Dental implant procedures are some of the most advanced and sophisticated treatments in the entire world of general and cosmetic dentistry.  Collectively, they can be broken into two general phases: the surgical phase, and the restorative phase.  During the 70s and 80s, only a handful of dentists in the nation were skilled in dental implant procedures, making this a very rare and specialized service available only to a wealthy few.  Things evolved rapidly, however, as they often do in the world of medicine.  Now, 30 years after the invention of bio-friendly Tivolloy tooth implants, dental implants procedures are performed in every major city.

Some dentists prefer to only perform the surgical phase of cosmetic dental procedures, while others prefer to perform the restorative phase.  Others, like Dr. Charles Campbell of Houston, TX, frequently perform both phases for their patients.  Regardless of whether or not the initiative is undertaken by a single dentist or divided between two dentists as a team effort, dental implant procedure is a systematic process that is performed with advance planning, precision surgery, rigorous hygiene to maximize healing and success rate, and, most importantly, carefully selected prosthetics and custom-made tooth replacements personalized to the very shape and structure of the individuals mouth.

The surgical phase begins with examination, consultation, diagnosis, and planning.  While most adults in good to excellent health typically qualify as candidates for cosmetic dental implant procedures, there are always some exceptions to this rule.  Advanced periodontal disease may have caused gum recession that diminishes the chances of successful implantation.  Medical conditions ranging from diabetes to alcoholism also can decrease the chances for success.  To avoid an unsuccessful attempt at tooth replacement, a dentist will generally order that these conditions, if present, be addressed first before implant surgery is begun.

The biggest barrier to successful dental implant procedures is the lack of bone mass that will result if one or more teeth have been missing for a long period of time.  Bones grow around tooth roots and maintain an active, dynamic surface mass in the process.  When teeth are lost, bones actually atrophy and shrivel just like any tissue will.  The good news is that bone loss, unless very severe, can often be reversed either with bone and tissue grafts, or even more simply by placing a titanium implant into the jaw that provides it with a new structure to grow around.

These decisions can only be made after a thorough examination of patient case history and an x-ray of the jaw bone.  If the bone can be made to work with an implant, and vice versa, then the next step in cosmetic dental implant procedure is to determine exactly what size and type of implant(s) will be used, and where they will need to be placed.  Every patients mouth is different, so this requires the dentist to make a three-dimensional model of the existing teeth.  With this, he or she can then determine what brand and shape of implant to use (there are several in addition to the standard design that works much like a screw), and where to best position these implants between existing healthy teeth.  Care is taken throughout all dental implant procedures to never harm any of the patients existing teeth.

Once all of the planning has been completed and the actual implants have been selected, anesthetic is applied either locally (for single or possibly double tooth replacements) or on an outpatient basis (for full mouth reconstruction work).  Most standard dental implants are basically artificial roots with a screw-shaped bottom that is twisted into the bone to anchor the structure to the jaw.  Once in place, they may be covered with temporary caps to prevent infection (depending on the health of gums and surrounding teeth).  The dentist will prescribe a strict regimen of hygiene that has to be followed faithfully during the healing process, which may take as long as six months in some dental implant procedures.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist