Dental Implants in Spring, Tomball and The Woodlands, TX

Dental implants are quickly becoming the gold standard for replacing missing or damaged teeth in Spring, Tomball, and the Woodlands. Individuals who have lost all or most of their teeth discover that the beauty and comfort of dental implants are far superior to dentures and other traditional tooth replacement options.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth composed of three parts: a titanium implant, an abutment, and a crown or dental prosthetic. The implant is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The abutment is a slender pin used to fasten the implant to the crown or prosthetic teeth that replace the visible portion of the missing teeth. Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement option that restores the entire tooth, including the root and the surrounding bone.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Longevity

Dental implants offer numerous advantages, including their exceptional longevity. Traditional dentures and bridges typically last 5-10 years before needing replacement, often requiring repair or relining in between replacements. Dental implants routinely last 30 years or more and frequently last a lifetime, fusing with the jawbone like natural tooth roots. While the initial cost of dental implants may be higher than other tooth replacement options, their long-term durability and comfort make them a cost-effective solution.

Stability and Support

Another benefit of dental implants is the unique process of the titanium implants fusing with the surrounding jawbone (called osseointegration). Osseointegration stimulates the jawbone, encouraging bone growth and strengthening the jaw. When teeth are lost and roots are missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, becoming weak and thin. This is why many people who wear dentures for years develop a sunken, aged look. Implants prevent jawbone loss and support the natural contours of your face.

Convenience

Dental implants are the most convenient solution for missing teeth because they feel and function like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, they do not have to be removed every night when you sleep and do not require special cleaning methods. You can maintain your dental implant restorations with the same ease as your natural teeth, making them a stress-free choice for tooth replacement.

Comfort

There is no more comfortable way to replace missing teeth than with dental implants. Even the best dentures and bridges can sometimes slip and shift, potentially causing discomfort or trapping food particles beneath them. If you do not have them routinely relined or repaired, dentures may cause sore spots on the gums where they rub against the bony ridge of the jaw. Dental implants become an integral part of the jawbone and support restorations without rubbing or shifting, providing true comfort.

Our Process

Dr. Welty evaluates each patient for dental implants during an initial consultation, which includes a thorough dental examination, a review of their medical history, X-rays, and digital imaging. If you are a candidate for implants, she develops a customized treatment plan. Some patients may require bone grafting to build up the jawbone ridge before implant placement. She will review the process with you during your consultation if necessary.

Implant surgery is performed at the Klein Crossing office. The jawbone and gums are numbed with a local anesthetic, and you are sedated so that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. The titanium implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, and the gums are sutured closed. The surgery typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the number of implants being placed.

The implants will take 3-6 months to Osseo integrate with the jawbone. While your implants fuse with the surrounding bone, your replacement teeth are custom-designed and fabricated to fit your specific needs. Once the implants are stable, the new teeth are attached to the implants using slender attachment pins, known as abutments.

The entire process may take up to eight months to complete. While it is a time commitment, the results are stable, comfortable, and last a lifetime. Dental implants are so realistic for most individuals that they forget they are not their natural teeth.

Dental Implants FAQs

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you are in good health and have sufficient jawbone to support implants, you are a good candidate. If you have active gum disease or cavities, these will have to be treated before we can begin implant surgery. Individuals with certain autoimmune disorders or blood-clotting issues may not be good candidates. Heavy smokers may have problems with healing or implant failure. We evaluate each patient individually to determine whether they are a candidate for dental implants.

How long does this procedure take?

For a single-tooth implant, the surgery typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. For multiple implants, depending on the complexity of placement, it may take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

You care for them much like natural teeth, brushing twice daily and flossing every day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also see your dentist twice a year for check-ups and a professional cleaning.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

In the United States, the success rate for dental implants is around 97%. This depends largely on how well patients follow their post-operative care instructions.

Does my insurance cover dental implants?

It depends on the type of coverage you have. If your implants are considered medically necessary, they may be covered fully or partially. If your insurance carrier considers them cosmetic, they will not be covered. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier before scheduling your dental implant procedure to determine what portion, if any, they will cover.

I have dentures or a partial denture. Can I still get dental implants?

Many of our patients have replaced their dentures or partial dentures with dental implants. If they wore dentures or a partial for a long time, they may have lost some bone mass in the jaw. In these situations, bone grafting may be needed before we can proceed with implant placement. We will determine if this is necessary after taking 3D images of your jawbone.

Find Out More About Dental Implants

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants, Dr. Welty can explain the procedure in detail and determine whether you are a candidate. The first step is a consultation, which typically involves a thorough dental examination, a review of your medical history, X-rays, and digital imaging. Dr. Welty will discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. Please get in touch with our office at Spring Office Phone Number (832) 717-0595 to schedule an appointment.