Jan
There are many situations that can arise with time that can cause a patient to experience tooth loss, including trauma, injury, disease, or decay. In some cases, teeth are naturally lost, while in others, the teeth need to be extracted permanently. Regardless of what brings people to the dentist for tooth loss, replacement options need to be discussed as soon as possible to address the problem and prevent other issues from occurring. Dr. Monti Harpalani and his team at Vivid Dental in Houston are happy to offer information regarding dental implants, including the procedure and process of obtaining them.
Many patients choose dental implants because of their versatility and longevity. These titanium metal posts are placed during oral surgery to act as tooth roots. The abutment that is visible above the gumline can be restored in various different ways. Patients can choose to cover their implants with:
An implant is a viable option for many patients seeking permanent tooth replacement of one or more teeth.
Patients must first undergo an evaluation appointment during which the dentist will take X-rays and determine if the patient is a proper candidate for dental implants. Patients should have sufficient bone available to ensure successful implantation. Then, a surgical date is scheduled. Dr. Monti Harpalani will insert the dental implant into the bone of the jaw during this procedure, which is done with proper sedation and anesthetics for patient comfort. The area then needs to heal to allow the process of bone growth, or osseointegration, to occur. Bone wraps around the implant to stabilize it into the jaw and ensure the best functionality. Once the area has healed, patients then restore the implant using the restoration of their choice.
If you are considering implants or want to discuss this option with your dental provider, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with our team by calling 281-809-4902. Our practice, located at 11560 FM 1960 West, Ste. #200, is open to patients in and around the area of Houston, TX.