Missing teeth are unsightly and affect your appearance. Not only that, but left unfilled, these gaps can cause the bone to deteriorate thereby weakening the dental structure. Closing the gaps will improve both your appearance and dental structure.
Fortunately, we have different dental solutions that can help you replace the teeth such as dental bridges. However, if you are looking for a long-term dental solution, you may consider dental implants in Houston.
Here are a few facts to know before you seek dental implants near you:
1. Teeth Implants Are Permanent
Dental implants are made of titanium screws, a connector, and an artificial tooth. These screws are surgically fixed on the jaw to anchor the artificial tooth in place. The titanium posts act as roots and function just like your natural teeth. Because of the material, the teeth implants are durable and can last for a lifetime with proper care.
2. The Dental Implant Procedure Is Mildly Invasive
Contrary to popular opinion, the teeth implant procedure is not invasive or painful. The treatment is done in steps and you will need at least three dental visits.
First dental visit
On your initial dental consultation, our dentist will examine your dental structure and the extent of the bone loss. The dentist will discuss the process, the steps involved, and the risks if any. Next, your teeth are cleaned off any buildup.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the gums and reduce discomfort. Sedation dentistry may be used if you have a severe gag reflex and dental phobia. The jaw is drilled and titanium screws are fixed.
The fixing of the implants can take between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.
The implant needs to integrate with the bone—a process that may take three to six months. The next steps are contingent on the success of the integration process.
The second dental visit
This visit will involve the placement of the connector or abutment that links the titanium screws with the dental crowns. The fixing of the connector is fast and is done under local anesthesia.
Sometimes though, the dentist may fix the connector on the same day as the implants.
The final visit
The artificial teeth are either screwed or cemented in place. The dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to assess the gums and the implants.
Take note: this is the standard procedure if you have enough jaw bone to support the implants.
3. You Need Enough Bone Density
For the implants to be anchored properly, you need sufficient bone. Unfortunately, missing teeth causes the bone to deteriorate, and leaving the gaps for an extended period will worsen the problem. To rectify the situation, the dentist will recommend a bone graft procedure.
Bone grafting involves the use of bone granules or blocks from your body or cadaver to stimulate new bone growth. It can take up to 12 months for new bone to develop.
4. Dental Implants Are Not Affected by Cavities
Unlike your natural teeth, the titanium screws are not affected by dental decay. This, however, does not mean you get to ignore your dental hygiene. Maintaining proper dental hygiene will help you in keeping your other teeth healthy and free of cavities.
5. The Dental Implant Procedure Has a High Success Rate
Dental implant procedures are successful if done by a qualified dentist and with proper care, they can last for a lifetime.
However, the implants can at times fail due to factors such as infection, nerve bruising, and rejection of the implant. When the bone and implant don’t fuse properly, the body may reject it and you will need another procedure to fix the situation.
There are no special instructions with the implants because they look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. However, you still need to observe proper dental hygiene and get regular checkups and cleaning.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Pinnacle Dental, whether you are in Houston or looking for dental implants near Galleria Mall, and we will give you a great service.