Dr. Chloe Nguyen In Houston provides a full scope of dental implant, cosmetic crowns/ bridges and denture treatments with expertise ranging from dental implants, bone grafting, to implant-supported dentures and so much more.
Typically, when a tooth is lost, it is best for your oral health that you have it replaced as soon as possible. Missing teeth can impact your bite, as well as your ability to chew or speak. Tooth loss can put extra stress on your remaining teeth as well, resulting in muscle pain in the jaw, as well as headaches. Not to mention, losing a tooth will affect your appearance.
Dental Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can enjoy life better, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. In addition, dental implants can help prevent bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are Titanium anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear a temporary appliance and function well during this time.
After the dental implant has fused to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Nguyen will uncover the implant and attach a small scan post to each implant. A Cerec scan will be taken over the area and the crown will be processed in-office and ready to be connected to the implant in 2-3 days. The entire procedure, from implant placement to crown attachment, usually takes four to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
Dental implants can also be used to support and stabilize dentures. Although many patients have no problem wearing dentures, some of them might find it difficult to function with their dentures due to less than desirable stability. Two or more implants can be placed in your jaw and a denture is made to snap onto these implants via a ball-attachment. This option will stabilize your denture better than without the implants. However, there will still be some movement of your denture and some food trapped underneath the denture. Your denture will still be removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
In your all-on-4 procedure, just four implants can restore all your upper or lower teeth. Your full set of upper or lower teeth is held in place by screws that secure them to the implants. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue and allows you to clean under the prosthesis without removing it. This prosthesis will replace all your missing teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. The beauty of this procedure is that you can have natural looking teeth the same day of your surgery. You can get your new smile in just one day! You wear your first prosthesis for 4-6 months while waiting for the implants to fuse to the bone. After that, you return to our office and a new customized set of teeth will replace the temporary set.
If you, like many others, feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During the consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Chloe Nguyen in Houston. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
