Endosteal Dental Implants
What Are Endosteal Implants?
Dental implants are among the most requested dental services Pasadena TX offers. Your oral surgeon surgically inserts endosteal implants directly into your jaw for future placement of a crown atop this post. He first chooses between the two types of these implants, either a cylinder or blade. Most people receive a cylinder type post that includes a screw, cylinder, and abutment that holds a crown.
Once your endosteal implant is in place, your bone and gums need a period of healing. When the tissues heal, you return to the oral surgeon or dentist for a crown fitting. Your new crown fits atop the abutment post like a tooth. A blade implant differs from the cylinder type, in that it has multiple posts for the abutment, versus a single one.
Dental implants last a very long time, usually 25 years or more. These permanent solutions for tooth loss help you maintain a healthy bite and complete smile, whether you lose teeth to trauma or decay. Today’s implants feel comfortable like natural teeth and perform in the same manner as those original teeth they replace. You simply care for them as you do natural teeth, brushing twice daily, flossing as you should and seeing your dentist twice each year.
How Your Dentist Places Your Implants
The first step in placing an implant is removing the existing tooth. That tooth likely suffered irreparable harm, such as through trauma, extensive decay or unsuccessful root canal therapy. After the tooth removal, many people need bone grafting to build up the jaw bone for successful implantation.
After a period of about three months, during which the jaw bone and gums heal, your dentist schedules your implantation visit. In this first surgery, you receive the implant screw and cylinder. Many people must take a course of antibiotics or other medications before and after the surgery to promote healing.
Your dentist usually recommends another period of healing after inserting the screw and cylinder. Most require one to three months for the bone to adapt to the implant and grow around it. Your body accepts the device as your own tissue in the process of osseointegration. This natural bonding process gives endosteal implants the strength of a natural tooth root, so you enjoy normal eating, drinking, and speech.
After the one to three month waiting period, you go back to the dentist’s office for the abutment placement onto the implant. This abutment holds a dental crown or bridge that looks like your natural teeth.
Caring for Your Endosteal Implants
Proper care is important for the longevity of your implants and to keep surrounding teeth and gums healthy. This care is the same as caring for your natural teeth, such as through twice-daily toothbrushing using fluoride toothpaste. You also need twice-annual dental visits and other important dental services.
Laughlin Dental in Pasadena, TX provides a range of dental services, including:
After you experience tooth loss or when you need a tooth extraction, talk to your dentist about endosteal implants. Few other options provide the enduring tooth replacement of implants. At the same appointment, you receive an oral exam, oral cancer screening, and professional cleaning. Call your Laughlin Dental office now at 281-998-4916 for a consultation visit.
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281-998-4916
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Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM By Appointment Only