Restoring your smile with dental implants

Restoring your smile with dental implants

Why choose dental implants?

It's not uncommon be missing one or two teeth, and this is especially true as we age but it still doesn't stop it being upsetting. Teeth can be lost due to decay or trauma, and in the past may have been replaced with partial dentures or a bridge. Nowadays more and more people are opting for Houston dental implants which replace missing teeth in a very permanent and natural looking way. It's a much better option than having a bridge fitted which would require healthy teeth either side of the gap to be prepared, and is much more secure than a denture. An implant isn't a quick option, and it does require planning. You will need to book an appointment with your Houston cosmetic dentist to discuss your suitability for this treatment.

What does the procedure involve?

One of the initial things they will need to assess is if you have sufficient bone density for the implant to be anchored into, and this is achieved by doing a CT scan and x-rays. If your cosmetic dentist in Houston decides you are suitable then they will be able to do a surgical procedure that involves inserting a titanium post into your jawbone. This may sound drastic but it's actually a very commonplace procedure which has an extremely low failure rate. A straightforward implant can be completed in as little as half an hour. It may be necessary to take some painkillers for a day or so, but some people experience little or no pain afterwards.

Why titanium?

Titanium is used because it's a very inert element that is able to integrate with the bone extremely well. It needs to be left to heal for at least three months to enable osseointegration to take place, although some dentists may wish to leave it for longer to ensure the implant has sufficient strength to support the crown.

Once your dentist is sure the titanium implant is sufficiently integrated then the second phase of the implant can begin. This depends on the type of implant used, as a second surgical procedure may be necessary to uncover the implant. Once this has been done an abutment or post is attached. This will support the crown. Your dentist will take an impression of this which will be sent to a laboratory for the crown to be custom made in a shade that will exactly match your existing teeth. The final stage is for the crown to be fitted into your mouth, creating an incredibly natural and secure restoration. This is no quick fix option and neither is it the cheapest, but if looked after properly a correctly placed implant will last for years, making it an economical solution in the long run. It can create wonderful aesthetic results, and while it does take a few months to complete it really only takes a few visits to the dental office.

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