3D illustration of dental implants in gums, showing metal posts inserted in the jaw and a dental bridge being placed on top.

Should I Get a Dental Implant or a Dental Bridge?

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If you’re considering getting a tooth replaced, whether that tooth is highly visible or not, a dentist may recommend an implant or a dental bridge. Before you get your official recommendation, you might reasonably wonder what the difference is and whether one is better. Below, we’ll look at what you should know about the two ways to replace a tooth.

Dental Bridges Vs. Implants

Dental bridges and implants in Houston, TX will replace a missing tooth with an artificial one. The difference is that implants will anchor the artificial tooth from below the gumline, and bridges will anchor the artificial tooth from above. Implants are a much longer time commitment, taking anywhere from a few weeks to more than 6 months to fully cement to the jawbone. They’re also more expensive.

Which One Is Better?

Undoubtedly, dentists in Houston, TX will tell you that implants are the better option — if you’re eligible for the procedure. Even though they take more money and more time, the reality is that they’re simply stronger and more effective than bridges. This is not to say that bridges are flimsy or unreliable, only that they won’t mimic your real teeth the same way that an implant will.

Dental Implants in Houston, TX

Missing teeth don’t just impact your smile, they impact the health of your other teeth. The longer they go unfilled, the more pressure it puts on the rest of your mouth. Not everyone will have a healthy enough gumline or jawbone to get dental implants, though it’s worth noting that the procedure has come a long way since its inception. So, you might be eligible even if your dental history isn’t perfect. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Chloe Dental today to schedule a consultation.

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Are Dental Implants Safe?

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Dental implants are used worldwide to address the problem of missing adult teeth. Since they were first invented, they have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, and the procedure is done in countless dental facilities around the globe. Still, if you have little experience with dental implants, you may be a bit wary about this solution. You may even be wondering if dental implants in Houston, TX are safe.

What Are They Made Of?

Dental implants are made of three components. The actual implant is made of titanium. This is the only part of the dental implant that is embedded in the jawbone. Titanium is used because it’s an inert metal. Inert means that it won’t mingle or interfere with your body in any way. It stays exactly as it is, with no reaction to your bone or tissue. Titanium is the metal that’s used in other kinds of implants, like hip replacements, arm bone implants and more.

Safety

The success rates for dental implants range from 95% to 98%. Even if a dental implant fails for some reason, all that’s needed is to remove the implant and try again. No one gets sick or suffers fatal consequences from dental implants. Furthermore, the procedure itself has been refined over decades, and advancements in technology and techniques have further improved its safety and effectiveness.

Quality Dentist

The success rate of dental implants is increased when you choose a quality dentist like Chloe Dental. We have highly-trained staff in addition to our dental professionals. You’re in good hands when you get dental implants at Chloe Dental!

If you have more questions regarding this procedure, we hope you will contact your dentist in Houston, TX to set up an appointment. Soon, you can have your problem with missing teeth completely resolved!

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Is There a Window of Opportunity for Dental Implants?

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For anyone who has experienced tooth loss, there is always a wish to have their teeth restored. Dental implants offer a way to restore both function and appearance. However, dental implants involve a surgical procedure. And, after a tooth loss, certain bone and gum tissue degeneration occurs. One of the most common questions that your Houston, TX dentist is asked has to do with the window of opportunity to get dental implants.

When is the Best Time For Dental Implants?

The best time to get dental implants is soon after you have lost a permanent tooth. Shortly after a tooth is lost, the jaw bone starts to shrink because there is no longer any pressure being applied from the tooth. This shrinkage, also called resorption, lessens the amount of available bone to accept the implant. If there is too much bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary. This both complicates and lengthens the dental implant treatment time.

What is the Best Age For Dental Implants?

There are age-related factors regarding the best candidates for dental implants, too. Jaw bone growth should be complete, so the person would have to be in their late teens or early twenties. On the other end of the spectrum, overall health should be fairly good, so a very old individual with systemic health problems might not be a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist is the best person to make the determination on a case-by-case basis.

The Connection With Oral Health

A person who has lost multiple permanent teeth may have poor oral health to begin with. That would also need to be rectified prior to getting dental implants. Conditions such as periodontitis threaten the efficacy of dental implants, so the person should commit to better oral health habits at home, as well.

For more information about  dental implants in Houston, TX or to book your next dental exam, please contact us today.

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Are You a Candidate For Dental Implants?

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At Chloe Dental, we offerdental implants in Houston, TX, and Katy, TX. Still, many people question whether they would be good candidates for this restorative dental procedure. You can always come in for a consultation to discuss the possibility of dental implants. In the meantime, consider this list of factors that good candidates often have in common.

Adequate Bone Density
Part of the procedure for dental implants involves the implantation of a titanium piece into the jawbone. For this to work, there needs to be adequate bone density. Otherwise, you may need to undergo one or more treatments to have sufficient bone to hold and sustain the implant.

Healthy Gums
If you have an underlying condition such as gum disease, this can negatively impact the success of your dental implants. Those with healthy gums make better dental implant candidates. However, you can still be treated for your gum problems, and then a determination will be made as to when or if dental implants make sense.

Non-Bruxism
Teeth grinding can damage dental implants or impede the procedure’s success rate. If you have a habit of bruxism, there may be more suitable options for your missing teeth.

Good Overall Health
General health plays a significant role in the healing process. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, may impact your ability to undergo dental surgery and heal effectively. Habits like smoking can slow down the healing process and affect the long-term success of dental implants.

Proper Age Range
Dental implants are typically recommended for patients with full facial and jawbone growth. Therefore, they are generally not used in children and young teenagers.

The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to make an appointment with yourKaty, TX, dentist. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your circumstances!

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Are You A Good Candidate for Dental Implants? How to Tell

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Are you missing a tooth? You may be a good candidate for dental implants. Implants are one of the most popular prosthetic tooth options, and for good reason. Dental implants look natural and function much like your natural teeth. As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, we can help you determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Below are some of the qualities we’ll look for as we assess whether dental implants are right for you.

Good Oral Hygiene and Good Oral Health

For your dental implants to successfully heal after implantation, you must maintain good oral hygiene and good oral health. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. See the dentist every six months. If you have gum disease or gingivitis, your dentist may work with you to treat this problem before attempting to give you implants.

Sufficient Bone Density

In order for your dental implants to properly heal and stay in place, you must have sufficient bone density in your jaw. Your dentist can analyze your bone density and if you need a bigger jaw bone for your implants to be held in place, your dentist may suggest bone grafting.

Non-Smoker

People who smoke often heal slower and experience more trouble during the healing process after implants are installed. If you are a non-smoker, this will give dental implant surgery the greatest chance of succeeding.

Ready for Dental Implants? Call Today

At Chloe Dental, we proudly provide dental implants to our patients. If you have questions or think that you would be a good candidate for dental implants in Katy and Houston TX, we can help. Call today to make an appointment.

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How Should I Maintain My Dental Implants?

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If you’re missing a tooth, the most natural type of prosthetic tooth that you can get is a dental implant. Dental implants work very much like natural teeth, in that each implant is fused with the jaw bone to create a permanent tooth replacement.

Once your implant (or implants) are installed, your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX can help you determine how to keep your implant clean and in good condition. Here’s what to know about maintaining dental implants.

Cleaning Dental Implants

Cleaning dental implants is a lot like cleaning natural teeth. Brush your implant with regular, non-abrasive toothpaste to keep the implant free from plaque and tartar. Brush your implant twice per day at the same time that you brush the rest of your teeth.

Floss your dental implant once daily. When flossing, push the floss down straight down along the tooth, then pull the floss straight up. Avoid wrapping the floss around the crown of the implant, or this could break the seal that attaches the crown to the implant.

Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?

Dental implants cannot be whitened. Many implants are made from tooth-colored material that has been color matched to the other teeth in the mouth. Some implants are made of metal and are not tooth colored at all. Either way, neither of these types of implants responds to tooth-whitening agents.

This means that if you have a dental implant, the whitening process could cause your natural teeth to change their color, while your dental implant remains the color that it is. When the whitening is finished, your teeth and implant won’t match.

See your Dentist Every Six Months

If you have dental implants in Katy and Houston, TX, see the dentist every six months for a dental examination. During the routine dental examination and cleaning, your dentist will check your implant to ensure that it is still in good condition. Call Chloe Dental today to make an appointment.

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3 Things You Can Do to Make Your Dental Implants Last

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Your dental implants help preserve your smile and play an important role in the chewing of your food. It’s important to take care of your dental implants. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure that your dental implants will remain in good condition. As your dentist in Katy and Houston TX, we can help with that. Below are three proactive things you can do to prolong the service life of your dental implants.

1. Keep Your Teeth Clean

Clean your teeth twice daily using non-abrasive toothpaste and a tooth brush with soft bristles. Floss once daily. Keeping your teeth clean at home will help ensure that your gums remain healthy, which will help ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.

One more thing: don’t forget to visit the dentist twice per year for annual checkups and teeth cleaning. This is another way that you can keep your teeth clean.

2. Use a Night Guard If You Need One

If you grind your teeth at night, you could easily crack or damage your dental implant. Grinding your teeth can even cause your teeth or implant to become loose. Talk to your dentist about getting a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding. This will protect the crown on your implant from cracks, and will ultimately prolong the life of the implant.

3. Get Your Implants from the Right Dentist

One way to ensure that your implants will last as long as possible is to get your dental implants in Katy and Houston TX from a dentist that’s experienced with dental implant installation. At Chloe Dental, we perform dental implant surgery on a regular basis and can help you get implants as well. Call today to find out more about how you can benefit from dental implants, and whether implant surgery is right for you.

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3 Ways Dental Implants Can Improve Your Quality of Life

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Dental implants are an incredible oral health advancement. Not only can these implants lead to improved dental health, but they can also boost your well-being. Keep reading to learn three ways dental implants can improve your quality of life.

Allows you to eat normally

Having the ability to eat a normal diet is one of the top advantages of dental implants. If you have dentures or missing teeth, this limits the foods you can chew, including healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Once dental implants are installed, you can eat like you still have your natural teeth! An implant fuses to your jawbone, making it look and feel like a normal tooth. Being able to eat your favorite foods can drastically enhance your quality of life!

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants in Houston, TX, contact Chloe Dental today.

Greater confidence

If you live with dentures or missing teeth, this can lower your self-esteem and make you feel ashamed of your smile. However, dental implants can provide the opposite! After a dental implant procedure, most patients feel much more confident in their own skin. They tend to smile more often and have greater confidence in their everyday life. This can even lead to an improved career, social life, and more!

Saves time

Dental implants can also save a great deal of time! If you have dentures, you’ll need to clean them and find the right adhesive so they stay in your mouth. As dental implants are fixed into place, you never have to deal with these issues again! Dental implants look and feel just like the real thing.

Chloe Dental is here for your dental implant needs. Contact our experienced dentist in Houston, TX, today to make an appointment!

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Why Should I Fill the Gap In My Mouth With an Implant?

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A missing tooth can be a problem in many ways. Filing the gap with an implant can help preserve your smile while protecting your remaining teeth. In this article, we’ll tell you why filling the gap in your mouth is important and how an implant can help. For more information about implants and how they can help your dental health, contact your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX.

What’s An Implant?

An implant is an artificial tooth that’s attached to a post inserted into the jaw. Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in the mouth. Implants can even be used to stabilize dentures, replacing an entire row of teeth. Because implants are fused with the jaw, they function very much like natural teeth.

Why Is a Gap In My Mouth a Problem?

When there’s a gap in the mouth, the remaining teeth may shift to fill in the hole. Over time, this can cause the teeth to become misaligned, which can negatively impact the way you chew and digest food. Dental misalignment can also contribute to wear and tear on the surrounding teeth.

One more problem: a missing tooth can also impact the appearance of your smile. Some people feel self-conscious when they’re missing a tooth. Installing an implant can help take care of these problems.

Will An Implant Look Natural?

Implants in Houston, TX, are designed to look natural. Each implant is custom-made for the patient to ensure that it perfectly fills the existing gap. In addition, implants are color-matched to the other teeth in the mouth to prevent them from standing out. When you have an implant, no one will be able to tell.

Want to know more? Contact Chloe Dental to make an appointment.

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Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure

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Are you considering a dental implant procedure? Dental implants are ideal solutions when you’ve lost a permanent tooth due to extraction or trauma. Replacing a natural tooth with a dental implant not only restores the appearance of your smile but restores function, too. You can bite, grind, and chew with a dental implant just like you can with your natural tooth. And having implant surgery soon after losing your tooth will prevent more serious dental problems in the future. Talk with your dentist in Katy, TX, to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.

Do I Need Surgery to Have a Dental Implant?

This procedure is called dental implant surgery because a dental surgeon must perform it. In reality, it bears little resemblance to other types of surgery. In simplified terms, it involves placing a post, usually made of titanium, into your gum and giving it time to bond with your jawbone. Once the post has bonded, or osseointegrated, with the bone, your dentist places an abutment on top. Last, they’ll add the crown, which is a hollow shell that looks like a real tooth. Once the crown is in place, your procedure is complete.

Will I Need Follow-Up Care for a Dental Implant?

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment for you just to see how everything is progressing with your new implant. But aside from a quick exam, there’s no special care required afterward. As long as you treat your new implant like a real tooth, brushing and flossing regularly, it should last a lifetime. However, you may have to have the crown replaced every ten or fifteen years due to regular wear and tear.

To learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Katy, TX, call Chloe Dental today. Chloe Dental offers convenient locations in Katy and Houston to serve your family’s dental care needs.