The placement of Houston dental implants is a complex and highly specialized procedure.  It requires extensive training and expert skill on the part of the dentist, and it is best performed by a specialist with many years of experience.

Dental implantation is also a two-phase process.  This is due to the fact that implants are intended to remain in the mouth as permanent tooth replacements, and, as such, require systematic and methodical placement to ensure viable functionality. 

Surgical Phase

The first phase of the dental implant procedure is known as the surgical phase.   This involves the placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone itself.  This titanium alloy base resembles has a bottom that is shaped like a screw that gives the bone a structure around which to grow.

The immediate benefit of this base is that it stops bone recession.  Bone recession always results when a tooth is lost and the jaw no longer has a root around which to grow.   

Even better, the new implant base not only stops bone recession, but it actually reverses it over the course of time.  As the bone grows around the dental implant, it actually regains its original shape.  This process is called osseointegration and sometimes takes up to six months.

Post-Operative Phase

While osseointegration and gum healing are occurring, the patient undergoes a post-operative recovery period and follows carefully planned instructions given to him or her by the dentist. 

This recover begins in the office immediately after placement of the dental implants.  The dentist applies a surgical dressing to the area around the incision.  Patients are advised to keep this dressing in place for as long as possible, and they are also advised to avoid brushing for a period of time, and instead use cotton swabs to clean the areas around their new implants.

Salt water rinsing helps keep the gums from getting irritated.  Normally, it is done twice daily for two weeks following the surgical phase.  Antibiotics are also taken if necessary as prescribed.

 
It is essential that Houston dental implant keep up a high protein during the first part of the postoperative phase.  Ideal foods include eggs, soup, cottage cheese, milk products, and lean, ground beef.

It is advisable that patients chop these foods in a blender.   A soft diet helps the incisions in the gum line to heal more quickly.   Houston dental implant patients should avoid hard foods.

Provided no infection occurs, the patient will return after two weeks for suture removal and post-op evaluation.  The dentist may place a temporary crown over the dental implant(s) at this time.

The remainder of the healing process may take six months. 

Restorative Phase

Once osseointegration has completed; the second phase of the dental implant process begins.  If a temporary crown was used, the dentist removes it and replaces it with an abutment.  This is a special covering that goes over the top of the implant base.

Next, the dentist caps the abutment with a porcelain crown.  This creates an entirely new, artificial tooth that is amazingly strong and looks identical to a natural tooth.