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Clear Lake Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 17448 Highway 3, Suite 170 • Webster, Texas 77598-4139 • Phone: 281-338-7700 • Fax: 281-338-7703 What are dental implants? Dental implants, which are similar to a bone screw, are placed as permanent fixtures. Implants function as an anchor in the jawbone and are topped with individual replacement teeth or a bridge that screws or cements onto the abutments inside the implants. Implants are man-made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Implant technology and materials used today in the United States were developed more than 30 years ago in Europe. How do I know if I need implants? Single teeth, or a full arch of teeth, which have been extracted due to injury or disease and replaced with removable partials or dentures, can be replaced with dental implants. After the teeth are replaced by implants, a non-removable, fixed bridge or an over-denture can be placed, which may help with facial support. There are other patients who consider implants that have poor fitting removable, conventional dentures for lower and upper jaws, or have removable partials that clasp to adjacent teeth. Who are the likely candidates for implants? There are many variables to be considered before placing implants:
What is the first step? Once you have made the decision to have implants, your next step is to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Holcomb. Your initial visit will be for a consultation and a panoramic x-ray. The panoramic x-ray is necessary to measure the height, width and surrounding structure of the jaws to determine if the bone in the jaw is adequate to hold the implants. Once you have elected to have implants, impressions (molds of the jaws) will be taken and the molds may be used to fabricate a surgical guide known as a stent. The molds accurately show where the gaps are located and provide additional measurements for a replacement tooth or a bridge. Treatment with dental implants is complicated and takes meticulous planning for best results. Sometimes it may be necessary to order tomograms (x-rays of the jaws that are similar to CT scans). Once the patient records are obtained, Dr. Holcomb will consult with your general dentist to determine the number, type and location of the dental implants, then the surgical phase of treatment can begin. Treatment options:
The implant procedure is performed in the office under IV anesthesia. The procedure is usually minimally uncomfortable. Depending on how involved it is determines how lengthy the surgery will be. Stage One: Placement of the implant. The implant will be surgically placed into the jaw, and a small screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue from growing into the implant. The gum tissue will then be sutured over the implant. It takes approximately three to six months for lower jaw implants to heal completely and six to nine months for those in the upper jaw. This healing process is called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone. The healing time is determined on an individual basis and by the type of implant used. Stage Two: Exposure of the implant. The second stage is to expose (uncover) the implant. This is a minor surgical procedure where the gum tissue is removed over the implant and a healing cap is placed. Stage Three: Prosthetic placement. Following adequate healing of the gum tissue, which is usually two weeks, you will be referred to your general dentist for a series of appointments to fabricate the bridges or individual teeth that will be placed onto the titanium posts to replace the missing teeth. There can be some variances in the surgical treatment depending on the quantity and quality of the bone where the implants are to be placed, which may include augmentation of the jaw. Implants are very durable and can last a very long time. A regular yearly evaluation with your general dentist is necessary. Implants require the same "maintenance" as real teeth, including brushing and flossing to insure the long life of your restoration. The teeth on the implants require routine maintenance and are subject to wear and tear just as any artificial substitute. Health risks and dental implants: In accordance with the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontists - Implants are made of biologically compatible materials, which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years. Since these materials are largely metals, such as titanium, and have never been living tissue, there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response, which could cause rejection similar to that, which sometimes occurs with heart, and kidney transplants. Welcome - Dr. Holcomb - General Information - Financial Information - How to Contact our Office - Directions to our Office - Information about our Specialty - Specialty Procedures - Patient Forms - HIPPA Privacy Notice - Pre-Operative Instructions - Post-Operative Instructions - Site Disclaimer - Links |