So you are looking for a Dental Implants Specialist in Houston?

Your Dental Implants can only be done by a dental implant specialist. The dental implants specialist replaces your natural, compromised tooth with a strong and sturdy metal post, specifically designed for the function of holding a dental crown, which will look just like a natural tooth. Dental implant surgery can replace dentures or bridgework that fit poorly or simply replace a missing tooth or a compromised one. The dental implants specialist offers an option when the absence of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

The way that a dental implant specialist does surgery depends on the type of implant and your jawbone’s condition. Several procedures are involved. The dental implants specialist puts in implants that provide a solid support for your new teeth. The process requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant. It requires time, and you may return to the dental implants specialist a couple of times over the next few months.

Why it’s done

The dental implants specialist surgically places the implants in your jawbone. The implants serve as the roots of missing teeth. The dental implants specialist ensures that the implants will not slip, fusing the titanium in the implants with your jawbone. The dental implants specialist makes certain that the implants will not cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. The dental implants specialist puts in materials that won’t decay like your own teeth.  In general, a dental implants specialist  may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Risks

A dental implants specialist may state the risks posed by the surgery.  Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur they’re usually minor and easily treated by the dental implants specialist. Risks include:

• Infection at the implant site
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingle in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin
• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities

What’s involved

The dental implant specialist can do a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process. One or more surgical procedures could be required, and so the dental implants specialist will:

• Comprehensive dental exam. Your dental implants specialist may recommend taking dental X-rays and 3D images and have models made of your teeth and jaw.
• Review of your medical history. Tell your dental implant specialist about any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your dental implant specialist may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
• Treatment plan. Tailored to your situation, the dental implants specialist’s plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.

To control pain, the dental implants specialist may offer anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Talk to your dental implant specialist about which option is best for you. Your dental implants specialist team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If you’re having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.

What you can expect

Your dental implants specialist will usually perform surgery on an outpatient basis. The dental implant specialist will allow for healing time between procedures.  The process your dental implants specialist will use involves multiple steps to place a dental implant including:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Porcelain crown placement

Your dental implants specialist will explain the entire process. It can take several weeks from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. The dental implants specialist will call you back in for the next step when you have sufficiently healed.

Results

The dental implant specialist is usually successful with the implant. Sometimes, however, the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. Smoking, for example, may contribute to implant failure and complications. If the bone fails to fuse sufficiently, the dental implant specialist removes the implant. The bone is cleaned up, and the dental implant specialists can try the procedure again on you in about three months.

The dental implants specialist will advise you to help your dental work — and remaining natural teeth — last longer by:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene. Just as with your natural teeth, keep implants and gum tissue clean. Specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that slides between teeth, can help clean the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums, and metal posts.
• Seeing your dentist regularly. Schedule dental checkups to ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants and follow the advice for professional cleanings.
• Avoiding damaging habits. Don’t chew hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can break your crowns — or your natural teeth. Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products. Get treatment if you grind your teeth.

A dental implants specialist can improve your smile and make life brighter for you!

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