In the world of dentistry, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard of care for lost, missing, or extracted teeth. That’s because, unlike bridges, they are uniquely able to save bone structure and adjacent teeth, and produce a flawless restoration.
When teeth are lost or removed, the surrounding bone structure eventually becomes compromised, which can lead to problems later on for adjacent teeth. In the past, bridges and partial dentures were the most common means of treating missing teeth, though they weren't able to address bone loss, and, in the case of bridges, required crowning the surrounding healthy teeth.
Made from titanium, dental implants are anchors that are surgically placed directly into the bone, to which an artificial tooth is subsequently attached.
Dental implants typically require a number of appointments over several months to ensure correct placement of the anchor, proper healing, and good seating of the artificial tooth. The first step is the surgical placement of the implant, which is done in-office under regular dental anaesthetic. It typically takes an hour or two, and involves no major discomfort.
After placement, the implant is left to heal for several months while it integrates with the surrounding bone. (During that time, a removable, temporary crown will fill any gaps.) After integration, a post is attached to the implant (if it didn't have one to begin with), and the artificial tooth—crafted to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile—is attached to the post.
While time-consuming, implants offer a superior result in terms of long-term stability and preservation of bone structure. We’ll be happy to discuss whether implants are a good option for you.
Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are candidates for implants. Typically, a patient who is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework or routine extractions can also undergo dental implant procedures.
Dental implants are a good alternative for:
Implants have remained in patients' mouths for 30 years or longer. We recommend a preventive maintenance program to help ensure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.
In most cases, the cost of implant dentistry is comparable to that of fixed bridgework or other advanced dental procedures.
Dental implants and accompanying replacement teeth should be cared for exactly as if they were natural teeth, including daily brushing and flossing. Although they cannot decay, the surrounding gums are still subject to periodontal disease, which is why flossing is always imperative.
The body does not reject a dental implant as it might a soft tissue implant such as a lung, heart or kidney. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the surrounding bone.
Generally we recommend the day of the implant placement and the day after. Most of our patients are back to work the next day after implant placement. It's an individual decision.
Diagnosis, treatment, and comfort to ensure our patients have positive experiences and beautiful smiles.
Uptown Park Shoprring Center is situated just north of the Houston Galleria, our beautiful office is a peaceful oasis in a central, easily-accessible location.
Offering a complete spectrum of general and cosmetic services, we provide comprehensive dental care under a single roof in a relaxing, comfortable environment.
