Anyone wishing to replace missing teeth has heard of or considered dental implants, which have transformed restorative dentistry. The dental implants West Houston are growing in popularity for patients who want to restore their smile and oral health. This comprehensive guide explains everything you should know about dental implants, procedures, benefits, types, and aftercare.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are posts made from biocompatible materials (usually titanium) that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to create a stable base for replacing missing teeth. They serve as a reliable base for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are custom-made to fit your natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A complete dental implant procedure consists of several phases usually spanning over several months to allow sufficient healing and gradual osteointegration of the implant with the jawbone.
- Initial Consultation: During the first consultation, your dentist will examine your oral health, X-ray your mouth, and possibly do a CT scan to see the condition of the bone in your jaw and if you’re a good candidate for implants.
- Bone Grafting: If your jawbone is not dense enough to support an implant, a bone transplant may be required. This requires the harvested bone tissue to build up the jawbone and support the implant.
- Implant Placement: Implants are surgically placed into the lower jawbone in one sitting in local anesthesia. The implant will osseointegrate, or fuse, with the bone over the next few months, providing a stable base for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the fixture. This is a relatively minor procedure that is typically done with local anesthesia, and it involves exposing the implant to attach the abutment.
- Crown Placement: Once the gums heal over the abutment, a custom crown is placed on the abutment. A crown is made to fit over the top of your tooth, restoring its proper function and appearance so it cannot be distinguished from your natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants closely resemble those of natural teeth, helping you adjust to eating, talking, and smiling comfortably.
- Durability and Longevity: Dental implants can last indefinitely with proper care. They can last longer compared to other options for tooth replacement, such as bridges or dentures, that may need to be replaced every few years.
- Improved Oral Health: They act as an adjunction to the jaw bone, preventing bone loss which is a natural consequence of a lost tooth. Another benefit of dental implants is that they do not require the alteration of surrounding teeth, as is the case with traditional bridges, thus preserving the health of the surrounding teeth.
- Enhanced Confidence: Dental implants significantly enhance confidence and quality of life by restoring smile and oral function.
Types of Dental Implants
- Endosteal Implants: These are the most common type, as they are inserted directly into the jawbone. They’re typically little titanium screws.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These devices are inserted under the gum but above the jawbone. Alveolar bone loss can inhibit cases in which a patient lacks sufficient healthy jawbone tissue and bone grafting is contraindicated; in such cases, short tapered implants are commonly used.
- All-on-4 Implants: This revolutionary method enables an entire arch of teeth to be supported by only four implants. This makes it a great choice for patients in need of a lot of tooth replacement without undergoing multiple implant surgeries.
Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth with all the needed benefits for an improved smile. To learn more about Dental Implants in West Houston as well as to get a tailored treatment plan, talk to your West Houston implant dentist. With proper care and experience, a restored smile and quality of life can be yours.