Having missing pearly whites can have detrimental effects on your dental health and self-esteem. You will constantly have to contend with poor digestion, speech issues, deteriorating jaw bone, and much more. You could develop more severe complications that might need you to undergo extensive dental procedures in a short time.
That’s why our dentist in 77584 offers dental implants in Pearland, TX, as a tooth replacement option.
Dental implants have changed so many smiles throughout the decades. Dental technology has evolved, and so it is much easier to get implants than ever before. In fact, different techniques are employed to ensure that almost anyone can get tooth implants.
What’s more, our dentist in Pearland can use various types of tooth implants to restore your smile. Let’s peer into some of the types of tooth implants.
Types of Dental Implants
There are various ways that tooth implants are classified. They can be categorized according to the procedure:
- Endosteal Implants: Most patients use this type of implant. Our dentist in 77584 will place the tooth implant directly into your jawbone, replacing the tooth root. It’s the best option when you have healthy gums and bones.
- Subperiosteal Implants: When endosteal implants are not an option, then you can go for subperiosteal implants. The implant is connected to a framework and then placed on the jawbone instead of being inserted into your jawbone.
Implants can also be grouped based on their coating, such as:
- Zirconia
- An acid-etched rough surface
- Plasma-sprayed titanium surface
- Plasma-sprayed hydoprxyatapatite
Implants can also be grouped according to how the abutment is placed:
- External hex connectors
- Internal hex connectors
- Internal octagon connectors
The Dental Implant Process
As mentioned before, dental technology is not what it used to be before. Now, our dentist can apply various techniques tailor-made to suit your specific needs. Also, additional procedures can be performed to ensure that your procedure is a success.
Typically, the tooth implant procedure will go as follows:
1. Initial Examination
Our dentist will carry out certain examinations to ensure that you are fit to undergo the tooth implant procedure. The examinations will include taking digital scans and x-rays of your jaw.
2. Tooth Extraction
If the tooth that you wish to replace is still intact, then tooth extraction will be performed to remove the tooth.
3. Bone and Gum Grafting
The scans and x-rays will show reveal the nature of your jaw bone. If you don’t have enough healthy bone or bone mass to support the implant, bone grafting will be performed. Also, if your gums have receded, a gum graft will be done to stimulate the growth of new tissue.
This step is not a must. They are only performed if our dentist deems them a necessity.
4. Inserting the Implant
Once our dentist performs the above procedure, inserting the tooth implant is the next step. In a nutshell, implant surgery involves drilling your jawbone to create the space for the implant to be placed. Don’t fret! The procedure will not commence without the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area.
5. Abutment Placement
After our dentist places the tooth implant, you will be sent home to allow the jawbone to heal. Once healing is done, you will come in for the next phase – abutment placement. The abutment connects the implant to your tooth replacement.
6. Fixing the Tooth Replacement
Lastly, the tooth replacement will be fixed. You can choose what you wish to use at this stage. It can be a tooth crown, a dental bridge, or dentures.
What are the Benefits of Tooth Implants?
Implants come with various benefits that make them the number one tooth replacement recommended by our dentist in Pearland. Some of the benefits include:
- Stability – Tooth implants are anchored in the jaw and then fuse with the jaw to make them as stable as your tooth roots. Your replacement teeth will not shift.
- Bone health – When you lose a tooth, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. Over time, your face will become pruned at the jaw. Implants counter this process since they are inserted in the jawbone.
- Durability – Since implants are made from metal, you can expect them to last a long time, especially if you care for them
Implants are a practical and long-lasting tooth replacement treatment. Contact us at Pearly Whites of Pearland if you wish to get tooth implants.