Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry - Dental Implants

Ronald Konig, DDS - Houston, Texas
713-668-2289 - E-mail

NEW TEETH FOR A NEW SMILE

Do you avoid laughing aloud, smiling, or eating in public because your denture may slip or a space left by missing teeth may show? If so, dental implants may improve the way you feel about your teeth. No matter how many teeth you're missing, dental implants may make it possible for you eat and speak with comfort and confidence again. Click here for information on Dentures

You may have spaces in your mouth where teeth were lost or removed or never grew in. Although these spaces may be embarrassing, traditional dental restorations aren't always the best solution. You may not want to sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space. Or, removing a complete or partial denture at night may be inconvenient. Added to this is the discomfort and possible embarrassment caused by a denture that slips.

If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it's really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. Used successfully for many years, dental implants anchor prosthetic (artificial) teeth into your jawbone to provide a secure, stable fit. Implants can meet your individual needs can meet your individual needs whether you're missing all, a few, or only one of your teeth.

Are Implants for You?

Dental implants can improve the quality of life many people, but they aren't for everyone. Use the checklist below to help determine how you feel about your dental health. The more boxes you check, the more likely its that dental implants will be a good choice for you.

Your Treatment Plan

After  a thorough evaluation, Dr. Konig will discuss a treatment plan with you.

If dental implants are likely to work for you, the overall cost and time frame for the procedure are outlined.

Implants Are Like Teeth

Your natural teeth are stable biting and chewing surfaces because they are supported by your jawbone. This will also be true of your dental implant. Successful dental implants become firmly embedded in the jaw, providing a chewing surface almost as secure as that of natural teeth.Roots Hold Crowns

The crowns of your natural teeth are held in place by roots. Roots not only secure your crowns, they also help keep your jaws healthy by stimulating the growth of new bone. This provides good support for your teeth.

The prosthesis is held in place by implants, which are usually made of titanium. Because this metal is well accepted by the body, titanium implants rarely cause reactions. Like the roots of natural teeth, implants also stimulate new gum growth in your jaw.

A PROSTHESIS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS

Using dental implants, a new prosthesis can be made to fit your individual needs. No matter how many teeth are being replaced, the basic process is the same. Only the number of implants changes. If you are replacing a complete set of teeth, though, you may have the option off either a removable or fixed prosthesis.

Types of Prostheses

Depending on your needs, a prosthesis can replace on one more teeth. The number of implants you'll need depends on whether you're having a partial, complete denture, or single prosthesis made. The more teeth being replaced, the more implants your prosthesis requires. These implants are placed to follow the shape of your jaw.

*Partial Prosthesis

This type of prosthesis can replace two or more teeth. It is the most commonly performed implant procedure, and my require only tow or three implants.

*Complete Denture Prosthesis

This type of prostheses replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies, depending on the type of prosthesis you choose.

Choosing a Complete Denture Prosthesis

A prosthesis that is used to replace a complete set of teeth may be removable or fixed. You and your restorative dentist may discuss which option is best for you. With a removable prosthesis, you can take your teeth out of your mouth to make cleaning easier. With a fixed prosthesis, your new teeth can only be taken out by a dentist. In some cases, a fixed prosthesis may offer increased stability for more effective chewing.

With a removable prosthesis, your new teeth can be joined to the abutments by a connecting device, such as a clip bar. This type of prosthesis my use two to four implants per jaw.

Single Prosthesis

This type of prosthesis is used to replace one or two missing teeth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant.

With a fixed prosthesis, your teeth are fitted to a metal frame, which is then secured to the abutments. A fixed prosthesis may use five to six implants, which are placed to follow the contour of your jaw.