Katy Dental Experts

How Dental Implants Can Change Your Smile

How Dental Implants Can Change Your Smile

Even with all the technological advancements in dentistry, many people across the globe lose their teeth due to injuries, gum disease, or tooth decay. Even so, do not lose heart. If the worst happens and you lose your tooth, that is not the end. There is still hope for your natural smile since you can get dental implants in Katy, TX, that will make your smile look as dashing as ever. Tooth implant treatment is easily accessible and is not as scary as it sounds. Before you get all geared up, you need a crash course on dental implants.

The Basics of Dental Implants

If you lose a tooth, then you take a bit of time to get an implant, the surrounding teeth may be affected. Since teeth rely on each other for stability, gaps between teeth can result in loose teeth. Years ago, bridges were used as the prosthesis, but they damaged the surrounding teeth. Many patients opted for dental implants. Dental implants are so ideal, as they have the feel, look, and function as a natural tooth. If you are still wondering, dental implants are titanium screw-like frames that are root replacements that are attached to the jawbone.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants date as back as 1954, and they have evolved ever since. But there are two main types:

      • Endosteal – are dental implants that are inserted directly in the bone. These are the implants that are currently being used.
      • Subperiosteal – are implants that are placed beneath the gum and on top of the jawbone. However, they are no longer being used because of their poor results.

Primarily, dental implants are used for teeth replacement, but they can also aid in other dental procedures. Dental implants are stable and can be used to provide support for a removable denture.

In orthodontic procedures, mini implants are used as anchorage devices that help the teeth to move to the desired position. They serve as temporary support to the teeth being moved, and once the teeth are in place, they are removed.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Dental implants serve as tooth replacements because they are placed in the jawbone. You might need tooth replacement treatment if:

      • You have missing teeth
      • Your jawbone is fully grown
      • The oral tissues around the missing teeth are healthy
      • You do not have any condition that hinders bone healing
      • You are not a tobacco smoker

Dental Implant Procedure

The standard procedure of placing the implants is done as follows;

      • First, if the diseased or damaged tooth is still intact, the dentist will perform an extraction. This will give way for the implant.
      • Then, the jawbone has to be examined and prepared for surgery, and at times bone grafting may be necessary. It would be best if you had a strong jawbone for the implant to be stable. If our dentist finds that the jawbone is weak, then a bone transplant will be performed to provide a more stable foundation.
      • The titanium-based implant will be screwed into the gum line after the jawbone heals.
      • After the insertion of the implant, the bone around the implant is given time to grow and unites with the implant, making it a permanent part of the gum line. This process is known as osseointegration.
      • Once the integration has taken place, an abutment (is a piece that the artificial tooth is screwed on later) is attached to the implant.
      • Finally, our dentist will help you choose your artificial tooth.

The screwing may sound a bit too painful, but extraction is much worse. Not to worry, local anesthesia must be used, so you will not feel a thing during the procedure.

It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, a bit of pain, and minor bleeding after the surgery. But if you feel as though the symptoms are getting worse, feel free to contact Katy Dental Experts, where our dentists will address the problems.

The procedure will take several months because of the healing process before the final artificial tooth is placed. It would be best if you remained patient as the healing time will vary from patient to patient. Regardless, getting dental implants in Katy will be worth the wait. After the procedure, your smile will be fully restored.

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