Tooth Implants

Tooth (or “dental”) implants may be used to restore confidence, maintain the health of your surrounding teeth, and complete your smile! Unlike bridgework or dentures, tooth implants are integrated directly into your bone structure. Tooth implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth. Some of the notable benefits include:

  • Aesthetics:  Tooth implants are the most attractive approach to the replacement of missing teeth. In appearance as well as feel, dental implants integrate seamlessly into the row of your teeth and result in a strikingly natural smile.
  • Health:  Tooth implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth do not need to be altered to support the implant. Your natural teeth are left untouched. This provides a significant long-term benefit to your overall oral health.
  • Confidence:  Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence. Their structural security offers freedom from the slipping and clicks associated with dentures. You will not need to worry about misplaced dentures or messy pastes and glues.

What is involved in a Dental Implant procedure?

As dental implants are integrated directly into your bone structure, the dental surgeon's objective is to provide the maximum support that the available bone provides. In general, the more implants in a given space, the better the results. Tooth implants are composed of “Tivalloy,” which includes 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Different designs of implant are used in different areas, and are configured in such a way as to be in harmony with the bone, as well as the aesthetic desires of the patient. The tooth implant procedure is relatively painless.

Our goal for each and every dental implant we perform is the maximum strength and longevity of the reconstruction procedure. We attempt to place as many dental implants as possible into a single area, as we have found this approach to be the most successful over time. These will be integrated directly into the bone structure of your jaw. Bridges built upon these implants will be custom fit to the space, and will allow some room on all sides to ensure it is easy to clean. This will take some getting used to, but is crucial to ensuring the dental implants last as long as possible.

The maintenance phase of treatment continues for several more months. Follow-up visits are recommended every 3-4 months, which will include routine dental cleaning. At these appointments, implant attachment mechanisms, gingival health, and occlusal conditions are evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Home care instructions are reviewed and emphasized at each follow-up visit. We will address any specific individual needs you may have. The long-term home care by the patient is extremely important. It has been shown that both for natural teeth and artificial dental implants, how well the patient is cleaning and maintaining the health of their soft tissue are key to good dental health.

What is the cost of tooth implants?

The Medical Center Dental Groups strives for affordability in all of its dental procedures. The exact price of tooth implants will depend upon the exact conditions of the space to be filled, as well as the aesthetic needs of the patient.

Are dental implants right for me?

As is the case with all major cosmetic procedures, only a visit to the dentist's office can determine for certain whether dental implants are right for you. Generally speaking, anyone who is good overall health will respond well to this procedure. However, there are some circumstances in which a person may not be a good candidate for dental implants. These include periodental disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and alcoholism. Also patients on high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drug therapy should not undergo this procedure.

Most people who are able to practice good oral hygiene and are in good general health may benefit from tooth implants. The best candidate should have healthy gums that are free of periodontal disease, and adequate bone structure to support the implant. The Medical Center Dental Group is highly skilled in implants and can determine whether you are a qualified candidate for implant dentistry.

If dental implants are not the appropriate choice for you, the experienced professionals at the Medical Center Dental Group of Houston, Texas can help you figure out what is. With their extensive experience in all areas of cosmetic dentistry comes a broad range of knowledge about tooth replacement options available to individuals with special needs.

How does one care for tooth implants?

As with any type of dental work, your dentist should give you careful instructions as to how to care for your tooth implants on a daily basis. You will also need to make several follow-up visits to your dentist to evaluate the results of the implant procedure. During these visits, your dentist will remind you of how to best care for the implant. If properly cared for, implants can last for many years. 

What are some potential drawbacks to tooth implants?

Tooth implants are subject to the same problems as natural teeth. While they are usually long-lasting, especially given proper care, they may in some cases require replacement. Also, bridges built upon implants may require some space between the teeth and the tissue in order to facilitate proper cleaning. With regular and careful maintenance, however, this is usually not a problem.  

There are very few medical conditions where implants cannot be used if the patient’s general health is adequate to withstand the surgical and restorative procedures. Specific medical conditions that are poor risks for implant success are uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholism, and patients on high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drug therapy.

In conclusion, the state-of-the art dental implant procedure performed by the experienced dentists of the Medical Center Dental Group is quite literally the best approach tooth replacement you will find anywhere. Unlike bridges or dentures alone, which can do damage to adjacent teeth and may even contribute to bone loss, dental implants integrate directly into your bone structure. This makes dental implants stronger, more natural-looking and longer-lasting. 

Those seeking quality dental implants in Houston, Texas and surrounding regions need look no further than the professionals at the Medical Center Dental Group. Our dentists bring over 70 years combined experience in all areas of implant dentistry. Their commitment to continuing education, including training with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, allows them to perform advanced surgical techniques such as dental implants, with the knowledge of the latest technological techniques and materials. Those who undergo our dental implant procedures enjoy incredible, long-lasting results that keep them coming back to our office for all of their dental needs—dental implant or otherwise.

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.