Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A person who has lost their teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. Their teeth appear natural and their facial contours are preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile once again with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures:
First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this period. While this integration in occuring, your dentist is forming your new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Drs. Kim or Geiger will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums that will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts will be covered and hidden from view by the artificial teeth that are placed. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Kim or Geiger is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Kim or Geiger performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon a variety of factors. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Drs. Kim or Geiger performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants can vastly improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something that you have lived with for years – chances are you’ve never become fully accustomed to missing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
If you are considering implants your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants there are ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, which may be recommended.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place they will serve you well for many years if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists is key to the long term success of dental implants.
Houston Oral Surgery and Implant Center
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Fine service
- judy r
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Exceed my expectations. Was great!!
- james b
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Great job
- Diana V
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Very professional
- sherry f
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Great
- maribel t
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todo el servicio estubo excelente; los recomendaria a cualquier amigo
- fernando p
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The procedure went very smoothly. The doctor and his staff are professional and friendly, putting me at ease.
- Joyce A
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Fue muy rapido, honestos, no sintio nada de dolor.
- Alfredo M
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everything was pretty good
- victor M
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I was very paranoid and nervous of having to undergo surgery but the staff and Dr. put me at ease and took great care of me. I would refer to anyone in need of dental implants.
- Urania S
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Great Job!
- Kimberly D
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I would like to say thank you to the Doctor and staff, for everything that you have don so far. Thank you!!!
- Ollie H
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EL DOCTOR FUE MUY AMABLE Y TODOS LOS DE LA OFICINA TAMBIEN.
- lUISA L
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Dr. Kim is very professional and friendly..He takes his time explaining the procedures and does the job right. I had four dentist and I'm sticking to stay with this one. The staff is very nice. They also call the day before appointment to confirm and also several days after for followups..
- Hung N
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Also, excellent post surgery care. Yvonne took excellent care of me and explained everything in detail...
- R t
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great!
- david l
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Highly qualified, professional and caring doctor and staff
- Nita T
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everything was always great!!! love the staff ver kind
- tamiko s
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It was so comfortable.
- jaehyun s
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I am recommending this clinic to all my friends and coworkers who are looking into dental implants
- Mark P
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very good
- aeja c
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ms. veronica was great and kept me well taken care of during the procedure
- amber a
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Ms. Veronica made sure I was well taken are of
- amber a
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Everything went great! I truly appreciated all the staff, but a special Thank You to Veronica for taking extra time to help after the procedure was completed!
- Michael G
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very courtesy,friendliness service.
- otis l
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Doctor and each staff has technical knowledge.
- Young k
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Very good doctor and Staff. Not a lot of pain after the surgery. I would come again if needed but hopefully I don't have to.
- Kathryn C
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This was my first implant experience. everything went smoothly and the healing process has been quick. I had very little pain or discomfort, even immediately following the procedure. The staff made sure I was comfortable and played Christmas music during the process, which is about all I remembered afterwards. Highly recommend the professional staff and Dr. Kim.
- Lisa W
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I want to say Thank you to the entire team for being so understanding and patient with me.
- Nicole R
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I like to thank Dr. Kim and his staff, the procedure was easy with no pain and the environment was perfect for the occasion, I also congratulate them. Everything very clean and fast. Thank you
- Juan P
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My daughter Allison Diaz was the patient and she has felt very welcome here at Dr. Kim's office at W.26th Street. The staff and Dr. Sean Kim, were very polite, friendly, and respectful to my daughter and I.
- Michelle Q
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staff was nice. good serves. fast serves
- andrew b
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If ever I need ANY DENTAL work done this will be the place for me. Dr. Kim & staff gave me back my self-esteem and confidence in smiling-ONCE AGAIN. I THANK YOU-SO VERY MUCH Be Blessed!!!
- Letisha G
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easy pain free experience!
- joshua p
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nice job
- Anonymous
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The surgery went great, now i wont have no problems later on with my bottom wisdom tooth. I will for sure come back to take out my other two next time.
- Lisa R
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i had no problems and when i had one they accepted me for an appointment right away but everything is good.
- kevin R
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EVERYTHING WAS REALLY GOOD
- ana P
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I would love to visit in case of any problems that I have in the future.
- Jared B
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the staff makes you feel welcomed as possible and comfortable , they explain things and procedures very detailed when asked a question
- roxanne r
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Good services.
- abril m
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everyone was nice and the service was good and the doctor was nice.
- radwaa m
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I Like the way everything went.
- yanet L
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Good service
- Alpha R
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they did a great job ;0 recommended to all
- christopher
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they did a good job
- martha c
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Great service and work! its like if I am at home.
- Raymond G
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had a wonderful experience with both the doctor and staff
- Hector S
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great office
- gilberto o
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I love it 🙂
- Kara M