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Dental Implants – Katy, TX

Replacing Teeth from Top to Bottom

You should always replace teeth when you can, but what if you could choose a tooth replacement option that mimicked natural teeth closer than any other treatment? With dental implants, you can do exactly that. Dr. John Siu and our expert dentists at The Dental People offer every stage of dental implant process in-house, so your treatment is more convenient overall. No other solution offers the long-term restorative benefits that dental implants do, making them one of the most recommended solutions in dentistry to date. To see if you’re eligible for dental implants in Katy, TX, schedule your consultation by calling our dental office!

Why Choose The Dental People for Dental Implants?

  • Dental Implants Placed & Restored in One Convenient Location
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology for Safe, Precise Treatment
  • Multiple Dental Sedation Options for Maximum Comfort

What Are Dental Implants?

dentist showing a model of dental implants in Katy

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that replaces both the visible portion of the tooth and the missing tooth root structure. The implant itself is a small titanium rod that is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gumline. The biocompatible implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone in a natural process called osseointegration, which usually takes several months. Once the healing process is finished, a crown is securely attached to the top of the implant via a metal abutment, successfully replacing the missing tooth and boosting the person’s appearance. A dental bridge or denture can also be secured onto multiple implant posts in order to bring back several missing teeth at once.

4 Step Dental Implant Process

Female patient smiling and pointing to mouth after getting dental implants in Katy, TX

One of the advantages of getting dental implants here at The Dental People is that Dr. Siu is able to both place and restore implants in-house, meaning you can complete the entire treatment right here. This makes attending the necessary appointments much more convenient and makes it easier to personalize the treatment as needed. No two implant treatments are the same, but you can always expect them to follow the four basic steps outlined below.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dentist showing patient model of dental implants in Katy, TX

At your first appointment, Dr. Siu will check your mouth to confirm how many teeth need to be replaced, and he’ll use cutting-edge technology to confirm that your jaw is capable of supporting the implant posts. Before he schedules the surgery to place your implants, he might determine that you need preliminary work like bone grafting or tooth extractions in order to ensure the eventual success of your dental implants. You’ll be given an estimate of the cost and a timeline for the process as a whole before we move any further.

Dental Implant Surgery

Close-up of dental implant in Katy, TX during surgery

We can perform implant surgery in-house once all of the preparations have been completed and we’ve confirmed that your jaw is healthy enough for the procedure. The surgery involves making incisions in the gum tissue so that we can create holes in the jaw and insert the posts where they need to go. Sutures will be used to close the gums afterwards, and a protective cap will be attached to the implant posts. The cap serves two functions: it protects the implants during the healing process, and it helps the gums maintain their shape.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Render of dental implant in Katy, TX in the jaw

Your implants won’t be ready to support new teeth right away. First, they need to bond with the jaw so that they can provide the stimulation necessary to prevent bone loss. The bonding process is called osseointegration, and it can take anywhere from three to six months depending on how many implants there are and your body’s own healing capabilities. After a successful osseointegration, we can attach a metal connector piece called an abutment to each implant post. The abutment is what will secure your crown, bridge, or denture into place during the next and final step of the process.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Man admiring smile after restoration of dental implants in Katy, TX

We’ll only begin this final step once your mouth has fully healed from implant surgery and abutment placement. To create prosthetics that fit comfortably in your mouth and match your other teeth, we’ll need to take impressions of your smile in its current state. Then the impressions will be sent to a lab where professional ceramists will create a restoration that looks virtually the same as your natural teeth. A final appointment will be scheduled once we’ve received the restoration; it will be attached to your implants after we’ve made the necessary adjustments.

Benefits of Dental Implants

close-up of a woman smiling with a dental implant

Because dental implants replace the root structure of missing teeth in addition to the visible crowns, they’re able to accomplish things that traditional options like bridges and dentures cannot. Once the dental implant process is complete, they should be practically indistinguishable from your original teeth in almost every way. Here are just a few of the life-changing benefits of dental implants in Katy!

Day-to-Day Benefits

senior man and woman brushing their teeth together
  • Enjoy your favorite foods – Once the dental implant posts have integrated with your jawbone, they restore almost all of the chewing power that you had with your natural teeth. Unlike with regular dentures, chowing down on tough steaks or crunchy vegetables should be no challenge at all with dental implants!
  • Looks and feels natural – By mimicking every part of a natural tooth, a dental implant looks and feels so lifelike that, after some time has passed, you might even forget that you ever lost a tooth at all!
  • Easy oral hygiene – Caring for dental implants in Katy is remarkably, conveniently similar to taking care of real teeth. All you have to do is brush and floss on a daily basis, just like you would before tooth loss.

Health Benefits

dental implant preventing the adjacent teeth from drifting
  • Prevent dental drift – After a tooth is removed, the adjacent teeth begin to slowly drift out of place. Eventually, this can cause bite alignment issues that result in pain, difficulty eating, chronic teeth grinding, and more. Dental implants are a great way to fill the gap and keep your remaining teeth properly aligned.
  • Self-reliant solution – Dental implants don’t require support from your remaining teeth like dental bridges do, nor do they rely on your gums like conventional dentures do. In fact, dental implants are completely self-supporting, so they preserve the health of your natural teeth and gum tissue.
  • Maintain a balanced diet – People who are missing teeth or wear dentures are often limited in terms of the foods they can enjoy. They typically have trouble attaining all of the vitamins and nutrients they need for optimal health. Because dental implants replenish your chewing power, it’s easy to incorporate a variety of healthy foods into your diet, like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Long-Term Benefits

senior businessman smiling in his office
  • Jawbone support – Dental implants are the form of only tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone every time you bite or chew. As a result, they prevent the bone deterioration that commonly occurs after tooth loss. Not only does this keep your jawbone strong and healthy, but it maintains the natural shape of your jaw and helps you enjoy a youthful appearance.
  • Long-lasting results – Traditional dentures and dental bridges must be replaced every five to ten years on average. In contrast, dental implants can last for 30+ years as long as you take good care of them. Therefore, implants may end up being the more cost-effective choice over time.
  • Impressive success rates – When placed by a trained implant dentist in Katy, dental implants have a success rate of more than 95 percent, even after over a decade.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Woman smiling while visiting dental implant dentist in Katy

One of the other notable benefits of dental implants is their versatility. Not only can you replace single teeth, but you can replace multiple teeth at a time or even an entire arch, all with the help of dental implants. As a result, those who have even the most severe cases of tooth loss can take their smile back. Below, we encourage you to take a moment to consider your options to see which path may be best for you ahead of your consultation!

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Patient with dental implants in Katy smiling with a dentist

More people are eligible to receive dental implants than ever before thanks to advancements in dentistry. However, there are certain prerequisites that are needed before you can receive them safely. For example, patients pursuing dental implants should have:

  • Sufficient bone tissue
  • Good oral and overall health
  • The ability to undergo minor oral surgery
  • A strong commitment to at-home oral care and routine dental checkups

We’ll perform a detailed examination of your smile during your consultation to confirm that you are able to receive dental implants. If you need additional treatments beforehand (i.e. gum therapy, bone grafting, etc.) we’ll get you scheduled for these services first, then revisit your tooth replacement.

Missing One Tooth

A single titanium post and porcelain crown can effectively replace a single tooth. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning its properties are designed to integrate with the existing bone and soft tissue. Porcelain best mimics natural tooth enamel. However, it is more stain-resistant overall, unlike enamel, which is very porous and therefore more susceptible to stains.

Missing Multiple Teeth

A pair of dental implants can hold a three- or four-crown bridge, effectively replacing one to two missing teeth at a time. Instead of removing tooth enamel like you would a traditional bridge, a dental implant is placed on either side to anchor the restoration. If you want to maintain as much of the natural enamel that makes up your existing teeth as possible, dental implants are the most ideal tooth replacement solution.

Missing All Teeth

Are you tired or frustrated with your dentures? Then you’re in luck! Just four to six dental implants can support a full denture with ease. This means you can say goodbye to uncomfortable, slipping dentures and enjoy a new smile that you’ll feel confident will stay in place! Plus, implant dentures cause no gum sores and can restore 75% or more of your natural biting force, allowing you to comfortably eat apples, steak, nuts, and all your other favorite foods!

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Learn More About All-On-4 Dental Implants

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

man smiling in the dental chair during dental implant consultation

The cost of your dental implant treatment is difficult to determine until you have a consultation at our dental office. For one, if you need preparatory treatments to receive dental implants, including bone grafts, sinus lifts, or periodontal therapy, your overall cost will increase. Furthermore, replacing more teeth requires more implants and more complex restorations to complete, therefore raising costs.

With that said, dental implants are still considered to be the most cost-effective solution because of the many restorative and functional benefits they provide. As a long-term investment, you won’t need to maintain them as often as other tooth replacement options and you’ll be able to eat all the foods you want without worry. The same cannot be said for bridges or dentures because they do not replace the roots of teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

dental bridge being placed onto two dental implant posts

There is no fixed dental implant cost because every patient is different. The total amount you’ll end up paying is dependent on several factors, such as how many teeth you need to get replaced. On average, you can expect to pay more if you’re missing more teeth since you’ll need a higher number of implant posts to treat your tooth loss. Another factor that will affect the cost is the type of material the implant is made of, such as titanium or ceramic.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

dental implant post lying on top of a stack of hundred-dollar bills

Each step in the process of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants will incur their own costs. Some of the steps may include:

  • Initial consultation – You’ll need to get a CT scan as well as x-rays to determine your candidacy for implants as well as where exactly they’ll need to be placed.
  • Preliminary treatments – Many patients require additional treatments prior to placing implants, such as periodontal therapytooth extractions, or a bone graft.
  • Sedation or anesthesia – Depending on how many teeth you’re receiving and your general level of dental anxiety, you might need more than just a local anesthetic to get you through your implant placement procedure.
  • Number of implants – You’ll have to pay a certain amount of money for each implant that’s being placed.
  • Abutment – Each post needs a connector piece known as an abutment.
  • Restoration – Your restoration will cost differently depending on whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

businesswoman and businessman looking at a laptop together

While you’ll likely pay more initially for dental implants than other options, you’ll also find that they can save you money in the long run. With an incredibly high success rate of over 95%, you can trust that your implants should last for decades to come. As long as you take good care of your implants, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting them replaced.

Additionally, dental implants preserve your oral health by stimulating your jawbone in a way that dentures and bridges do not. This prevents you from losing any more jawbone mass. Dental implants also fill the gaps in your smile, stopping your remaining teeth from drifting into the space and lowering your risk for further tooth loss. This decreases your risk for expensive dental problems in the future.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

dental insurance form

Although most dental insurance carriers will not cover the entire cost of dental implants, they are likely to pay for some portions of the treatment. While every policy differs, most plans will cover some aspects of the cost once you have met your deductible, such as preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy or a bone graft.

If you don’t have dental insurance, our Katy dental office also accepts CareCredit, a third-party financing option that allow you to pay for the dental care you need with little to no interest. You can pay for your new smile one step at a time without breaking the bank.

Dental Implant Technology

Older man smiling after dental implant technology in Katy

At The Dental People, we use the latest technology to ensure that our patients enjoy the most precise, comfortable, safe, and predictable treatments. With advanced instruments like 3D cone beam imaging and guided implant surgery, it’s never been easier to get dental implants. Plus, our high-tech equipment contributes to the incredible success rate of dental implants — 95% even after 10 years. Read on below to learn more about dental implant technology in Katy!

3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning

Man positioned in CBCT machine, ready for scan

Traditional X-Rays only take 2D images of the mouth, which can often leave underlying issues undiagnosed. Plus, it’s difficult to view the exact size, shape, and strength of the jawbone. However, cone beam CT scans allow us to create a 3D image of your oral structures, giving us a better understanding of the strength and size of your jawbone and the condition of your oral health. Once a 3D image is created with our highly advanced Carestream CS 8100 machine, we can confidently and precisely place dental implants for the highest rate of success and safety.

The scanning process is quick, noninvasive, and completely painless. Plus, a cone beam CT scanner uses less radiation than a traditional CT, so you can be sure that the scan is as low-risk as possible.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

3D illustration of a dental implant, abutment, and dental crown with rest of the smile

Our implant dentist in Katy uses guided dental implant surgery to ensure that any risks and/or surprises are minimized. This groundbreaking technology makes the already predictable dental implant surgery even more precise, successful, and safe. Using advanced imaging technology and dental instruments, we can use a 3D version of your mouth as a guide for the placement of your implants. By letting us see all the anatomical structures in your mouth, jaw, teeth, and surrounding tissue, guided dental implant surgery minimizes the risk of human error.

We take the guided surgery process a step further than many practices, who usually rely on a laboratory to create their surgical guides. We are proud to make our own surgical guides with our in-house 3D printer!

Intraoral Scanner

Woman smiling in dental chair during her dental implant appointment

Have you ever gone to the dentist for a restoration like a dental crown or bridge? If so, you may have experienced the putty that is traditionally used to take impressions. This putty tastes strange, and it’s uncomfortable to experience. Thankfully, we have a digital impression system, also called an intraoral scanner, that eliminates the need for messy putty and helps us to design beautiful, natural looking restorations. It works by taking highly detailed images of the mouth, which are combined to create a three-dimensional digital impression. Once this impression is made, we can use it as the basis for designing the restoration that will go on top of your dental implants in Katy.

Would you like to learn more about the advanced technology we use to enhance your dental implant care? Please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!

Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions

dentist showing a patient a dental implant model

Are you looking for a solution that will address your missing teeth? If you are considering dental implants, our team at The Dental People invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your eligibility as well as any concerns or questions you might have about treatment. We understand this is a big decision and costly investment, which is why we are here to provide complete transparency. In fact, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about dental implants to help you become more well-informed and ultimately, make the right decision about the future of your smile.

Will I be unable to eat certain foods with dental implants?

One of the best things about dental implants is that you can continue to enjoy the foods you love and no longer worry about your restoration falling out or slipping. Whether you have one implant or a full implant denture, these customized restorations sit permanently within your jawbone and act just like regular teeth. While it is advised that you try to avoid hard, crunchy foods, you may choose to cut these up into smaller, more bite-sized pieces to avoid accidental injury to one of your implants.

Do dental implants hurt?

When arriving for your dental implant placement surgery, you will receive local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain at all during the procedure. Because it will be necessary for the oral surgeon to make one or more small incisions in your gums, it is common for there to be some soreness and swelling in these areas after you return home to recover. If necessary, the doctor will provide an antibiotic or recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever to help minimize discomfort.

Once you’ve fully healed from your placement surgery, your implants should feel normal within your mouth and no longer cause any pain.

Will I first need a bone graft or sinus lift?

During your scheduled consultation, our team will examine your oral cavity and determine if you are eligible for dental implants. If it is discovered that your jawbone is not firm enough to hold up your implants, it will be necessary to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift. These common oral surgeries make it possible to strengthen the jawbone and allow patients with missing teeth to go on to receive dental implants after they’ve fully healed from the necessary bone graft or sinus lift.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Another added benefit of dental implants is how easy they are to maintain. Because they are surgically placed into the jawbone, they cannot be removed, making them much easier to clean. In fact, you can continue with your regular oral hygiene routine while wearing dental implants because they will look and feel like natural teeth. Although they cannot decay, it is important that you continue to brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. This will prevent cavities and other dental problems from developing, all of which can be problematic for your dental implants.

What is the success rate for dental implant placement?

While there is a small chance that your dental implants could fail, it is highly unlikely for this to happen. Research has shown there is an extremely high success rate when it comes to dental implant placement. As long as you are seeing a licensed professional who has extensive training, you can expect a 95-98% success rate.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Even though it’s rare for dental implant failure to occur, it typically happens for one of the following reasons:

  • Peri-Implantitis – This is a form of gum disease that often develops from poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, it can damage the bone and gums supporting the implant.
  • Failed Osseointegration – Patients with low jawbone density are at higher risk of dental implant failure because the implant may not successfully integrate with the surrounding bone tissue.

Some other causes of dental implant failure include chronic teeth grinding, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications. During your consultation, we’ll explain how you can minimize your risk of implant failure.

What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Feels Loose?

Once fully integrated with the jawbone, dental implants should remain firmly in place for years to come. If your implant ever feels loose, you should contact our office right away for assistance. Time is of the essence in the situation. The sooner you seek dental attention, the better chance we’ll have of saving your implant and preventing implant failure.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

Although it’s possible for smokers to get dental implants, it’s worth noting that they’re at higher risk of implant failure. Smoking, chewing, or vaping tobacco can cause dry mouth, delay healing, and interfere with the implants’ ability to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. It can also dislodge the blood clot that’s formed over the implant site, leading to a painful complication known as a dry socket. That said, it’s recommended for smokers to quit at least two weeks before the procedure and wait to resume the habit for at least three months afterward. Of course, the ideal solution would be to kick this habit to the curb for good.

How Soon After Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dental Implants?

If the jawbone is healthy enough, a dental implant can be placed immediately following an extraction. However, most dentists will recommend waiting three to six months for the mouth to heal. You should avoid waiting longer than that as the jawbone can shrink from lack of stimulation from the tooth’s roots. During your initial appointment, we’ll explain exactly how long you should wait based on your unique case.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

woman flossing in front of a mirror

One thing that really sets dental implants apart from regular dentures and bridges is that, if you take good care of them, they have the potential to last for life. Just like natural teeth, though, dental implants in Katy can only stand the test of time if you put in the necessary effort. Dental implant care in Katy is quite easy compared to that of other tooth replacements, but you’ll still need to keep the following tips in mind to ensure your new smile lasts.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

woman in white bathrobe brushing her teeth

Even with dental implants in Katy, you should still brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. Why? Without adequate oral hygiene, plaque can build up on your gums, which may result in gum disease. Your implants might not be susceptible to tooth decay, but gum disease can lead to their downfall, as it could damage the surrounding gum tissue to the point where it can no longer support the implants.

Eat a Healthy Diet

woman biting into a red apple

In addition to how often (and how thoroughly) you brush and floss, your diet has a huge impact on your oral health. Eating foods with high sugar and/or starch content make it easier for harmful bacteria in your mouth to produce plaque. On the other hand, chewing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will naturally scrub your teeth clean as well as provide your body with vitamins and minerals that encourage healthy gums. Consider evaluating your diet to make sure it primarily contains a wide array of unprocessed, nutritious foods.

Break Bad Habits

person snapping a cigarette in half 
        Protect Your Dental Implants

As durable as dental implants are, they can be damaged by many of the same habits that harm natural teeth. These include:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco.
  • Biting your fingernails.
  • Opening packaging or bottles with your teeth.
  • Chewing on ice cubes, pens, or other non-food objects.

The next time you find yourself craving something to chew, try a piece of sugar-free gum instead of your fingernails or other hard items. Our team can give you further advice on quitting these habits and can point you toward smoking cessation resources if you need them.

Protect Your Dental Implants

man wearing a red mouthguard over his teeth

Do you often play sports to stay active? Just as it’s important to wear a helmet or shoulder pads, it’s also essential to protect your smile by wearing an athletic mouthguard. Your implant dentist in Katy can provide you with a customized mouthguard that fits better than any of the mass-produced ones from the store, ensuring more protection. Similarly, we can design a nightguard for you if you grind your teeth when you sleep; this safeguards your implants and remaining teeth against long-term wear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

dental hygienist cleaning a patient’s teeth

Keeping up with your six-month checkups and cleanings is still important, no matter how many of your teeth have been replaced with dental implants. Our dentists will have the opportunity to detect any underlying issues and address them before they wreak serious havoc on your oral health. In some cases, this preventive approach may be able to save your dental implants from failing.