A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
If you have missing teeth as a result of medical conditions or dental injuries, then you’re not alone. Tooth loss is much more common than you might think and not only does it affect your ability to eat, speak, and socialize, but also impacts your oral health and general well-being. If you’ve lost a tooth, Dr. Scott may recommend dental implants to fill the empty space and allow your smile to function properly.
We understand that no two patients are alike, which means that your dental implant solution is tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for a snap-in denture to replace a traditional denture, restore a whole arch of missing teeth, or just need one tooth replaced, we are happy to help you. Thanks to our convenient Kingwood, TX office, we serve patients from Humble, Atascocita, Porter, and the surrounding Texan areas and help them achieve the healthy, whole smile they deserve.
What Are Dental Implants?
Unlike other tooth replacement options, which only replace the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, a dental implant can mimic your missing tooth from root to crown. Dental implants are comprised of three parts:
- Titanium Post: this part is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as the root of your new tooth. Through a natural process called osseointegration, the post will slowly fuse with your jawbone, providing it with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy and giving your restoration unmatched stability.
- Abutment: connects the “root” to your new tooth.
- Porcelain Crown: This serves as the part of the tooth that’s visible above the gum line. Implants also provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
Dental implants are sturdy, attractive, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Our Kingwood, TX dentist highly recommends these since they also help prevent issues associated with tooth loss.
Risks of Prolonged Tooth Loss
Replacing a lost tooth is essential to a healthy smile and body. While a whole set of teeth can provide an aesthetic appeal, it also improves your ability to speak and eat while keeping your oral health well protected. Putting off treatment may increase your risk of:
- Teeth Shifting: When teeth are missing, the integrity of your bite is compromised since your teeth don’t fit together as well. Without complete support, exposed pockets might cause your teeth to shift. This can mean expensive orthodontic issues down the road.
- Infections & Other Conditions: Bacteria can grow more easily in empty pockets, making you more prone to tooth decay and periodontal disease, which in turn can cause tooth loss, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions.
- Bone Loss: Without the constant stimulation that teeth provide for the jawbone, it can deteriorate over time.
At Derek Scotts DDS & Associates, our dentist highly recommends getting your smile restored to protect your teeth and overall health which is why we offer dental implants as an effective, permanent solution to tooth loss.
Dental Implant Process
The first step to a renewed smile is visiting Dr. Scott for an initial consultation. Our Kingwood practice uses the latest cutting-edge technology to create a customized treatment plan tailored to you. We’ll evaluate your current oral health to determine if you’re eligible for dental implants.
Once we determine if dental implants are the right restoration solution for you, we will make an impression of your existing teeth and create a model of your bite. This allows us to create your restoration which will be designed to blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Implant Placement
During your next appointment, Dr. Scott will surgically place the titanium implant post directly into your jaw and cover the site with a temporary crown. We want to ensure you a comfortable experience, so we’ll administer a local anesthetic so you can rest easy. For patients who struggle with dental anxiety, we also offer mild sedation options including nitrous oxide.
After surgery, you must give your implant site three to six months to heal. This allows ample time for the osseointegration process to take place so that your implant fully integrates with your jawbone. The success of your treatment depends heavily on this process so it’s crucial to follow all post-op instructions from Dr. Scott.
Final Restoration
You’ll return to our Kingwood, TX office once you are fully healed to finish your restoration. We’ll attach your color-matched porcelain crown to the top of your implant and insure it fits perfectly into your smile. Once we’re certain everything fits comfortably, you’re ready to show the world your newfound smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants due to a number of factors. This includes your body’s capacity for healing, the condition of your oral health, and the density of your jawbone all play a role in your candidacy.
In some cases, a supplemental procedure designed to treat gum disease or insufficient jawbone mass may be recommended to increase your candidacy. During your initial consultation, Dr. Scott will determine whether dental implants are the best option for restoring your smile.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes! Dental implants are a very safe operation as long as your surgery is carried out by a skilled and experienced dentist like Dr. Scott. As the only treatment that stops jawbone degradation, dental implants are actually the healthiest way to replace missing teeth in the long run.
How long do dental implants last?
Although your dental crown might need to be changed every 15 to 20 years depending on how well you take care of it at home, the titanium post of your dental implant is made to last a lifetime. You can also extend the life of your dental crown by practicing a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Rinsing after meals, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day, preferably before bed, are all part of maintaining good oral health. Good oral hygiene begins at home and is continued at our Kingwood, TX office. By visiting us for an appointment at least once every six months, we can ensure your restoration lasts and that your oral health is well protected.
To prevent damaging your implant, Dr. Scott may also advise using nylon floss and a soft-bristled brush. He may also recommend staying away from toothpaste brands with abrasive ingredients, such as those intended for smokers and teeth whitening.
Bring Back Your Smile With Dental Implants
If you’ve been hiding your smile or struggling to eat or speak due to missing teeth, dental implants may be the permanent, natural-looking solution you’ve been needing. At Derek Scotts DDS & Associates, we’re proud to offer this effective tooth loss solutions to patients in Humble, Atascocita, Porter, and the surrounding Texan areas. If you’d like to learn more about how we can restore your smile’s health, or you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our Kingwood, TX office, give us a call at (281) 358-3125. If you prefer, fill out our online contact form and one of our dedicated dental staff will be happy to reach out to you.