Richmond, Texas
WHY CONSIDER DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants have been around for over 40 years, and they have become an excellent restorative procedure and alternative for patients who have missing teeth. Some people are born not having some of their permanent teeth. There are patients who have lost their teeth due to periodontal (gum) disease or tooth decay, and others may have lost their teeth due to a car accident or some other type of mishap. There are many reasons why patients choose dental implants. The only way to see if you are a candidate for dental implants is to come for a consultation regarding your specific situation.
When we lose teeth, our ability to function and eat properly in impaired. The muscles that we use to chew apply 162 pounds of force every square inch in a healthy mouth, but when we have lost teeth those forces increase as there is less surface area to disperse the forces over. Not only does it impair our function, but our ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. Dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Dental implants also stimulate and maintain jaw bone that without teeth, the bone will diminish and facial features look sunken in and withdrawn.
Dental Implants in Richmond
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental Implants are shaped like cylinders, that are usually approximately a ½ to ¾ of an inch in length. The implant body is typically made of titanium. Part of the implant is shaped like a screw, which holds and engages the implant in the bone. The top portion of the implant attaches to what is called an abutment, (attachment) and the abutment holds a crown or bridge in place or secures a denture. The abutment (attachment) screws into the implant after the area has healed, so the restorative phase (crown, bridge or denture) can be completed. Richmond Landing Family Dentistry has examples of dental implants for you to see and models to show you how dental implants may work for work.
Records need to be taken before we can proceed with your dental implant procedure. X-rays are necessary to do a proper evaluation of the underlying bone and gum tissue. If everything checks out, a surgical appointment can be set up to move forward with your dental implants to restore function and create a beautiful smile.
It is very important for our office to have our patients feel comfortable and anxiety free while your procedures are being performed. There is a special surgical suite in the office for surgical procedures with a focus on sterile technique and special care for our patients.
When the patient is comfortable, a small opening is made in the appropriate place in the jaw for the implant/implants to be placed. The area is slowly widened to allow the implant to be placed. After placing the implant, the area is closed and the healing and integration process with the bone and implant take place. The time period for healing takes anywhere from 3-6 months.
There are different factors to consider, when you are recovering from dental implant surgery, including the several procedures required to complete the restorative phase of your procedure. Meticulous oral hygiene habits are necessary to ensure proper healing of the bone and dental implant/implants. If you care for your dental implant, it can remain in place for many years.
There is minimal discomfort after the initial surgical procedure, and most patients will tell you how easy the procedure is. The necessary medications will be prescribed for discomfort and any antibiotics that are needed to ward off infection along with the guidelines you will follow for the next few days to ensure the success of your procedure.
Please call and schedule your consultation to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
