Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants Houston, TX
Dental implants are restorative prosthetics used to replace missing teeth and improve your bite and speech. Despite the higher dental implant cost, they are considered to be better alternatives to dentures and bridges. Our highly skilled dentist at Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS will perform exams and evaluations to determine if you are the right candidate. The surgical procedure may not be ideal for some patients, though.
Patients Missing One or More Teeth
You may be a candidate for a dental implant procedure if you have one missing tooth. The prosthetic serves as the tooth’s root and bonds with the jawbone. A dental crown is attached to the dental appliance to make a complete tooth.
Several options can also benefit patients with more than one missing tooth. The process may involve placing a dental bridge or removable dentures over the dental prosthetic. Dental implants provide more stable support to facilitate speech and restore your smile.
Patients with Healthy Gums and Jawbone
Before dental implant placement, oral health is essential for recovery. The surgery is more suitable for patients who adhere to their dental hygiene regimen. Cavities and gum disease can lead to complications and extend the healing period.
The initial exam and patient history evaluation will determine if your jawbone has sufficient mass. A healthy jawbone is critical in ensuring the root anchors properly to ensure the tooth is stable. Tobacco consumption may disqualify some patients, as it greatly reduces the healing process and can increase infection. It will be suggested to quit smoking and attend regular dental checkups before undergoing the procedure.
If the jawbone’s mass is inadequate, you may have to undergo bone grafting before the dental implant placement. The grafting process removes a section of the bone from other parts of your body to reinforce the jawbone.
Bone grafting can extend the implant procedure’s cost and recovery timeframe. However, it is sometimes necessary to ensure the jawbone is strong enough. A healthy jawbone should fuse with dental implant materials to minimize oral health complications.
Patients Without Bruxism or Oral Health Conditions
Bruxism is a condition where the patient compulsively clenches their teeth when sleeping or during the day. Grinding teeth affects children and adults and may lead to complications such as temporomandibular disorder.
Patients with bruxism usually have uneven teeth surfaces due to the friction from grinding teeth. The pressure may damage dental implant materials, leading to other health risks. If you have bruxism, our dentists may recommend a night guard to protect the enamel.
What to Expect
The dental implant placement may require several outpatient visits. The initial consultation will determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. A synthetic bone substitute may be used instead of natural bone to strengthen the jaw.
After the surgical procedure, the bone is allowed to heal before placing the implant. An abutment is inserted over the tooth’s root. The process may vary between patients. Our dentists may choose to combine the steps, but that will depend on your diagnosis.
At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, our dentist can customize the dental implant placement process to meet your oral health requirements. Contact our dental specialist at (346) 250-2930 to schedule an evaluation today.
Dental Implant Candidate • Houston, TX • Alexandra Garcia, DDS Our highly skilled dentist at Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS will perform exams and evaluations to determine if you are the right candidate for dental implants. Learn more here. Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056, (346) 250-2930, dralexandragarcia.com, 12/9/2024, Page Phrases: dental implants Houston TX,
