Dental Implant Placement
A dental implant is actually a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to mimic the root structure of a lost tooth, and once there, it can be attached to any number of restorations that show above the gum line. A minor surgical procedure is needed to place them, which Dr. Castleberry can perform right here in our dental office. Most dentists have to refer out for this part of the procedure, but thanks to Dr. Castleberry’s education, he’s able to keep our patients’ implant journeys nice and convenient.
After the procedure is completed, a patient will be given a few months to heal before they return to our dental office to receive their new teeth.
Learn More about the Dental Implant Process
Implant-Retained dental Crowns & Bridges
For a single missing tooth, we can restore it using what is called an implant-retained crown. This consists of an all-porcelain crown connected to the implant using something called an abutment, which is similar to a tiny screw. Once in place, the crown will completely blend into the smile and resemble a natural tooth in every way.
For patients missing a few teeth in a row, an implant crown can also be bonded to additional prosthetic teeth to replace them, forming an implant-retained bridge.
Dental Implant-Retained Dentures
Sick and tired of your unreliable dentures? Dental implants can give you a set of teeth you can finally rely on. With implant-retained dentures, the prosthetic teeth are anchored directly to the jawbone using multiple implants placed within the mouth. Compared to a traditional removable denture, implant dentures have a much more secure hold, the fit lasts for years, and it even helps restore more of a patient’s bite strength, enabling them to enjoy a more varied (and healthier) diet.
Mini Dental Implants
Many patients with missing teeth have experienced bone loss in the jaw as a result, making them ineligible to get traditional implants (implant posts need a strong jawbone to stay in place). For these patients, mini dental implants now offer a viable alternative. Shorter and thinner than regular ones, they can still be used to secure a denture with a much better fit than a traditional overdenture. They can also be placed in restored in much less time due to their reduced size!
All-on-4 / Teeth-in-a-Day Dental Implants
With this procedure, we can replace an entire row of missing teeth in just one appointment using only four dental implants. Once the implants are placed, they are immediately attached to a denture. With that, a patient will have a completely new smile! This treatment enables someone to literally wake up one morning with missing teeth and go to bed that night with a full smile. Typically, the only regret people have is that they didn’t come in to see us sooner!
Dental Implant FAQ’s
Are you still curious about dental implants? We understand that even after learning some information, you may have additional questions about this state-of-the-art tooth replacement. That’s why we’ve complied a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants. We want our patients to have the information they need to feel confident in their treatment. Read on to learn more about dental implants in Houston.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The best way to know if implants are right for you is to visit our office for a consultation. Dr. Castleberry will carefully examine the condition of your oral health, the number of teeth you’re missing, and the strength of your jawbone before recommending dental implants. Typically, candidates for implants will have a commitment to positive oral health and a jawbone with enough volume to place them. Additionally, dental implant treatment may not be an option for heavy/routine smokers.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the reasons why dental implants are so popular is their longevity. With proper care like brushing, flossing, and routine visits to our office, you can enjoy dental implants for an entire lifetime. Just be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, paying close attention to the areas with implants. You should also floss to ensure that no food debris or plaque gets caught in between teeth. While the restorations themselves may eventually need replacing, our high-quality dental implants are built to last.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
While every plan is different, dental insurance typically does not cover dental implants. However, in many cases, we can maximize your benefits, allowing your insurance to partially cover certain aspects of the procedure. For example, your consultation and any periodontal therapy you may need can be covered. Our friendly front desk staff is experienced in handling dental insurance and minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants can be made of various materials, but ours are made out of durable titanium. This material is key to the entire process because it is biocompatible, allowing the implants to fuse to your jawbone. This creates sturdy and strong supports for restorations, giving you a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural one. Plus, this high-grade titanium allows your implants to remain effective for the rest of your life (with proper care).
What Are the Parts of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have multiple parts that make up your tooth replacement—it’s the only solution that restores your teeth from the roots up. There are 3 main components of the entire replacement. It starts with the implant itself, which is then mounted with an abutment (a small connector). This piece then allows Dr. Castleberry to place your restoration. For a single tooth implant, the restoration is a custom-made dental crown, but you may also need dental bridges or dentures.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office!
The Castleberry Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry