Do You Have Missing Teeth? Try Dental Implants
Missing teeth are a dental problem. Not only do they affect your smile, but can cause havoc to your teeth and jaw bone. These spaces can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and occupy the available spaces. Furthermore, the supporting bone (alveolar) can get reabsorbed in the body when it is exposed.
It is, therefore, important to have the missing teeth replaced to maintain the integrity of your teeth. Fortunately, we have several restorative treatments that can help replace the missing teeth. Both bridges and dentures can restore your smile. However, if you are looking for a long-term dental solution, the dental implants in Sugarland, TX, are a suitable option.
What are Dental Implants?
Teeth implants are metal posts used for missing teeth replacement. These titanium screws are surgically fixed on the jawbone to anchor the teeth and provide support for the artificial teeth. These implants are available in different types depending on the number of teeth missing and the condition of the bone support.
After the dental assessment, our tooth implant dentist may choose any of the following:
- Endosteal implants. These are traditional implants fixed on the jawbone. For the dentist to fix these implants, you need to have sufficient bone support. These implants are also ideal if you have one or two missing teeth missing.
- Subperiosteal implants. These are similar to the traditional ones, but they are fixed above the jaw bone. The dentist will use a framework to provide better support for the implants. These implants are ideal for people who don’t have enough bone support.
- All-on-4 implants. If you have multiple missing teeth, these implants are an ideal solution. The dentist will fix two implants on both the upper and lower jaw to provide support for the dentures.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
Teeth implants are an effective dental solution, but you need to be eligible for them to be fixed.
- Age. Dental implants are ideal for people who have attained jaw maturity or be above 17 years.
- Healthy teeth and gums free of decay and infection.
- Bone support. You need to have sufficient bone density for the implants to be fixed.
- Healthy lifestyle. People who smoke are not eligible for implants. Tobacco interferes with the healing process and it may therefore take longer for the gums to heal. If you take certain medications that suppress the immune system, you may not be a suitable candidate. The dentist may recommend other treatments like bridges or dentures.
- Bruxism. If you clench and grind your teeth often, it may put too much pressure on the teeth. The dentist may, therefore, opt for other treatments.
How Are They Fixed?
Dental implant surgery need a few dental visits spread over a couple of weeks
- Dental examination
- Fixing the teeth implants
- Placing the abutment
- Fixing the crowns
The procedure begins with a comprehensive dental assessment. The dentist will check your gums, teeth, and bone support. If you have insufficient bone density, a bone graft may be done to stimulate new bone growth and prepare the jawbone for the implants.
The dentist will first numb your gums to ease the discomfort. Dental sedation may be used if you suffer from dental phobia. The dentist makes an incision to open the gums and drill the jawbone. The metal screws are fixed on the jaw and the gums are stitched to facilitate healing. The gums may be covered with temporary dentures to protect the gums.
After the implants are fixed, it will take time for the implants to heal. During this time, the implants and the bone fuse to offer strong support.
Once the bone and implants have joined, the dentist will open the gums to fix the abutment or connector. This connects the implant and the artificial tooth.
This is done after the gums have healed. The dentist will either cement or screw the dental crowns in place. But, if you have multiple missing teeth, you may get removable crowns.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to The Implants?
It can take about two weeks for the implants to heal and the mouth to get used to the implants. During this time, you need to avoid eating spicy, hot, cold, hard, or chewy foods to hasten the healing process. Consult a dentist near you on the best way to care for the implants during the recovery period.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Star Plus Dental for more information about dental implants or call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. If you are residing in Oak Lake Court, Summerfield, Park Pointe Commons, Ragus Lake Estates, Imperials Estates, Townewest, Riverway Estates, Kingsbridge Village, and surrounding areas you can also visit our clinic.