Dental Implants

Who Benefits from Dental Implants?

Understand that not all patients are good candidates for implants. It’s critical that there is enough bone density to support the implant. Patients must also have a healthy, strong immune system to ensure infection won’t be a problem after the procedure. Candidates must also display historically positive oral hygiene.

People seeking a natural-looking solution for missing teeth find implants both convenient and comforting. These tooth replacements match the look and feel of natural teeth, even matching to surrounding natural teeth if needed. In other words, they feature a custom appearance crafted just for you.

The metal or ceramic materials used to make your replacement teeth is biocompatible. However, surgery prepares your gums for the implant and its placement into your mouth. It takes some time after the surgery for your implants to anchor well and the bone tissue to secure the device. Some patients need metal posts inserted into their implants for tooth connection.

As you undergo surgery for your implants, the dental team provides anesthesia. They may administer antibiotics to prevent infection after your procedure. After your implants are in place, it’s very important that you maintain proper oral hygiene and schedule routine dental visits. With proper care, your implants will last a long time.

Types of Implants

There are two primary types of implants. These are:

Endosteal Implants

These implants anchor into the jawbone. They are the most common implants, surgically placed in one appointment with posts placed during a second appointment. The time between the appointments allows gum tissue to heal. Your artificial tooth, bridge, or denture attaches to the newly placed post.

Subperiosteal Implants

A metal frame supports these implants on the jawbone under healthy gum tissue. Once your gums heal from the first procedure, the dentist fixes the frame in place. The posts protrude from the frame through the gums, with artificial teeth being affixed to the posts.

Why Are Implants a Good Choice for You?

You may have concerns about the permanence of implants as replacements for your natural teeth. However, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 97% of patients’ implants are successful, long-term teeth replacements. One such reason includes the implants’ ability to help preserve jawbone like natural teeth. Old-fashioned bridges and dentures actually weaken and damage them.

Unlike bridges and dentures, implants don’t damage surrounding teeth. They don’t require other teeth to work harder for chewing or supporting the devices. Implants also don’t slip, and since the implants are as stable as natural teeth, you can eat whatever you would normally eat.

Your One-Stop Shop for All Dental Needs

If you’re ready for implants or other restorative dentistry in the southeastern area of Houston, Laughlin Dental provides the dental services you need. In addition to dental implants, our practice offers:

• General dentistry
• Family dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry

Along with dental insurance, Laughlin Dental also offers dental financing. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our office today at 281-998-4916.