Restore the smile with dental implant restorations
At West University Dental Professionals of Houston, Texas, Dr. Leila Ann Suki and her team encourage patients to consider their options for tooth replacement when teeth are extracted or missing. One solution is dental implants. Let’s look at what makes dental implants a great solution for many of our patients at our Houston, Texas, office!
What is a dental implant?
Imagine a tooth-shaped metal cylinder made of titanium. This is a very strong, yet inert metal that would be placed into the bone socket where a natural tooth is removed. After a period of time, this dental implant is “uncovered,” making the top ready for a crown restoration. The implant, with a crown attached, becomes the replacement tooth, and a patient can enjoy chewing comfortably. You can even view some before-and-after dental implant pictures in our smile gallery.
How long does dental implant restoration take?
The process from start to finish is often several months. The implant is placed during oral surgery, and osseointegration needs to occur to fuse the implant to the bone. Then a restoration is made and placed over the implant abutment.
Why does the dentist love the option of implants over dental bridges?
When bone is not stimulated with chewing, it actually begins to melt away. This is why you see people with missing teeth who appear to have a sunken face. Chewing on a tooth keeps the supporting bone “dynamic” and promotes healthy cell turnover. Left unstimulated after a tooth is lost, bone will slowly disappear. That is one of the major benefits of an implant over a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.
Does the team work with specialists to place dental implants?
Of course, placing an implant is a surgical procedure and has to be performed by an experienced surgeon. Patients are evaluated for any medical conditions, and the surgeon may request specialized radiographic images, including 3D images that allow accurate visualization of the patient’s anatomy.
Can dental implants be used for denture patients?
Implants are an exciting area of our profession. So many folks who have suffered for years with missing teeth and dentures now have options they never thought possible. These implants not only support individual crowns but can also help retain a denture in place. Implants are a heaven-sent for anyone who has to dollop denture adhesive into their denture to keep it from sliding around. And again, using implants with the denture will help to preserve bone.
Who can I call to learn more about implant restorations in Houston, Texas?
Ready to make an appointment? Call the team at West University Dental Professionals today to request an appointment with Dr. Leila Ann Suki and her team. The office is located at 2424 W. Holcombe Boulevard #202 and can be reached by calling (713) 370-4033.
