When you lose a tooth, you may avoid talking or smiling so no one sees the gap. Dentists use implants to restore patients’ smiles. With dental implants, you can enjoy a natural-looking smile. Some people only need one or two implants, while others need a full set of teeth. The process to get implants can take several months. Your dentist can check the healing from your tooth loss to see when you can start working with a surgeon for dental implants. With the right dental implant treatment plan, you can enjoy your vibrant smile, again.

Deciding on a Tooth Replacement: Dental Implant Options

When you get ready to replace your teeth, you may consider both dentures and dental implant options. You can determine the best option for you by discussing the process with your dentist or surgeon. You may need to consider your budget, lifestyle, and oral health. Surgeons must look at your bone density before scheduling your implant surgery. Low bone density does not exclude you from getting dental implants. You may, however, need a bone graft before moving forward with the procedure. The specialists at Edge Dental can give you a proper exam and treatment plan.

What is the best dental implant?

Your implant dentist can help determine the best tooth replacement option for your situation. Many people need only one or two implants, while others need a full set of teeth. With a full set of teeth, your doctor may recommend all-on-four implants. With these, you only need four posts placed in your jaw bone. The entire set of replacement teeth attaches to these four posts.

All-On-Four Dental Implants

In some cases, patients lose all or most of their teeth. Dental implant specialists can restore your smile whether you have one tooth extraction, or lose all of your teeth. You do not have to get individual posts placed in your jaw bone for an entire set of teeth. Oral surgeons use all-on-four dental implants to provide an entire set of teeth with only four surgically implanted posts. A dental office in Memorial City can help you prepare for all-on-four implants.

Are dental implants a permanent solution for tooth loss?

Yes, dental implants stay in your mouth for a lifetime. After the oral surgeon places the post in your jaw bone, your bone grows around it. You do not get your replacement tooth until the post becomes secured by your natural bone.

Find a Dental Implant Specialist Near Me

Many dental clinics have a variety of specialists to help with different dental problems. You can also look online to find a dental implant specialist near me. Once you find a dental implant doctor, check their education, experience, and customer reviews. Many dentists also place before and after pics of patients on their websites. Your general dentist may give you a referral to an oral surgeon, as well.

How effective is a tooth implant?

Your own bone growth secures a dental implant in your mouth. This security makes a tooth implant highly effective. Your tooth implant should look natural, and work well for eating and talking.

Different Types of Dental Implants

Your implant specialist can help you decide on the right treatment plan. Many patients only need one implant to solve the problem. You may need several implants in different parts of your mouth or an entire set of teeth, however. You must meet with your dental implant specialist for an exam and consultation. During these appointments, your surgeon may take x-rays, as well. The type of implant you receive depends partially on the location and your oral health.

Endosteal implants remain the most common implant used by oral surgeons. These titanium implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit in different areas of the mouth. Different types of coatings add a porous surface to help the implanted mesh with your jaw bone better, as well. If you do not have the adequate bone density for endosteal implants, your doctor may recommend bone implants or subperiosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants involve a metal frame that lays over the top of the bone under the gumline, instead of deep into the bone. The specialists at Edge dental can help you prepare for the implant procedure.

What’s the advantage of metal-free dental implants?

Some patients with metal allergies may need zirconia implants. This ceramic-like implant contains no metal. The entire implant resembles the color of a tooth. The shape and material may also reduce plaque and bacteria buildup near your implant.

Preparing for Dental Implants

After tooth loss or extraction, meet with your dentist for follow-up appointments while you heal. Talk to your dentist about tooth replacement options and when to begin the process. You must heal properly from your tooth loss before getting replacement teeth.

Edge Dental: Implants & Cosmetic Dentist

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Jim Godell

I found the people at Edge Dental to be friendly, helpful, and very professional. I am having crown work done. I have found it to be painless and professionally done. I am very happy with my experience.

Mairim van Domselaar

I needed an emergency appointment and they were able to accommodate me even though it was a Friday. Very friendly staff. Needed a referral for an endodontist and they gave me a name and they were able to set an appointment immediately for the next day! Surprising since it was for Saturday. Couldn't be happier. 😊

theresa smith

I didn’t enjoy going to the dentist but going to Edge Dental is different. I floss like my hygienist told me and since then my cleanings have been so much better. Everyone is friendly and caring. Best dentist and highly recommended.

Sebastian Sanchez

First time at a dentist and they talked me through everything! Very nice people

Simon Kanaan

State of the art facility! Impeccably clean! Friendly staff. Maximum I had to wait is 5 minutes in the waiting room or in the chair. Doctor Lai is thorough and very informative about the procedures. I definitely recommend Edge Dental.

RJ Lewis

I’m a 74 y.o. retired dentist of 42 years, I have been looking for a dentist in the Houston area since my dentist of 40 years in Huntsville is retiring. I visited 3 other offices and was underwhelmed with either the staff or dentist. My experience with Dr. Lai was very similar to my retiring dentist. The intake process was very smooth and comprehensive. They verified my insurance within a day. The initial diagnostic process included a panograph and full mouth X-rays. The hygienist did a periodontal (gum) evaluation, which most offices don’t do initially. Dr. Lai was very affable and I didn’t feel like he was trying to sell me on treatment that was not appropriate for my age. I had 2 complex implants done by a local oral surgeon in January that needed the final restorations (abutments and crowns.) They had my treatment plan ready within 30 minutes and Dr. Lai was able to do the scans for the implant crowns. Norma, his hygienist, cleaned my teeth during the same visit and discussed the condition of my gums. She was very thorough but gentle. I should have this phase of my treatment completed by the end of the month. What would have ordinarily taken 3 appointments took 1. The front desk and assistants were very thorough and efficient. I gave Dr. Lai and is staff 5 stars and being a dentist myself, I am probably going to be a practitioners worst critic. I am going to refer my wife, which I obviously would not do unless I had full faith and confidence in the practitioner and his staff.

emma guzzi

Wonderful staff, very welcoming and informative! Love this place :))

Joseph Watts

Always great service. All the women are beautiful. (I expect a discount for that).

Dental Implant Options: Restoring Your Smile After Tooth Loss