What To Expect from your Houston DENTAL IMPLANT Procedure

Did you know that more than 120 million  people in the United States alone are missing one or more teeth! Having missing teeth can make people feel self-conscious about their smile.  More than that, missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food and speak.

 

For That reason, dental implants exist.  When you get a Houston Dental Implant, you might be surprised at how realistic your tooth replacement looks and how it can immediately improve your smile. 

 

What should you expect from your dental implant procedure and how do you know if dental implants are right for you?

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium cylinder of different sizes that can support a dental crown or prosthesis. There are many different options and choices when it comes to Houston dental implants, and we can help you choose the perfect implant for your mouth.  

 

A single implant can replace one missing tooth, but more are needed for support when you are missing multiple teeth. Two implants, for example, can support a bridge replacing three teeth.

 

All-on-4 procedures are best for those missing all of their teeth in one or both arches.  You can leave your implant surgery visit with non-removable temporary teeth that will serve you until your implants have healed.  It typically takes 4-6 months before you will be ready for your final ceramic full arch of teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Step 1

Careful planning is the most important aspect of your dental implant treatment to insure a successful outcome.  Surgical errors created by poor planning can lead a poor esthetic and/or functional result.  In the worst cases, your new implant(s) may be out of proper position and can’t even be used to replace your missing teeth.  

 

Dr. Stankewitz is a Board Certified expert in diagnosis and planning your dental implant treatment.  We use dental models, digital images and photographs to determine the proper number and location for your dental implants to ensure beautiful, long lasting, esthetic teeth that can be difficult to tell from the real thing.

 

One of the most common issues that dental implant patients experience is a lack of good quality supporting bone.  At Houston Prosthodontics, our implant patients are afforded the highest level of bone grafting.  Although treatment healing time tends to be longer, we strive to provide the strongest and best bone quality for your new implants which greatly increases to esthetic and long term prognosis of your reconstruction.

 

Many patients tend to be nervous about dental implant surgery, so we know its important to plan ahead for a safe and comfortable surgical visit.  Most often our patient are provided with conscious sedation. Although you will still be awake, you won’t feel discomfort and you probably won’t remember your visit.

 

Step 2

During your implant surgery, exact positioning of your implant will be assisted by computer guidance which follows a pre-planned design developed from 3-dimensional imaging.  After placement of your implant, a small healing cap will be placed in the screw channel access.  

Step 3

It typically takes 4 months for your natural bone to grow to the new dental implant.  During this time, we will provide you with temporary teeth so you will be presentable in public.  Once this healing process has completed, your implant will be strong enough to support replacement teeth. 

Step 4

After completion of the healing period, Dr. Stankewitz will take an accurate impression of your dental implants and proceed with fabrication of your final ceramic restoration.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • ARE FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS PAINFUL?

    The full mouth implant procedure is performed under conscious sedation to ensure a comfortable procedure. Post operative discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with oral medications. The prosthetic phase of treatment is usually painless.

  • HOW LONG DO FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS TAKE?

    The treatment time to complete full mouth dental implants can vary depending on the individual.  It typically involves multiple stages including implant placement, at least a four month healing period. The overall treatment may take several months after implant healing is complete.

  • ARE FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

    Full mouth dental implants an excellent treatment choice for most patients, however there are some factors which increase patient's risk of failure.  These risks include lack of bone density or volume, poor overall health, and smoking.  It is important that a potential implant candidate be thoroughly evaluated for potential issues that could shorten the typical long term prognosis.

  • HOW DO FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL DENTURES?

    Traditional dentures rest on and are supported by gum tissue.   The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and some level of suction can be developed for retention.  It is generally not possible to develop suction in a lower denture because of the smaller surface area as compared to the upper.  Additionally tongue movement tends to upset the denture. Implant-stabilized restorations offer superior chewing ability and are more like natural teeth.

  • WHAT ARE FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS?

    Full mouth dental implants, also known as full arch dental implants or implant supported dentures, are a treatment option for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth.  This treatment involves a full arch prosthesis that is supported by multiple implants.

  • CAN ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS BE REMOVED IF NECESSARY?

    All On 4 Dental Implants can be removed or replaced if necessary but this is generally a rare occurrence.

    Infection and/or implant failure would necessitate the removal and replacement of the existing implant and bone grafting would typically be recommended to rebuild the structural support for a new implant.  

    Keep in mind that All On 4 Dental Implants are meant to be a permanent solution and are removed once per year by your prosthodontist to clean and access your oral hygiene.  This means it is very important that you use your Water Pic daily to flush food debris from under your prosthesis to prevent gum infection.

    If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants or have existing complications, it is important to discuss these issues with a Board Certified Prosthodontist so you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment.

  • CAN ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS BE USED ON THE UPPER AND LOWER JAWS?

    All On 4 Dental Implants can  be used for both upper and lower jaws.  The bone on the upper jaw is not quite as dense and hard as it is on the lower and sometimes it is recommended to have 5 implants instead of 4 for added support.

  • AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

    All On 4 Dental Implants may be a good option for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth and are looking for a long term solution to return their smile and eating ability.

    Good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants have:

    1. Reasonably good health: Patients who have certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or any condition which would lower your immunity, may not be good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants.
    2. Tobacco usage:  Patients who use tobacco are at greater risk of implant failure than non smokers.
    3. Adequate volume and density of bone:  Some patients who experience significant bone loss may not be good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants.  For those patients there are other procedures that may be more suitable.
    4. Good oral hygiene:  The best candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants are those who will follow a strict oral hygiene regimen daily to ensure the best long term prognosis for their implants.

    If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants, discuss your options with a Board Certified Prosthodontist to determine if this is the right procedure for you.

  • WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

    The reported success rates of the All On 4 Dental Implant procedure in some studies is as high as 98% over 10 years.This high rate of success is due to the inherently stable design of the supporting implants and full arch prosthesis.

    The All On 4 Dental Implants system is designed to support a full arch of teeth with two implants in the front and two in the back of your jaw.  This arrangement is stable like the four legs of a table.  Chewing forces are evenly distributed across the implants which can reduce the risk of implant failure.

    It is important to recognize the the long term success of All On 4 Dental Implants depends on one's overall health, quality and quantity of supporting jawbone and a daily habit of effective oral hygiene.  Patient's who smoke are at greater risk of implant failure 

    If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants please discuss with your Board Certified Prosthodontist if this procedure is right for you.

  • IS THE ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

    As with any surgical procedure, All On 4 Dental Implants patients may experience some discomfort or pain during and after the procedure.  However, conscious sedation is recommended to provide a safe and effective pain free surgical experience.  

    Generally, post operative pain is considered mild and can be managed by oral medications.

    Keep in mind that every patient's pain tolerance is different and some may experience more discomfort that others. If you have concerns regarding pain or discomfort associated with the All On 4 Dental Implants procedure your Board Certified Prosthodontist will have the answers.

Connect

  • 713-464-6335
  • Memorial Hermann Memorial City
    Medical Plaza 3
    915 Gessner Road
    Houston, Texas 77024
  • markstankewitz515@gmail.com