After you have lost teeth, visiting a dental implant specialist is the best way to make sure you receive the most effective replacement. Dr. Steve L. Koo has significant training and experience with Houston dental implants, so you can feel confident throughout each step of your treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from the process for dental implants, from initial placement to final restoration in our comfortable office.
Initial Placement
Dental implant posts are surgically placed beneath the gum line into the area where the missing tooth’s root structure was. This procedure is completed under local anesthesia and with the help of sedation as needed for additional relaxation. Patients who are undergoing longer implant procedures may benefit from general anesthesia.
To place your dental implant(s), Dr. Koo will capture detailed images of your teeth and oral structures to identify precisely where they should go. Then, with the help of surgical guides, each implant is placed beneath the gum line. Stitches close the gums and healing begins.
Recovery Period
Over a period of four to six months, your dental implant(s) will heal. You may wear a temporary tooth replacement during this time, depending on the extent of your tooth loss. Because the implants are made of titanium, a material that promotes the growth of bone tissue, the implant posts can actually integrate with your jaw bone. This process, known as osseointegration, is what provides the ultimate in stability for your replacement teeth.
Final Restoration
Once osseointegration has taken place, your dental implants are sturdy and ready for the last step: final restoration! Patients receiving traditional implants will return to your implant dentist’s office to receive the connecting abutments, or the part that your replacement teeth will attach to. The implants are exposed once more and the abutment is placed on top. Some implants have the abutment built in and will not need to complete this extra step. Finally, the replacement crown, bridge, or denture is affixed onto the abutment — and the process is complete!
Follow-Up Care
With proper care and healthy lifestyle choices, your dental implants can last for decades. Make sure you maintain solid oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. You may want to use a water flosser or an interdental cleaner for additional help. Visit your dentist as recommended for routine maintenance — and be sure to let us know if you experience any discomfort or anything unusual with your dental implant.
Now that you know more about the process for dental implants, don’t wait to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation! Everyone deserves the confidence that comes with a complete, beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center provides comprehensive dental implant care from the comfort of their state-of-the-art office. To learn more about dental implants in Houston or to schedule an appointment, feel free to give them a call at 713-597-7340.