What are dental implants?

The timing for getting dental implants can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when determining the right time for you to get dental implants:

1. Bone density: Dental implants need to be anchored securely into the jawbone, so it’s important to have sufficient bone density to support the implant. If you have significant bone loss, you may need a bone graft or other pre-treatments to build up the bone before implant surgery.
2. Gum health: Healthy gums are essential for the success of dental implants. If you have gum disease or other oral health issues, these will need to be treated before implant surgery.
3. Overall health: Dental implants are a surgical procedure, so your overall health and medical history will be taken into account when determining whether you’re a good candidate for implants.
4. Age: Age is not necessarily a barrier to getting dental implants, but younger patients may need to wait until their jawbone has stopped growing and developing before getting implants.
5. Personal circumstances: If you have an important event or life change coming up, such as a wedding or pregnancy, you may want to consider timing your implant surgery around these events.

In general, the best time to get dental implants is when you have good oral and overall health, sufficient bone density, and a stable lifestyle that allows for proper healing and aftercare. A qualified dental implant provider can help you determine the best timing for your implant surgery based on your individual needs and circumstances.

How are dental implants placed?

Dental implant placement is a multi-step process that typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation: During your initial consultation, your dental implant provider will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
2. Implant placement: In the first stage of the surgical procedure, the dental implant is placed into the jawbone. This involves making a small incision in the gum tissue, drilling a hole into the bone, and carefully inserting the implant. Once the implant is in place, the gum tissue is stitched closed.
3. Healing and osseointegration: Over the next several months, the implant will gradually fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you may be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge to protect the implant site and restore some of your chewing and speaking ability.
4. Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This piece will serve as the base for the replacement tooth or teeth.
5. Crown or bridge placement: The final step in the process is to attach the replacement tooth or teeth to the abutment. This can be done using a dental crown for a single tooth implant or a dental bridge for multiple teeth.

The entire dental implant process can take several months from start to finish, but the end result is a durable, natural-looking tooth replacement that can last for decades with proper care. If you’re looking for a dentist office near me in houston,TX that offers dental implants, you can search for qualified providers in your area and schedule a consultation to learn more about the procedure.