Getting A Dental Implant? Here's What You Need To Know

If you’re missing any teeth in your smile, then a dental implant might be for you. Dental implants are a common dental treatment our Houston cosmetic dentist offers as a solution to fill in any gaps in your smile. Our Houston cosmetic dental implants are comfortable when you eat and talk and also improve the structure of your jaw. 

What Are Cosmetic Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a dental restoration that replaces a tooth and acts as a tooth. It looks and feels more similar to a natural tooth as opposed to dentures, for example. Although dentures look natural, they may not feel as natural as dental implants do.

At our Houston cosmetic dentist office, our dental implants are made of:

• A metal post
• An abutment
• A crown or bridge

What is a Dental Implant Procedure Like at Victory Smiles?

Getting a dental implant at our Houston dentist office is divided into three phases.

Phase One: Post Placement

This phase takes the longest. First, you will undergo appropriate dental sedation. Post placement is a major surgery in which we will implant the metal post into your jaw bone. This metal post–what we refer to as an implant–acts as your tooth root.

Because this is a major surgery, the following months will be spent recovering and your gums and implant will go through a process known as osseointegration in which the jaw and the gums accept the implant so it fuses to your jaw.

You may experience some pain and discomfort for about 7-10 days after the surgery, but we will prescribe pain medication to manage it. This period may be uncomfortable, but it is absolutely necessary because, over the next several months, the osseointegration will create a strong bond for the rest of the implant to hold up comfortably for years and years to come.

Phase Two: Abutment Placement

Once the implant fully bonds to your jaw, we will attach the abutment to it, which is simply a connector piece, just above the gum line. This connects your new tooth to your metal post implant in order to ensure a perfect fit.

Phase Three: Dental Crown/Dental Bridge

Finally, once your gums heal, we will take impressions of your mouth in order to proceed with making your artificial tooth. We often create a dental crown, but we may instead create a dental bridge, depending on your personal case.

After impressions are taken, sent to our dental lab, and we get your crown or dental bridge, we will make sure it sits comfortably and check on your bite before the fit is finalized.

Book A Dental Implant Appointment At Our Houston Cosmetic Dentist

As with any procedure, it is imperative that you first book an appointment for a consultation/evaluation. At your evaluation, we will examine your teeth and determine whether a dental implant is the best solution for you.