Absolutely! Dental implants are one of the best options to fix a missing tooth. Dental Implants are made of 3 parts: implant, abutment, and crown.

Dental implants are commonly made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is recognized by the body and fills in as a solid and durable substitute for teeth. The implant is placed into your jaw bone and joins itself to the bone.

This procedure, known as osseointegration, gives the replacement teeth a dependable and quality foundation for the substitution teeth. It allows the new teeth to look, feel, and work like the teeth that were lost.

Dental implant surgery is one of the most secure systems in dentistry when performed by an experienced dental specialist. Likewise, dental implants are the main rebuilding technique that strengthens your regular bone underneath your missing teeth.

If you have any additional questions Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

While the goal is for you to have a healthy implant that lasts for years to come, on rare occasion, there may be circumstance that occur that might mean having one replaced.

An example might be if an infection were to develop around the site.

But look at the comparison to other procedure options you can choose. Then you can decide what you and your dentist think is the best option for you. An informed decision is always the best decision.

Tooth replacement technologies	Removable Partial	Dentures (full or partial)	Bridge	Implants
Longevity	1-3 years	5-7 years	7-10 years	Lifetime
Preservation of healthy adjacent teeth	yes	yes	no	yes
Transmission of force to	adjacent teeth	adj teeth/gums	adjacent teeth	bone
Prevent bone loss & preserve facial appearance	no	no	no	yes
Requirement for periodic adjustment	yes	yes	yes	no
Accelerated loss of adjacent teeth	yes	yes	yes	no

Source: Premium Tooth Replacement, Deutsche Bank, January 26, 2006

I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Due to the loss of bone in the jaw, dental implants most often involve one or more surgeries over a period of up to a few months.

This process may take up to six months giving time for the bone to grow around the implant and firmly hold it in place. It is only then that the final crown can be placed in the implant.

However, if you have excellent bone quality in your jaw, you may be a candidate for this quicker procedure.

Immediate load implants have recently become very popular. These implants are just that. You come into the office and in one visit, you leave with your new teeth.

An assessment will be made to see If you have the jaw bone quality. The dentist need to be sure there is enough support for the implant to bear the weight of light chewing and a tooth replacement right away.

This is one of the most rewarding parts of a dentist’s job. It’s exciting when a patient, who has been wearing dentures for many years, can come in and after one long appointment, walk out with implanted permanent teeth!

I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

To schedule a time to come in, Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Throughout the years, the dental implant procedure has slowly adjusted from offering two methods of implantation to a common single method. By focusing more research in this area, dental experts have been able to develop better technology for the procedure and simple protocols to avoid issues throughout and after the surgery.

One example where technology played a part was discovery and use of a special titanium post as the implant base. Unlike normal metal, these posts are found to be highly compatible with the human body. And when placed into the jawbone, the post is accepted and quickly heals around the new implant providing a more secure post to hold the artificial crown.

Today, the titanium alloy implant is just about the only implant being used due to their success. They remain strong, even after 10 years or more. To date, there has not been one report of an allergic or reaction of any kind to the metal.

The second example of a growth regarding dental implants is the material used for the crown. The crown material available to dental health providers today is also composed of an impressive collection of technology designed to look and perform like natural teeth without being prone to easy damage.

With the solid post and a beautiful, natural crown, you are looking at a long-term solution to keeping your award-winning smile.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

To schedule a time to come in, Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

When you’re embarrassed by missing or badly decayed teeth, it may be time to consider your options for having them replaced.

These are the following steps you would follow to have dental implants:

1. Initial consultation: Your mouth will be thoroughly examined by your dentist. This would include taking X-rays or 3D images, discussing the various implant options, and developing a plan for your implant surgery.
2. Dental implant placement: At your next scheduled appointment, your dentist will place the dental implant in your jawbone where your tooth is missing. Although your experience may vary, as each patient’s experience is unique, you’ll probably find the procedure to be less painful than you expect. Typically, you should be able to return to work the next day. Local anesthesia or IV sedation can be used to keep you comfortable, depending on the procedure. Post-implant surgery discomfort is similar to that of any other dental surgery. It may include some swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and/or pain. However, you should be able to manage any pain with over-the-counter medications.
3. Osseointegration: As you heal, your implant and jawbone will grow together in a process called osseointegration (os-e-o-in-tuh-GRAY-shun), forming a strong, long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth. During this healing process, which can take up to a few months, you go on with your normal life. You will be on a soft food diet for the first few weeks to make sure your implants heal properly. In some cases, your dentist may also be able to place temporary teeth during this period, if you choose.
4. Abutment placement: Once your implant bonds with your jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is placed on the dental implant just above the gumline. In some cases, the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant.
5. Custom-make and attach new teeth: After your gums heal, your dentist will make impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth to custom-make your artificial teeth. These teeth which can be an individual crown, implant-supported bridge, or dentures containing multiple replacement teeth will be attached to the abutment.
6. Periodic check-ups: Although they don’t decay, your new teeth will need the same routine care, checkups, and cleanings as your natural teeth. Depending on the number and type of implants and replacement teeth you receive, the entire process can take three to nine months. After your dental implant placement is finished, you’ll visit your dentist periodically for follow-up checkups, just as you do now.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions. To schedule a time to come in, Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

According to the American Dental Association, there are two distinct types of dental implants currently available your dentist might use for you. Endosteal, which goes directly into your jawbone and Subperiosteal, which sits just below the gums and on top of the jawbone. These are considered to be the safest dental implants today. Both are made of titanium.

Provided your gums are properly taken care of using good oral hygiene, your implants should last you for a lifetime.

There are, however, a few reasons an implant might need to be replaced. These include:

• Improper implant placement
• Lack of implant gum tightness around the implant
• Loose abutment screws
• Deteriorating implants
• Dental implant site infection

If you find an inflammation of the dental implant site, you may have developed an oral infection called Periimplantitis. When Periimplantitis occurs, the hard and soft tissues around the dental implant are inundated with an influx of periodontal bacteria. These specific oral bacteria act as catalysts, accelerating bone deterioration and gum disease.

So, if you have a dental implant, and develop further progressive periodontal disease, it’s possible you’ll also experience a significant reduction in your gum line. This could then result in the exposure of the dental implant.

Because of the irreversible damage this infectious disease poses, it may be necessary for the dental implant to be immediately replaced so a healing process can take place.

Keep in mind, while these are things that can happen, as with any other procedures you might have, the risks of these happening and the implants needing replaced are very low. You can feel good about making the decision to get dental implants. In the long run, they are the best and safest choice available.

If you have any additional questions Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Dental implants are constructed of a two-piece system. The crown is attached to the implant by means of an abutment. The abutment is screwed on to the implant itself.

While you may be familiar with what crowns are made of, the material that makes the actual post (or implant) may surprise you.

Scientists discovered many years ago that titanium could bond naturally to the bone. Imagine that! This became the beginning of the process to make successful dental implants. Titanium has been used for over 35 years as the preferred choice of material for dental implants due to its long- term success.

When the titanium implant is placed in the jawbone, the bone will grow around the implant and bond with it as if it were bone. The implant will then function as a natural tooth root and be able to stimulate the growth of the jawbone.

Since titanium is a metal and is rather dark in color this puts limits on what type of material the crown can be made of. Normally metal abutments are placed in the back of the mouth and the crown material can be an opaque ceramic crown.

However, in the front of the mouth, where appearance is of prime importance, a tooth colored zirconium oxide over a titanium base can be used. The visible portion of the implant is usually made of porcelain or a similar tooth colored substance. The implants are custom made to match the color and shape of any remaining teeth.

In the past few years, zirconium oxide implants have been introduced as an alternative to titanium. Zirconium implants are constructed of a single piece by combining the post and the abutment. Since zirconium is white and not metal like titanium, it can provide for a more pleasing experience

It’s a good thing titanium and bone can become one, allowing you to maintain a wonderful smile and healthy mouth once again.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions. To schedule a time to come in, Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

When you have a missing tooth, especially if it’s towards the front of your mouth, you’re very self-conscious about people being able to see it.

One of the features you’ll appreciate the most about your dental implants is the fact that once the implant is restored with a lifelike crown, even you’re probably not going to be able to tell the difference! But for sure, others will not be able to notice it.

Good dental work should not only protect and preserve the health of your mouth but also it should look great and blend in flawlessly. When you smile, after all, you only want people to see how happy and friendly you look not to identify which teeth have had dental work!

Dental implants are held in place using a bio-compatible titanium post that is implanted securely directly into the periodontal bone. This means that the crown (or any other type of dentistry that is affixed to the implant) will be held in place securely, with no wobbles or slips to give it away. You’ll feel confident in smiling and eating without giving any indication you’re not using your own original set of choppers.

There’s a reason why dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement option. And only your dentist will know for sure.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions or have you come in and give you a FREE Dental Implant & Healthy Smile Consultation without any obligation.

Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

If you play sports and are concerned this may keep you from choosing the option of having dental implants to fix your problem, think again.

There should be cause for concern.

Once fully healed a dental implant is designed to be as close to a natural tooth as possible. So, playing sports should not be a problem. You should, however, continue to wear a properly molded mouth guard when participating in any activity with potential physical contact to protect your teeth.

You should also continue to get regular check-ups to monitor how the area is healing.

If you are worried about the impact a dental implant may have on your exercise and sport participation, then get in contact with us. We will happily talk you through the process and the affect it may or may not have on your physical activity.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions or have you come in and give you a FREE Dental Implant & Healthy Smile Consultation without any obligation.

Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

While you may think dental implants might only be for older people, there are many, many people who make good candidates for this option.

It actually has more to do with your health than your age.

The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good general and oral health. You should have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant, and you should also have healthy gum tissue that is free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissue and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training, and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own.

Be sure to consult with your dentist if you need a recommendation.

I’ll be happy to answer your questions or have you come in and give you a FREE Dental Implant & Healthy Smile Consultation without any obligation.

Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.