Dental implants allow you to replace a missing tooth with something that can look more natural than dentures. Dental implantation is also a more permanent solution to tooth loss. If you are considering your prosthetic teeth options, then understanding how dental implants work is critical.
At Lovett Dental Gulfgate, our team can help you with many dental services, including dental implantation. First, however, it is important to understand more about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts surgically embedded into the jaw. The post supports a prosthetic tooth used to replace a missing natural one.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you have just a few options for replacements:
- Dentures
- Partial dentures
- Dental bridge
- Dental implants
Of these choices, dental implants can be the more natural-looking option.
The purpose of dental implants is to provide a long-lasting solution for tooth loss. By impeding a post into the jawbone and attaching a prosthetic tooth to it, a cosmetic dentist creates something very similar to a natural tooth.
Dental implants can be just one tooth or attach to a bridge or dentures to replace more teeth. Since they are fixed in place, they function as normal teeth. You don’t remove them for cleaning. You brush your teeth the same way you’ve been doing your entire life.
The function of dental implants is the same as natural teeth. You eat with them. They help your mouth look normal, and your teeth stay in proper alignment.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implant services are done in stages. The process starts with the implantation of the post. A surgeon will embed the post into the jaw, and bone will grow around it. That can take several months.
Once the implant is stable in the jaw, the next step is to add an abutment. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth.
The dentist tightens the abutment so it fits snuggly against the post. At this point, they may add a temporary crown as you wait for the permanent one. Finally, after the gum heals, the dentist attaches the artificial tooth, called a crown, to the abutment.
Do Dental Implants Work?
They have a promising success rate; however, dental implants are not right for everyone—patients considering dental implants need to have proper oral hygiene and healthy gums and bone.
Dental disease can erode the jawbone, so it isn’t able to support the post. Sometimes, bone grafts can restore the jaw enough to allow for an implant, though.
They are also not the right choice for someone with a chronic illness or who is immunocompromised. People who grind their teeth or clench may not be suitable candidates, either. It may put too much pressure on the implants.
Dental Implants at Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Lovett Dental Gulfgate is a multidisciplinary dental practice that services Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area. We offer a variety of specialty programs, including dental implant services.
Other specialties at Lovett Dental Gulgate include pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. Our other services include:
- Dental veneers
- High-end cosmetic dentistry
- Teeth whitening
- Dentures — both implant-supported and traditional
- Emergency dental services
We offer everything from general dentistry to unique treatments like ridge augmentation. We want to be a dental practice that can care for the entire family. Some of the leading dental professionals call Lovett Dental Gulfgate home, and our expert staff goes through training in all the latest dental techniques and know-how to work with patients of all ages.
Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted at Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Tooth loss can be traumatic, but there are ways to fix the problem. If you are interested in dental implants in Gulfgate, Texas, give us a call at 713-847-8822 or fill out our online contact form. Our Lovett Dental Gulfgate team can help you get the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. Reach out today.
