Dental implants are now a common and efficient way to replace lost teeth, providing a long-lasting and realistic substitute for dentures and bridges as explained by a Memorial City, West Houston dentist. Here’s all the information you need to know about dental implants in Houston, including what to anticipate and their advantages.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide a robust foundation on which removable or permanent replacement teeth are placed. They are fabricated from titanium and serve as artificial tooth roots. The implants are inserted surgically into the jawbone and over time integrate into the bone, providing a solid and permanent foundation for replacement teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Better Appearance: Dental implants look like your own teeth and are designed to fuse with bone, becoming permanent. They fuse with the bone, which means they’re a permanent solution and can improve your smile and look.
• Improved Comfort: Since implants become part of you, they eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Better Oral Hygiene: You don’t have to cut down other teeth to place a tooth-supported bridge, as you do with a bridge. Because nearby teeth are not compromised to help anchor the implant, more of your teeth are spared and your long-term oral health is enhanced.

The Dental Implant Procedure

A comprehensive dental exam at your initial consultation. Your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth and gums to build a model of your mouth. Your dentist will create a treatment plan based on your level of oral health. This plan lays out all the implants you will need and the whole process.

This is when a small post will be inserted into your bone socket where the missing tooth is located. Over time as the jawbone heals, it grows over the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. After the implant has fused to the jawbone, a small connector post — known as an abutment — is placed on the post to securely hold the new tooth. After your mouth has healed, a new tooth, known as a crown, is attached to the abutment. Your dentist will select the color of your new teeth to match your natural teeth, so they will blend in seamlessly.

Recovery and Aftercare

Few discomforts may occur after the dental implant procedure, such as swelling, bruising, pain at the site of the implant, and slight bleeding. These complaints are generally mild and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.

These aftercare tips will help your dental implants to last longer:

• Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once daily
• Have regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist.
• Refrain from hard foods or habits that can harm your implants like chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools.

How to Select the Best Dental Implant Specialist in Houston?

Here is what to look for when choosing a Houston dental implant specialist:

• Experience/ Credentials: Find a dentist with a high degree of experience and specific training in implant dentistry.
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials by other patients to understand their satisfaction level with the dentist’s work.
• Technology and techniques: Make sure the dentist can offer you the best results by using the latest technology and techniques.

If you want to restore your smile and improve your oral health, dental implants are a great way to do so as they provide effective dental solutions. They can last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. For those interested in dental implants in Houston, book a consultation with a reputable dental expert to learn more about your surgical options and embark on the path to a new, healthier smile.