Advanced Dental Implant Procedures – Houston, TX
Advanced Treatments Lead
to Outstanding Results
When you first visit us for your dental implant consultation, we will carefully examine your mouth and determine whether you qualify for dental implants in Houston. If you are not an immediate candidate, do not become discouraged. We offer advanced procedures that can prepare your mouth to support your new teeth and make your entire treatment process as easy as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you rebuild a complete and healthy smile.
Bone Grafting
After you lose a natural tooth, the bone around it immediately begins to be resorbed. That is to say, since the bone no longer has stimulation from a tooth root, the body begins to recycle it for other purposes. Over time, the resorption can reach the point where the bone no longer has adequate volume to support a dental implant.
For patients in this situation, we may recommend bone grafting in Houston. There are quite a few different types of bone grafts, but the basic idea is always the same. We create an incision in the gums and add bone material (either from a donor or another part of your body) to the jaw. When the incision is closed, your body begins to integrate the new material, resulting in a larger, stronger bone.
Some patients can receive a bone graft and a dental implant during the same surgery. In other cases, the bone graft takes place several months before it is possible to place dental implants.
Sinus Lift
Your sinuses are located just above your upper molars. If there is not enough space in your upper jaw, a dental implant could go all the way through it and end up puncturing the sinus membrane. This is often the case for patients who lost their teeth a long time ago or who have naturally large sinuses. If this is a potential problem for you, we may recommend a sinus lift in Houston.
A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a special type of bone graft. During the procedure, we access the sinus through the upper jaw and gently lift it up. Then, we place bone material in the jaw to strengthen it and increase its size. Several months after a sinus procedure, it may be possible to place dental implants.
PRP/PRF Treatment
We always want your treatment to be as efficient as comfortable as possible, so we often use PRP and PRF. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, while PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin. We obtain these substances by drawing your blood and placing it in a centrifuge. Then, we use the platelet-rich portion of the blood to expedite your healing after your oral surgery. It has also been shown to decrease patient post-op discomfort.
The above procedures are just a few of the methods we use to help our patients through their dental implant procedure in Houston. During your consultation, we will determine which specific services you need to achieve a healthy smile.
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need a Dental Bone Graft Before I Get Dental Implants?
You may need a dental bone graft before implant placement if your jawbone lacks the strength or volume required to support an implant. This could be true of you if:
- A significant amount of time has already passed since you lost your natural teeth.
- Your bone was damaged due to physical trauma or other factors.
- Your jawbone is naturally thin or weak.
Our team will evaluate your dental health using diagnostic imaging and a thorough examination, looking for areas where bone loss has occurred. If we believe that a bone graft would be beneficial for you, we will design a detailed treatment plan to optimize the chances that your bone graft and subsequent dental implant procedure will be successful.
How Much Does a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift Cost?
The cost of a bone graft or sinus lift depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the type of materials used, and the extent of treatment required. We recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your individual needs and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your situation.
We believe that understanding your options and the value of these procedures will help you make informed decisions about your care. Our staff is here to guide you through the financial aspects, discuss payment options, and address any questions about the investment in your oral health. We accept both dental and medical insurance, and CareCredit financing is a great option for many patients.
Does a Sinus Lift or Dental Bone Grafting Hurt?
We want your treatment experience to be as easy as possible! We use advanced techniques and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Sedation is also available to help you breeze through your appointment. You may feel some soreness and swelling following surgery, which typically starts to subside within a few days.
Our team will provide detailed instructions for managing pain and promoting healing. For example, we can advise you on how to eat to minimize irritation at your surgical sites. We will be available to answer questions and address any concerns during your recovery.
How Should I Care for My Mouth after a Dental Bone Graft or Sinus Lift Surgery?
After your procedure, you will need to follow specific aftercare steps to support healing and protect your surgical sites. We recommend eating soft foods, practicing gentle oral hygiene, and avoiding strenuous activities for a short period. Detailed instructions will be provided to guide you through each phase of recovery. Our staff will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and address any questions.
Are PRP and PRF Treatments Safe?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) treatments are considered safe and effective for enhancing healing after dental procedures. These therapies use your own blood components to promote tissue regeneration and reduce recovery times. Since they are taken from your own body, the risk of complications is extremely low. Plus, we take every precaution to perform these treatments with the highest standards of safety and care.