Dental Implants
Houston Implant Dentistry
Dental Implants provide a permanent solution to replace a lost tooth or teeth due to injury or disease. This natural looking and durable restoration can dramatically improve your health, self-esteem and quality of life. Dental implants are among the most successful dental treatment options available for replacing missing teeth.
How Dental Implants Work
The dental implant itself is a small, metal post, which is surgically placed in the jawbone, under the gums. Once the implant has fused with bone, the implant provides the same stability that the natural tooth root would provide. Then a replacement dental crown, bridge or denture is attached to the titanium post, providing the same biting force and stability that a natural tooth would have.
Benefits of Implant Dentistry:
- Appearance – Look and feel like your own teeth. Shape of face is natural.
- High Success Rate – After decades of research, dental implants have a success rate around 95% when proper oral hygiene is maintained.
- Strong as Natural Teeth – Because the implant is designed to fuse with the bone, a dental implant will offer the same biting force as a natural tooth. Smile, speak and eat with ease.
- Durability – Unlike dentures and bridges, which may need to be replaced up to 3 times, dental implants can last a lifetime (with daily dental care).
- Preserves Healthy Teeth – Neighboring teeth aren’t altered to support the dental implant, leaving healthy teeth intact to improve long-term oral health.
- Easily Maintained – Dental implants are cared for as if they are natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. If dentures or bridges are anchored by implants, they can be easily removed for cleaning, and then easily and securely replaced.
- Comfortable Anchor for Denture or Bridge – For better comfort and function, dental implants can secure a removable bridge or denture.
Dental Implant Procedure
After meeting with Dr. J. Scott Anderson in his Houston dental office to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, he will surgically attach the implant to the jawbone. Over a few months each dental implant will fuse with the bone. Then a replacement tooth or crown will be placed on top of the implant. A fixed bridge or full denture can also be anchored by a dental implant to provide stability and comfort.
Mini Dental Implants
Miniature Dental Implants (MDI) are smaller, and are much easier to place in the jawbone. The one-step procedure is minimally invasive, taking only about an hour, and doesn’t require an incision or stitches. This unique procedure can be completed in one visit with virtually no discomfort, and doesn’t require the typical months of healing.
The Mini Dental Implant, originally developed to anchor removable dentures, is now being used to replace an individual tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth affect the way the jaw closes, creating bite and jaw joint problems (TMJ, etc.). Over time the jawbone disintegrates, making future restorations difficult or impossible. The remaining teeth often tilt and drift into the open spaces. The shape of the face can become altered. Missing teeth affect confidence and well-being, and impact professional and social opportunities.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental Implants are usually an ideal option for our Houston patients who are in good oral health and have lost a tooth or teeth due to injury or disease. The following factors will help determine if you are a candidate:
- Oral Health – If your health allows for routine dental treatment, you are probably a candidate for implant dentistry, as long as there is adequate bone structure to support the implant.
- Dental Hygiene Habits – There is a 95% success rate for dental implants when the patient is committed to good dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular dental exams. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Age – Implants are an excellent solution regardless of age. However, implants are usually postponed in children until the jawbone is mature. Exceptions include circumstances such as making this part of a child’s orthodontic treatment.
- Removable Dentures – Anchoring your removable denture or bridge with dental implants provides natural biting force, greater stability, and improved comfort.
- Smoking – Although smoking lowers the success rate of dental implants, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of being a candidate.
Determining if you are a good candidate begins with one easy step. Contact Dr. Anderson today at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston Texas or by using the simple form on this page to schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Anderson will answer your implant dentistry questions, evaluate your situation, and suggest a dental implant solution best suited to your needs. Dr. Anderson’s staff can also assist you with financing options to help make your new smile with dental implants a reality.
