Thursday, April 23, 2009

What Is The Price Range Or Cost For Dental Implants?

Great question -- I’m not sure how long you have been in the process of learning about dental implants, but you will find that they are an extremely valuable tool in dentistry. There are situations that are simple that cost less, and there are situations that are very complicated that cost more. We don’t quote specific prices here because the situations are so variable and individual needs and time requirements vary so widely. We feel that the only way you can get a fair evaluation is to have a complete examination that includes photography, x-rays and a direct, visual examination and conversation with a doctor who is well-versed in the subject.

Again, the cost of dental implant treatment varies widely. It will all depend on the complexity of your dental needs. Dental implants are simply one tool that we use in dental restorations. In patients with advanced needs that need complex restorative dentistry, implants are sometimes the key element that allows us to achieve good results in difficult situations. The additional strength that implants add to the foundation of dental restorations is amazing. The use of implants has revolutionized modern restorative dentistry. In assessing the cost of treatment, we take into consideration the time requirements for each phase of treatment & implant procedures, the health status of the patient, and the difficulty to achieve what that patient needs and wants…. and whether we can provide what they would like to obtain. Even diagnosing and organizing treatment is a time-consuming process that is important to your understanding of options.

We will be happy to discuss the cost of what we feel are the appropriate options for you. Please come and have an exam that will teach you all the facts that you want to know. We will try to fairly give you a proper understanding of your situation and your options.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium implants have proven themselves to be the best replacement tooth option every developed. While dental implants in one form or fashion have been used since ancient times, it was not until Titanium dental implants were invented in the 1970s that implant dentistry gained a success rate of over 90 percent. Titanium implants look very much like screws that are twisted into the bone. Through a process called osseointegration, the bone adapts to the implant and grows around it

When this process is complete, the mouth essentially has a new tooth root to work with. If a temporary crown was placed over the Titanium alloy at the time of implantation, the dentist will remove it at the beginning of the restorative phase. He or she will then secure the titanium implant with a smaller screw known as an abutment. Then, the entire structure is capped with a porcelain crown that looks and works just like a natural tooth.

Phase I and Phase II of the process are frequently performed by separate dentists. There are some, however, that prefer to handle both phases of the treatment. Dr. Charles Campbell at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group is one of the few Houston dentists who perform both the surgical phase and the restorative phase of cosmetic implant dentistry. He has specialized in this discipline for the majority of his career, and he has studied under some of the best experts in the world since the mid 1980s.

Titanium dental implants do more than restore the aesthetics of a smile. They also fill out the natural curvature of facial muscles and structures that would otherwise begin to droop and wrinkle. They also halt bone degradation that inevitably sets in when a tooth is extracted or lost in an accident. Osseointegration is actually a healthy thing for bones because it provides a motivation and pathway for new growth to occur.

Titanium dental implants are also much better for the mouth than traditional bridges and crowns that have to be anchored to natural teeth in order to hold in place. The problem with this type of bridgework lies in the fact that it wears down tooth enamel and makes otherwise healthy teeth more vulnerable to damage and decay. Implants, on the other hand, are supported by the jaw and not by other teeth.

Dental Implants
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental Tooth Implants
Dentures Dental Implants
Dental Implant Procedures
Postoperative Instructions for Dental Implants

While the cost of titanium dental implants may appear daunting to some, the benefits are well worth it. Many insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs. However, if insurance not cover dental implants, however, the average person can still often afford them if they arrange for special financing through our billing office, or apply for financing options one of our partner finance services. Details on making such arrangements can be obtained by clicking here, or simply by calling our office.

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Dental Implant Surgery-The Implantation Phase

Implant dentistry normally occurs in two phase. Dental implant surgery is the first phase, followed 3-6 months later by the restorative phase. Dentists work hard to keep pain to a minimum during dental implant surgery. Most apply a local anesthetic during single implantations, and use general anesthetic on an outpatient level for several implants that are placed at a time. Most patients who have undergone dental implant surgery report that it is less painful than a tooth extraction. For someone who has lost a tooth to an accident or had to have a tooth pulled, it is much better to endure a little discomfort and gain a tooth back than to go without one period.

Because dental implant surgery is a very advanced procedure that requires a great deal of care and planning in the beginning, the dentist begins taking x-rays of the jaw bone. This will tell him or her immediately if there is enough bone mass to support a titanium implant. If there is, the dentist will then make a scale model of the patient’s existing teeth to determine the correct size and best placement options for the implants. If there has already been bone deterioration, or the gums are diseased, the dentist will have to perform LANAP on the gums first, or place a bone tissue graft on the jaw itself.

The actual implant is a simple structure made out of a Titanium-based alloy called Tivolloy. It is non-corrosive and has a bottom shaped like a screw. The dentist will twist this implant into the jawbone until it seats while the patient is anesthetized to a reasonable level of comfort. This implant will ultimately become the equivalent of a new tooth root as the bone grows around. This process of bone adaptation is called osseointegration and can last anywhere from three months to six months in time. During this period, a series of post-operative treatment steps will have to be rigorously observed to maintain proper hygiene around the implant area. Sometimes the dentist will place a temporary crown over the implant after surgery to prevent infection and minimize the risk of complication.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this healing period to the ultimate success of dental implant surgery.

Once osseointegration is complete, the next step in dental implantation follows. This step is known as the restorative phase and involves covering the Titanium implant placed during surgery with another, smaller screw called an abutment. This abutment is in turn covered with a porcelain crown that forms the surface of a brand new, artificial tooth that works and looks just like a natural one.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Center is unique among dental facilities in that we routinely perform dental implant surgery and the restorative phase of implant dentistry here in the same office. The convenience and comfort of working with the same dentist during the entire process is something that many people normally hesitant to seek out dental surgery find very comfortable and convenient.

More information on this subject can be obtained in any of the following articles:
Dental Implants
Titanium Dental Implants
Dental Tooth Implants
Dentures Dental Implants
Dental Implant Procedures
Postoperative Instructions for Dental Implants

We work with clients throughout the Houston area, including executives and busy professionals from outlying areas like League City, Katy, Richmond/Rosenberg, Cypress, The Woodlands, and Baytown. Call us now toll free at 888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment.

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