D Modern dentistry has literally changed the face of dental patients all over the United States by providing a sure, secure and aesthetically excellent replacement for teeth lost to:
- decay
- trauma
- gum disease
- congenital defect
Called the dental implant, this restoration is surgically placed right in the dental office by Houston Dental Implant Surgeons Steven L. Koo DDS and his associate, Thomas M.Weil DDS and boasts a success rate of 95 percent or more.
What are Houston dental implants?
The dental implant replaces the missing tooth from root to crown with a titanium screw, post (abutment) and customized porcelain crown. The resulting new tooth looks absolutely natural and restores the patient’s ability to bite, chew and speak effectively. Through an incredible process called osseointegration, Implants help preserve and grow denser bone in the jaw because the metal titanium has a natural affinity for human bone.
While individuals with extensive decay, bone loss and gum disease need treatment before receiving implants, most any dental patient in good general health can receive these restorations. Doctors Koo and Weil use implants to replace one or more missing teeth, presenting patients with these options when appropriate:
- single tooth implants
- implant-supported removable dentures
- all-on-4 dental implants which permanently secure dentures
Dental implants can require more than one appointment, but with imaging done ahead of time, procedures are relatively quick. They normally require locally-injected anesthesia for minor discomfort. Most patients resume their usual activities right away.
Dental implant maintenance in Houston is simple.
The aftercare for dental implants is straightforward but very important. Immediately after the procedure, patients may wish to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor discomfort. Patients can eat or drink what they want, but should avoid chewing hard foods such as ice or peanut brittle or opening packaging with their teeth. Of course, smoking should be avoided.
The patient also performs home dental hygiene just as with natural teeth. This involves:
- twice daily brushing with a manual or electric brush
- use of a quality fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse as recommended
- daily flossing and use of interdental brushes around the implant abutments to remove food particles and plaque
Applied diligently, dental hygiene prevents bleeding gums and a condition called peri-implantitis. Rare but devastating, this infection causes gum recession and bone loss around the implant, sometimes necessitating removal of the device.
The Houston dental implant surgeons will see the patient every 3 to 6 months for an exam, cleaning and bite check. With these routines, patients can expect to enjoy their beautiful new teeth for the rest of their lives.
Contact Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
You can be confident in the skilled and compassionate care at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Both Doctors Koo and Weil are Diplomates of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and maintain the highest levels of accreditation and skills for their Houston, Texas practice. To learn more about life with dental implants, contact their office for an appointment: (832) 924-3799.