Are Dental Implants The Right Solution For You?

If you have missing teeth, and are looking for Pearland cosmetic dentistry, you no longer have to rely on bridges or dentures for replacement teeth. Pearland Family Dentistry offers implant procedures that can replace your teeth with permanent, natural looking replacements that look great and perform just like your natural teeth.

A dental implant is a natural looking replacement tooth that is made from porcelain to match your natural teeth. This tooth is affixed to a titanium post, which is implanted securely in your jawbone. This post provides the base for the replacement tooth and works similarly to a natural tooth root.

Advantages of Implants

There are many advantages to implant dentistry, and the most beneficial feature of implants is their natural look and feel. They prevent cosmetic issues associated with missing teeth, but implants have advantages over other replacement options as well. Because the titanium post is implanted in the jawbone, it helps to retain facial features and contours by retaining the supporting bones of the face. As compared to bridges, implants are more natural and they will not affect other teeth. Bridges depend on other surrounding teeth for support. In the final analysis, an implant will appear more like a natural tooth and will function like a natural tooth as well.

When it comes to care from your dentist in Pearland after an implant, there is no difference between an implant and natural teeth. Implants are quite versatile as well. You can obtain an implant for a single tooth, or multiple teeth. They can also be used to provide support for existing bridges or dentures. Every tooth implant procedure involves custom fitting to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.

Are You An Ideal Candidate for an Implant?

Dental implants are a great solution for most healthy people who are missing one or more of their natural teeth. The permanency of implants and their natural look and feel make them an attractive solution for many people. Pearland modern dentistry and orthodontics have made dental implants are so versatile, that here are almost no age restrictions for adult candidates. There are some other health restrictions however so to determine if you are suitable the best first step is a consultation with one of our dentists. An examination by a Pearland Dentist will be conducted of your jaws and gums to determine their health and viability for an implant procedure.

Most people who have a healthy jawbone and gum tissue are good candidates for a dental implant. There must also be adequate jawbone tissue available to facilitate an implant. Those with jawbone issues may not be good candidates as the implant may not be successful. Those with uncontrolled diabetes will have problems with an implant as well due to the healing process required. Additionally, individuals who are undergoing treatment for cancer such as radiation or chemotherapy are not good candidates for a dental implant for similar reasons.

To find out if a dental implant is the right tooth replacement option for you, contact Pearland Family Dentistry to schedule an implant dentistry consultation with our experienced dentists.

Dental Implant Procedure Overview

After your consultation with a family dentist in Pearland, a surgical procedure can be scheduled which will involve the first phase of the implant process. After sedation, the surgical procedure will require that the titanium post implanted in the jawbone. This implantation is the most invasive part of the procedure. The next step involves a waiting period to ensure the proper healing of your bone and gum tissue after the implant surgery is complete. During the healing process, the bone will begin to bond with the titanium implant to provide a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Once the healing process is complete, it will be time for the attachment of your new natural-looking replacement tooth to the titanium post. Since a replacement tooth can become worn or damaged over time just like a real tooth, the implanted post is permanent and durable so you can always replace a damaged or worn tooth if necessary.

A dental implant has become a viable solution for many people in the Houston area. If you think this procedure may help you and if would like to learn about your potential candidacy for dental implants, please contact an experienced Houston dentist at Pearland Family Dentistry. We can provide you with more information and schedule a consultation to review your needs and your present dental health to see if dental implants are the solution for you.

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Five Tips for Dental Health

Pearland Family Dentistry cares about your dental health and maintaining your oral health is easy with five basic steps that you can start today.

Regular Visits to Your Dentist 

How often should you visit a Pearland Dentist? This answer may be different for everyone. Those with periodontal problems may require visits more often than someone without these issues. Not everyone has serious problems with their oral health, so for most people, cleanings should be undertaken every 6 to 12 months. So be sure to keep all of your appointments and follow your dentist’s suggestions for regular dental hygiene.

One of the most important reasons to schedule regular visits to your family dentist in Pearland is not only to ensure proper cleanings, but also to identify problem conditions before they become worse. Most conditions can be addressed quickly if caught in time, but if they are ignored these conditions may develop in to more serious issues.
These issues can often gum disease such as gingivitis, or worse, a tooth or gum infection known as a dental abscess. These can be extremely painful, but more importantly if this type of infection is not treated properly, the infection could spread to the bloodstream causing a life-threatening situation. Corrective measures at some Houston dentists can be quite involved and costly, and may sometimes involve surgery.

Good Oral Hygiene

In addition to regular visits to your dentist, everyone should engage in some basic oral hygiene practices. It is often said that the most effective way to prevent tooth decay is to practice daily oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. This will remove plaque that carries bacteria and stimulates your gums to keep them healthy. As plaque builds up over time, it can create tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that is difficult to remove. The best practice is to spend at least two full minutes brushing, making sure that you brush all inside and outside surfaces of your teeth. Proper flossing will involve the insertion of floss between your teeth at each tooth to make sure any food or plaque is removed from these areas.

Use the Right Mouthwash

There are various types of mouthwash available and some are sold as cosmetic products that merely cover bad breath, while others fall into the category of therapeutic oral rinses that are designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Active ingredients in these oral rinse products are designed to prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis, and they are available with anti-cavity ingredients such as fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. The use of anti-bacterial ingredients also helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Proper Flossing

Brushing alone will not clear debris, plaque and tartar from in between your teeth and this is why flossing properly is so important. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. Proper technique when flossing involves a firm grip on the floss with your hands. This is accomplished by winding it around your middle finger on each hand, and then pinching it between your thumb and forefingers so you can pull it tight. The taught section in between your fingers should be guided between your teeth, and the floss should be used to glide and slide against the surface of each tooth to free up any debris.

Maintain a Proper Diet

The foods that you eat can contribute significantly to your overall dental health. Foods that are high in acids and sugar are both harmful to the enamel on your teeth and should be eaten in moderation. This includes candy, citrus fruits, soft drinks and even high-carb foods such as bread or crackers. Wine, tea and coffee are notorious for staining teeth so they should be taken in moderation as well. The best foods to promote overall dental health are also foods that will provide good overall health. These include fruits and vegetables as well as healthy doses of water fortified with fluoride. Dairy products are also important sources of calcium and are known to have an important role in the repair of tooth enamel.

Oral health is not only about keeping your body free of illness and infection; pride in your appearance can help your mental state as well. When you look good, you feel good and flashing a healthy smile is a great way to look your best and maintain positivity. With advancements in Pearland modern dentistry and orthodontics, almost any dental defect can be corrected today so make sure you visit your dentist in Pearland often. For a family seeking the best in dental care of Pearland, be sure to stop contact Pearland Family Dentistry today.

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