Dental Implants
Cypress, TX, Houston, TX
What is dental implant?
A dental implant includes 3 parts:
- An implant screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. They are meant to substitute the root of the tooth and to support the future implant crown.
- An implant crown or other implant restorations to replace the missing tooth and can be seen in your mouth.
- An implant abutment, a connector that connects the implant screw and implant crown/restorations.
What is the timeline for dental implant?
The timeline for dental implant treatment can vary depending on the individual case.
- Implant site preparation: Some patients require implant site preparation before implant screw is placed. This process may include procedures such as extraction of hopeless teeth, socket bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or sinus elevation to create adequate bone volume and density to support the implant. The duration of the healing process prior to implant screw placement can vary from 3 to 6 months, depending on the amount of bone volume gained. However, in certain cases, the implant screw can be placed at the same time as the extraction or sinus elevation.
- Implant screw and abutment placement: After the surgical placement of the implant screw in the jawbone, osseointegration occurs where the jawbone grows around the implant screw and firmly anchors the implant in place. This process usually takes about 3-4 months. If bone grafting is performed during screw placement for jawbone deficiency, it is recommended to wait at least 4-6 months to allow the grafted bone to fully integrate with the implant screw. The implant abutment may be placed simultaneously with the implant screw or after the implant screw is integrated.
- Implant crown or other implant restorations: The final stage involves the placement of the implant restoration, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your needs. Before final implant restoration is made, your dentist may provide you with a temporary restoration to replace the missing teeth while you wait for the implant screw to integrate with the jawbone.
What are the restorative options for dental implants?
There are several restorative options for dental implants, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Here are some common restorative options for dental implants:
- Single implant crown: When replacing a single missing tooth, a single implant crown is attached to the implant screw.
- Implant bridge: When replacing multiple missing teeth in a row, an implant bridge is anchored to two or more implant screws.
- Implant dentures: For patients who have lost multiple teeth or even an entire arch of teeth, implant dentures are excellent options. These dentures use special attachments that allow the patient to “snap on” the denture to the implant screws, providing a significantly more stable and comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures.
- Full-arch fixed implant restoration: For patients who require teeth replacement of the entire arch and desire fixed restorations without the inconvenience of removal dentures, a full-arch fixed implant restoration can be an ideal solution. Unlike removable dentures, these fixed restorations cannot be taken out by patients themselves; however, regular maintenance by a dental professional is necessary for the implants and restorations to ensure oral health and maximize their lifespan.
Immediate Implant Placement and Provisionalization
Implant & Temporary Crown (Placed On The Same Day)
