Dental Implants

Due to their low maintenance requirements and natural appearance, dental implants are an ideal replacement for lost or missing teeth. When implantation is performed by an expert dentist, the procedure is very low-risk. Dental implants are permanent appliances, immovable and are expected to last 50 years. Unlike dentures and other removable appliances, dental implants allow you to eat and talk exactly as you would with your natural teeth - they won’t shift or click, as they have a more secure fit. They also strengthen and improve your jawbone structure, keeping your facial bones healthier and preventing bone loss.

- A metal post/frame that is surgically secured into your jawbone. After taking appropriate measures for sedation, your dentist implants an artificial tooth root made of titanium which acts like a screw, fastening your implant to the bone socket in your gum. Over the next few months, the metal post will gradually fuse into your jawbone in a process known as “osseointegration”.

- A connecting piece, called an “abutment”, is attached to the metal post to connect the desired fixture to the metal frame.

- A crown/bridge, which is the artificial tooth/teeth and the only visible part of the implant. These are individually constructed to fit your mouth using molds, and carefully shaved and colored to blend naturally with the neighboring teeth.

There are several factors to consider, but the strongest candidates for dental implants will have excellent bone density in their jawbones.  Having a secure "foundation" allows for the best support for the titanium post and encourages accelerated osseointegration.

“Excellent periodontal health, or healthy gum tissue, is absolutely essential to the stability of your new dental implants. In order to maintain the health and integrity of dental implants, meticulous oral care is required; brushing and flossing should follow each meal.

Are you wondering whether dental implants may be a good solution for you? Call one of our Houston dental offices to schedule an appointment with a Victory Smiles dentist today!”

Dr. Tien Nguyen, DDS
Westheimer and La Porte Offices