Category: Blog

The Answers To All Your Questions On Dental Implants

dental implants
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Over 3 million people in the U.S alone have dental implants, and the number is increasing by 500,000 every year. In Cypress, TX alone, thousands of dental implants are reported each year.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants consist of an artificial root that is usually made of titanium, with a crown that is fitted on top of it, resembling a natural tooth!

Why get dental implants?

Dental implants could be an alternative to lost teeth, badly decayed or infected teeth or even broken teeth. Preventing bone loss and oral defects in adjacent teeth are a few of the many reasons why dentists recommend dental implants.

Do dental implants hurt?

Yes, and no! The surgery would obviously not hurt you since you’d be given local or general anesthesia to help you relax during the process. However, there would be some residual pain after the surgery. Thankfully, most patients have said that the pain during the healing phase is only as much as that of tooth extractions. Painkillers like Ibuprofen are enough to get rid of such pain!

What are the types?

Based on the surgical technique, there are two common types of dental implants: Endosteal and Periosteal. 

Endosteal implants are those in which the root of the implant is implanted directly into the jawbone, just like the root of a natural tooth. This makes the implant strong, firm and durable.

Periosteal implants, on the other hand, are for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support the implants. In this case, the implant is below the gums, but above the jawbone.

If your dentist deems necessary, he may suggest other surgeries like sinus lift, bone augmentation or bone graft, to achieve enough bone to perform an endosteal implant.

Based on the type of material used, implants can be categorized into titanium and zirconia implants.

Titanium implants are the most common type. They come in two parts: the crown and the root, and gives the dentist enough control over the surgery to perfectly place and fit the implant. They are strong and durable and are known to last for decades. However, some patients are allergic to the metallic nature, and thus, go for zirconia implants.

Zirconia implants are known for their aesthetics. They are of ceramic nature and emit a bright and natural white color, that perfectly resembles a beautiful natural tooth. However, they come in one piece and hence, do not give the dentist enough control over the positioning and fit of the implant. Furthermore, these implants have not been in the market for long enough to prove their durability.

Which type is cheaper? 

Generally, titanium implants are cheaper than zirconia implants. However, dental implants are expensive restorative dentistry procedures. You’d hardly find any significant cost deductions when it comes to dental implants since the materials for the implants remain the same.

Choose a general or family dentist – 5 reasons in favour of it

One of the first things that you consider before walking in for a dental visit is the cost, both in terms of money and time! When multiple dental appointments are required, just in case you need to take care of the other members of your family, the time constraint is one of the challenges that you must face. What best comes to your rescue at this juncture is a one-stop solution. In the case of dental treatments, it is family dentistry that would cater to not only your oral needs but also that of your child’s or any other elderly member in your house.

The concept of family dentistry in Cypress, TX is preferred by many individuals due to some of its unique attributes. The relevant ones have been discussed here in this article.

family dentistry

The concept of Generational Care

Family dentistry is where the dental needs of a family from grandparents to parents, to children, to grandchildren are met. This concept makes the planning of long-term treatments both easier and effective. In the case of children or infants especially, the dentist is able to spot problems long before they occur. Also, there exists a better understanding of patient history from past experiences and knowledge about the family.

Inculcates good habits

Most importantly, what family dentistry promotes is inculcating the habit of visiting the dentist, especially among the children of your family. The more you take them along with you to the dental office, the more they become familiar with things like regular check-ups, professional cleanings, etc. Additionally, some other good things are achieved. A positive doctor-patient relationship, feeling relaxed while sitting on the chair in front of the dentist, etc. – all of which makes the treatment procedure much easier. The comfort of the patients is the factor that plays the primary role in instilling the habit of regular dental visits within an individual.

Referrals to Specialists are easily available

Family dentistry usually consists of a general dentist. A general and family dentist in Cypress, TX usually has a strong professional referral network! Sometimes, you do need a specialist to step in for a complex case. In family dentistry, when you present an issue, the dentist will be able to assess the case and suggest if specialist care is needed. He would then refer you to a specialist and also help you in planning out your further treatment, even in case he sends you out of town or interstate for the said purpose.

Get Emergency Care

Your family dentist would provide you with another facility and this one’s a huge one. Usually, these general dentists offer some form of emergency dental care during the hour of need. After-hours services, weekend appointments are generally available to attend to your emergencies like severe tooth pain, missing teeth or a traumatized tooth with chips, cracks, or even fractures!

Above all a family dentistry embraces popularity due to one its virtues – it provides multiple services under one roof. Among these, the most important services being:

 Regular check-ups and cleanings
 Restorative treatments like crowns, veneers, etc.
 Orthodontic solutions like braces, mouth guard to treat bruxism, etc.
 Cosmetic procedures (most common teeth whitening)

When family dentistry is in and around your residence and/or workplace or a location convenient for you, go for it. It comes with even more advantages than discussed here in this post. Availing treatment facilities for multiple members of a family is largely advantageous today when time shortages have literally dotted our lives!