What Is a Dental Implant?

Our Houston dentist offers a variety of dental prosthetics for patients eager to restore their confidence and overall oral health after losing one or more teeth. One of the more effective options we provide is a dental implant: an artificial tooth root that holds a prosthetic tooth. If you’re missing teeth and looking for a solution, this article will answer some of your questions and help you determine if this course of treatment is right for you.

Dental Implants Explained By Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist

If you’re missing teeth, you’re likely struggling with simple tasks like eating, chewing, and smiling with confidence. Those gaps can also cause your face to appear sunken, your remaining teeth to shift, and the pressure of your bite to be unevenly distributed, all of which can cause additional problems if left unaddressed. That why our Houston dentist might recommend one of the following types of dental implants:

• Endosteal Dental Implants: this type of dental implant is the most common and consists of a metal structure, typically a screw, that holds one or more prosthetic teeth. An endosteal dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, which means it is best suited for those with the proper bone height to support the implant without the risk of it shifting or dislodging. 
• Subperiosteal Dental Implants: this Houston dental implant is much like an endosteal dental implant, except that instead of being implanted in the bone, it sits on top of it. It is designed for those with healthy gums whose bone height is inadequate, thereby preventing an endosteal implant from fitting securely.

In addition to the way the implant is placed, there are also different prosthetic options, such as single-tooth implants, multiple-tooth implants, and whole-mouth implants. Which of these is right for you depends on the number and location of your missing teeth

Dental Implant Surgery With Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist

Dental implants are not a quick fix to problems with your missing teeth, but if cared for properly, they are a permanent one. After an initial consultation with our Houston dentist, he’ll determine the right course of action and type of implant for your situation. When it’s time to place the implant post, our Houston cosmetic dentist will perform a surgical procedure to place the implant post in your jawbone. After this surgery, time will be given–usually a few months or more–to allow the gums to heal and the bone to grow around the post, ensuring a secure and healthy fit.

After the post is properly secure and the bone has healed, our Houston dentist will place the prosthetic teeth during a simple procedure. The dental implant process can take months from start to finish, so it is imperative that you take proper care of your new implants by brushing and flossing just as you would your normal teeth. Regular appointments with our Houston cosmetic dentist are also key to successful dental implant maintenance.

Get Your Smile Back With Houston Dental Implants 

Our Houston cosmetic dentist would be honored to discuss your options with you and help you regain the confidence that only a bright and healthy smile can provide. If you think dental implants might be the right solution for your missing teeth, call us today and schedule an appointment!