeSoto Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about reinventing and improving not only smiles, but the quality of life for all our patients. We’ll proudly provide you with personalized care and high-quality dentures that fit comfortably and look just like the real thing!

We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and goals, discuss any concerns you may have upfront, and guide you through every step of the denture process.

Ready to Reclaim Your Smile?

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Take the first step toward a complete and confident smile by calling us today to schedule a consultation and discover how dentures can transform your life.

When Is a Dental Crown the Answer?

A custom dental crown can be the perfect way to get your smile back to feeling healthy and looking great, solving issues with both the function and appearance of a tooth. Our team might recommend one for you in several common situations, especially if your tooth:

• Is significantly worn down, cracked, or broken.
• Has a large, old filling and needs extra support.
• Is weakened after a root canal procedure.
• Is severely discolored and won’t respond to whitening.
• Needs to anchor a dental bridge in place.
• Is the final step in completing a dental implant.

Your Journey to a Restored Smile

Creating a high-quality, custom crown that fits perfectly is a process we handle with great care. Your journey with us will involve two comfortable visits to our DeSoto office.

Visit One: Preparing Your Tooth & Designing Your Crown

First, we’ll make sure you are completely numb and comfortable. Dr. Varkey will gently reshape the damaged tooth to create the ideal foundation for the crown. Next, we’ll take a precise digital impression, which our trusted dental lab will use to craft your beautiful, permanent crown. You’ll leave this first visit with a protective temporary crown that allows you to eat and smile normally.

The Final Step: Your Permanent Crown

The goal of your second visit is that wonderful feeling of having a strong, complete smile again. Your permanent crown, carefully crafted by our lab partners to blend in beautifully, will be ready for you. We’ll bond it securely into place and then fine-tune every detail until it feels like it has always been there. Our final check ensures your bite is comfortable and you’re ready to leave feeling whole and confident.

Designed With You in Mind

Because every smile is unique, this is a decision we’ll make together. We’ll chat about where the new crown will be in your mouth and what your goals are, helping you choose an option that offers the strength you need and a look you’ll absolutely love.

• Porcelain Crowns: Ideal for teeth in your “smile zone,” porcelain is expertly shaded and shaped to blend seamlessly with your neighboring teeth. No one will ever know it’s not your natural tooth.
• Gold & Noble Metal Crowns: Known for their incredible strength and durability, these crowns are an excellent choice for back molars that withstand heavy chewing forces.

Ready to Reclaim Your Confident Smile?

You don’t have to put up with the discomfort or self-consciousness of a damaged tooth. The team at Desoto Family Dentistry is here to provide a solution that not only protects your oral health but also helps you feel great about your smile again.

Give us a call today at (972) 223-8844 or simply schedule online! We’d be happy to answer your questions and see if a dental crown is the right step for you.