Dental Implants Houston
Helping Patients Enjoy Life with a Better-Quality Smile
Missing teeth don’t just change the look of your smile. They can also affect your speech, ability to chew, and even the shape of your face. Dental implants offer a solution to missing or damaged teeth by providing a natural feel and function, just like real teeth.
Dr. Viet Tran, DMD, and his team at Smiles of Memorial use advanced techniques and dental technology to perform dental implant procedures. To schedule your free implant consultation, call our Houston, Texas, office or schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Smiles of Memorial for Dental Implants?
- Dentist Who Can Place Dental Implants In-House
- Flexible Financing Options Available
- Top-of-the-Line Materials Used for Natural Appearances
What Are Dental Implants?
The post acts like your tooth’s root. The root begins at the base of the tooth and extends into the jawbone, below the gumline. An implant post will be placed in the same position. This stabilizes the tooth and sets teeth implants apart from traditional restorations like dentures. With a post secured in your jawbone, you will be able to enjoy hard-to-eat foods, like steak.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Procedures
Today, dental implants are designed with your comfort in mind. Each patient can expect a different experience; however, the same four steps must be followed if dental implant placement is to be successful.
- Consultation: You will meet with Dr. Viet Tran to discuss the course of action for your smile. You may be eligible to receive your dental implants right away, or you may require more complex treatment to better prepare your mouth for these prosthetics.
- Placement: After using color-matching tools to emulate the shade of your natural teeth, you will undergo dental implant surgery. This requires local anesthesia to numb your mouth before each implant post is positioned within the jawbone.
- Healing/Osseointegration: After your surgical procedure is complete, you will need to return home to recover. The osseointegration process must occur, which involves the dental implants fusing with your jawbone. This can take between four and six months. When ready, we will place your metal abutments atop your implant posts so that your customized restoration will remain fully secured.
- Final Restoration: As you prepare to complete the dental implant process, you will finish the last step, which is to receive your crown, bridge, or denture. You can expect your restoration to look natural and blend nicely with the rest of your smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
When it comes to the benefits of dental implants, you cannot compare them to dental bridges or dentures. Those that are fused with bone tissues offer superior stability and function, and they are known to last a lifetime. No other tooth replacement can rebuild the complete root-to-crown structure – a benefit that provides continuous stimulation to your jawbone and ultimately produces a more youthful and confident appearance. Dental implants are also more cost-effective in the long run because of their longevity and easy-to-maintain materials.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Most patients who are living with missing teeth can receive dental implants. The only caveat is whether dental implant surgery can happen right away. In many cases, individuals need additional treatment before receiving their new teeth; however, this will all be discussed during an initial consultation with Dr. Tran.
Missing One Tooth
A dental implant crown does not differ from a normal crown placed on a natural tooth. After placing the artificial tooth root, you will have to wait a few weeks or months to receive your custom-made crown.
After your dental implant surgery, Dr. Viet Tran will place a temporary, removable crown that will appear natural but will let the post heal in your jawbone before placing the permanent crown.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you have 3 or more consecutive missing teeth Dr. Viet Tran may recommend an implant-retained bridge. A traditional bridge places a crown above the gumline, where the missing tooth is laid. The crown is secured to two nearby teeth with a crown or band on each tooth.
A dental implant-supported bridge works similarly in that it holds a crown where a tooth once laid; however, instead of attaching to nearby natural teeth, the crown attaches to two implants on either side of it. This allows a more secure fit for the missing teeth.
Missing All Teeth
There are numerous reasons why many Houstonians prefer implants over traditional dentures. As discussed above, implants are a non-removable solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth. They can last for many decades without being replaced.
Bone Grafting
What is bone grafting? Bone grafting is a procedure that helps build up new bone in the area of your jaw that used to hold teeth. A small incision is made in your gum to expose the bone beneath it, and then grafting material is added. The grafting material will eventually be absorbed by your body and replaced by your own new bone.
When you lose a tooth or haven’t replaced a tooth that has been extracted, your jawbone can start to deteriorate. Before any other procedure (such as Dental Implants) can start, you have to have enough bone to hold the implant. Dr. Viet Tran and his team offer exceptional bone grafting procedures in Houston, Texas.
Dental Implant FAQs
What are dental implants?
They are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
How are tooth implants placed?
They are placed through a surgical procedure. The implant dentist or oral surgeon will carefully insert the implant into the jawbone, allowing it to fuse with the bone over time. Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to it to complete the restoration.
How long do dental implants last?
They are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. However, individual factors such as oral hygiene, overall health, and lifestyle habits can influence the longevity of your implants.
Are they a suitable option for everyone?
We can confidently say that they are a versatile option for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. Conditions such as uncontrolled gum disease, inadequate jawbone density, and certain systemic health issues may affect the suitability of dental implants. Assessment of your oral health is essential to determine if you are an ideal candidate for implants.
Is the procedure itself painful?
The dental implant process can vary in duration depending on individual circumstances. After the implant is placed, it takes several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This healing period can range from a few months to six months. After the implant has been integrated successfully the restorative phase can begin, which may take a few weeks to complete.
How long does it take to complete the entire process?
The dental implant process can vary in duration depending on individual circumstances. After the implant is placed, it takes several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This healing period can range from a few months to six months. After the implant has been integrated successfully, the restorative phase can begin, which may take a few weeks to complete.
Are dental implants easy to care for?
They require regular care, similar to natural teeth. This includes brushing and flossing daily, as well as regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, it is important to avoid habits such as smoking, as they can compromise the long-term success of the implants.
Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants?
Dental implants are generally safe and have a high success rate. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These can include infection, damage to surrounding structures, nerve injury, implant failure, or implant rejection. It is important to discuss any concerns with your dental professional before undergoing the procedure.
Can dental implants be used to support dentures?
Yes, dental implants can be used to support and stabilize dentures. Implant-supported dentures provide a better fit and more comfortable experience than traditional removable dentures. The number of implants required for this treatment can vary depending on individual needs.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Dental insurance plans offer varying coverage for implant procedures. Some may provide partial coverage while others don’t cover it at all. It is recommended to check with your health insurance provider to understand your specific coverage. To manage the cost of implants, financing options may be available.