Dental implants are metal posts surgically inserted into the jaw that act as artificial tooth roots. Implants offer unmatched benefits for patients who want to restore and rebuild their smile after tooth loss. At 5 Star Dentists, our dentists offer advanced dental implants treatment for patients who want to achieve a secure and natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime. Patients can benefit from comprehensive treatment at our Houston and Sugar Land, TX, locations, since our dental team conveniently offers every step of dental implant treatment under one roof.
Why Choose Implants?
Those suffering from tooth loss not only deal with difficulty chewing and speaking, but also the jawbone deterioration that occurs naturally after tooth loss. Additionally, ill-fitting dentures can sometimes slip out of place while talking or during meals, thus making patients feel self-conscious.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard since they offer unique benefits that traditional options simply cannot.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry since they offer unique benefits that traditional options simply cannot. Dental implants form a secure base for a variety of dental prosthetics. Dental crowns, bridges, or dentures fit comfortably and do not cause damage to the soft tissues and gums. When patients choose implants, they forego dental adhesives or dental clips that help keep the prosthetic in place.
Most significantly, dental implants help preserve jawbone density by stimulating bone tissues and preventing deterioration, hence preserving the facial structures and avoiding a sunken appearance. When cared for properly, dental implants and implant-supported restorations can last a lifetime.
Types of Dental Implants
5 Star Dentists offers a range of dental implants to suit different patient needs. We use Nobel Biocare and Zimmer Biomet Dental implants which incorporate superior materials for long life and enhanced aesthetics. Apart from traditional dental implants, we also offer mini implants and the unique All-on-4® technique, which requires just four strategically placed dental implants to support an entire arch of artificial teeth.
Preparing for Implants
Patients should be free from dental decay or gum disease to be eligible for dental implants. Patients should also be in good overall health and not smoke, since this inhibits healing. Dr. Gregory Pham will surgically place the dental implants and Dr. Andrew Tran will restore the implants with custom-made restorations.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Tran will thoroughly assess the health of your teeth and gums, using 3D cone beam imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Tran will examine various factors such as bone depth and width before recommending the right treatment.
If jawbone density is not sufficient enough to support dental implants, patients may need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift performed by Dr. Pham before becoming eligible for dental implants. Alternatively, patients may be eligible for mini implants or dental implant restoration using the All-on-4® technique, which can eliminate the need for preparatory surgery.
Surgery and Restoration
The dental implant surgery is performed by Dr. Pham, who skillfully places the metal posts in pre-determined locations in the jawbone. Dr. Pham will talk to you during your consultation about sedation options, and how to make you most comfortable during your implant procedure.
Once they are placed, the implants generally require three to four months of healing time to fuse with the jaw tissues in a process called osseointegration. Patients should refrain from smoking during the recovery period to ensure implant success.
After successful osseointegration, patients will return to the office to have abutments attached, onto which dental restorations can be attached during a later office visit. Dr. Tran provides custom-made crowns, bridges, and dentures and will attach the prosthetic to the implants to complete your smile. Dr. Tran will ensure the prosthetics are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Implant-supported Restorations
Dental crowns are available as either all ceramic or porcelain-fused. We also offer zirconia for back teeth. For dental bridges, Dr. Tran offers all zirconia or porcelain-fused to zirconia, or all ceramic, depending on the requirements and aesthetics. For implant-supported dentures, Dr. Tran offers acrylic material for teeth with a traditional base.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dental implants can be life changing for those suffering from tooth loss. To learn more about the many benefits of dental implants, call us at (832) 831-5417 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.
