Why Dental Implants In Spring TX May Not Be For You

There used to be very limited options when it comes to addressing a missing tooth. Today, patients suffering from a single or multiple teeth loss are offered a number of alternative choices. One popular solution that is a cut above the rest is dental implant treatment. This sophisticated dental procedure has taken the field of dentistry to a whole new level of sophistication. However, if you are considering dental implants in Spring TX or elsewhere, it is important to take note that not everyone are ideal candidates.

The Risks

The success rate of a dental implant procedure is quite high but there are still risks involved. This is exactly the reason why you have to learn all you can about the treatment to know what to expect. Common complications are infection, damage to the surrounding teeth and even to the nerves. An implant can also fail. This means that the implant did not fuse with the bone as expected. When this happens, surgeons will give it another try. However, the procedure will not begin until the area has sufficiently healed which can take several months.

Are you an ideal candidate?

If you have missing teeth and considering dental implants, consult with your dental practitioner. If you are not confident with the diagnostic or the treatment option presented to you, you can always get a second opinion. In fact, if it is not at all urgent, it is smart to get multiple opinions. Dentists can have varying opinions mainly because they have varied educational background and even experiences in the field.

Broadly speaking, ideal candidates for dental implants should have a good health condition. He should also have sufficient bone density to support the dental implant itself. This is extremely important since having sufficient jawbone density will ensure that the implant will be able to withstand extreme forces that are exerted by the mouth such as when chewing, etc. Also, an ideal candidate should be committed to adhere to good oral hygiene all throughout the procedure and even after. Plus, he should not be suffering from any medical problems that could affect his ability to heal. Ideally, he should be a non-smoker, but if he is, he should refrain from smoking at least during the treatment process.

Recovery time

A dental implant treatment process can require several months to complete. This is due to the fact that it will take time for the bone grafting area to heal. And if it is healed, and the implant is placed, more time is again required before the replacement tooth is attached.

Do you have dental issues that are preventing you from living your life to the fullest? Visit Dr. Holly Gregory, DDS or Northeast Houston Dental Implants & Periodontology today to help you decide which dental solution is right for your needs. 

Are Dental Implants In Spring TX Worth Their Price Tags?

Dental implants, just like anything else, have their share of pros and cons. This dental surgery, which has changed the face of the dental industry, offers a permanent solution to people dealing with tooth or multiple teeth loss. Its track record for successful dental implant surgery is quite remarkable. But as stated, there are potential risks involved. Thus, before considering dental implants in Spring TX or elsewhere, you should be aware of the possible complications not only during the surgery itself but even after the procedure.

What goes on during the surgery?

If you think about it, the chance of developing complications in a dental implant surgery is actually very low. Recent statistics says it’s less than 5%. On the other hand, there are a number of individuals that might be ideal candidates for the procedure. Accordingly, about 70% of adults aged 35-44 are suffering from at least one tooth missing due to trauma, gum diseases, tooth decay and failed root canal.

Basically, a dental implant treatment involves surgically inserting a titanium screw directly into a patient’s jawbone. This will be the base into which the crown or replacement tooth will be attached. What’s great about this dental solution is that the implant fuses with the jawbone providing a solid and secure connection. Unlike other dental options, there’s no worry that the implant will move, shift or fall off your mouth while you’re talking or eating. Also, the replacement teeth look and feel just like your natural tooth.

The Potential Risks:

While a dental implant procedure has a very high success rate, more than 95%, it is, however, not for everybody. Generally, they work best for patients with very good overall health condition. Common issues associated with this dental surgery include infection, insufficient bone mass, fractured implants, incorrect positioning, as well as damage to surrounding tissues and even overloading and reaction to anesthesia. The good news though is that most of these issues can be easily addressed. Then again, when ignored, even minor issues can lead to bigger health problems with long-term implications. Meanwhile, when a dental implant fails, a second implant is normally attempted. But you may have to wait for several months until the area has healed before the second procedure begins.

The Cost

One of the drawbacks of dental implants is that the procedure is usually expensive. Its cost is generally higher than other dental solutions. And what’s worse about it is that most dental insurance policies won’t cover its cost. Those who do will only pay for the cost of the crown which isn’t much. Fortunately, in recent years, dental implants are made more affordable allowing more and more individuals to reap all the benefits the treatment can offer.

Want to know if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants? Visit Dr. Holly Gregory, DDS at Northeast Houston Dental Implants & Periodontology today for a professional assessment.

What Exactly Is An Oral Surgeon In Houston TX?

Nowadays, with the changes and advances in the field of dentistry as well as the evolution of specializations, finding the right dental expert to handle your specific issues has become tricky. For instance, there are cases that demand the expertise of an oral surgeon because they are more than what a common dentist can handle. This is when being informed comes in handy so you can make informed decisions that will enable you to get the best dental treatment that you deserve. If you are looking for a competent oral surgeon in Houston TX or anywhere else, here’s some information that will help you find a good one.

First of all, an oral surgeon is basically a surgical expert in the field of dentistry particularly in the oral and maxillofacial areas. To be an oral surgeon, a dentist has to undergo up to 4 years of hospital-based training. During this period, he will be trained in different fields like anesthesiology, emergency medicine, ICU, general surgery, plastic surgery and others. After the training, he will spend more time to develop his skills and knowledge and at the same time gain experience in other related fields particularly involving surgeries to the mouth, jaws and face. This extensive training will enable an oral surgeon to successfully perform surgeries involving the areas in the mouth, jaws and face.

While oral surgeons have offices that are similar to that of a general dentist, they however have equipment and tools that are more specialized and sophisticated to enable them to perform procedures in a quicker and more precise manner.

What To Look For In An Oral Surgeon:

When you’ve got dental problems that require the expertise of an oral surgeon, find one who is competent in his field. His skills and experience is a huge factor that can determine the success of the procedure. So how can you find a good one? First of all, you should verify that he is indeed an oral surgeon. Ask for papers that will prove that he is certified. You have to take note that not all are board-certified. To find someone competent to handle you case, it is best to find one that has achieved the highest credentials and met the standards set for the profession.

Before making a decision, set an interview and ask about his past experiences in the field especially in handling cases similar to yours. Ask if he encountered any problem and how he managed to deal with the situation. Make sure also to ask about his plans in case of emergency. Aside from making sure that you find a competent oral surgeon, make sure also that you get one who is caring and will be available for you in case problems arise later on.

Got dental issues that are more than what a common dentist can handle? Visit Northeast Houston Implants & Periodontology today to ensure a successful procedure. 

Crucial Information On Dental Implants In Houston TX That You Should Be Aware Of

Teeth loss has become a common problem for many people. Accordingly, 69% of American adults ages 35-44 have lost at least a tooth due to trauma, gum disease or tooth decay. Furthermore, by the time they turn 74, about 30 million adults will have complete loss of teeth in one or both of their jaws. Over the years, many options are made available to deal with this dental issue. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of dental implants that patients were offered an ideal solution that brings in a number of long-term benefits. It was actually because of this dental treatment that the field of dentistry has reached new heights. Thanks to improved technologies and constant researches, reliable dental implants in Houston TX and anywhere else across the country, have become an ideal option that gives patients the chance to live their life to the fullest.

Today, about 100,000-300,000 dental implants are placed into people’s mouths per year. This only shows how this dental procedure has become a common procedure over the years. This is not surprising because not only does it offer remarkable benefits, the treatment has also been made more affordable. It certainly helps that the success rate for dental implant procedures is 98%.

What are the benefits?

One major benefit of dental implants is that the replacement teeth are practically like your natural teeth in terms of appearance and function. A dental implant also provides a strong and stable foundation. It is also built to last which means that it can last a lifetime as long as proper care is observed. Dental implants don’t interfere with your eating, smiling, speaking and other day to day activities involving your mouth in general. And since you can count on their stability, there’s no worry that your replacement teeth will move, shift or worse, fall off your mouth anytime, a common occurrence with other dental options.

With dental implants, your facial structure is maintained. It is common knowledge that the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth can cause your face to sag and deform overtime. In addition, they can also help protect you against bone deterioration which in turn can lead to other serious health issues. A dental implant procedure is actually the only dental treatment available that promotes natural growth of the bone. Also, it promotes good oral health since cavities can’t occur in implant-restored crown. Then again, patients have to take care of their implants just like their natural teeth to keep it clean and long-lasting.

As a final point, with dental implants, adjacent teeth are protected since the procedure goes into the jawbone rather than grinding any healthy tooth for support just like with other dental options.

In general, dental implants are safe, effective and reliable. However, it’s not for everyone since its success relies on a patient’s overall health condition and bone quality. Before you decide to go through the procedure, make sure that it really is the right solution for you.

Have you got dental issues that prevent you from living your life to the fullest? Check out Dr. Holly Gregory, DDS or Northeast Houston Dental Implants & Periodontology today and see which dental solution is ideal for you. 

What Makes An Oral Surgeon In Houston TX An Expert In His Field?

Oral surgery, recognized by the American Dental Association as one of the nine specialty areas of dentistry, is focused on the diagnosis and surgical and adjunctive treatment of injuries, diseases, as well as defects associated with the functional and esthetic aspects of the maxillofacial area or the areas in the face, mouth, teeth and jaws. Oral surgeons, together with other experts in related fields, are in charge to handle these cases. They are commonly referred by general dentists and medical physicians. If you are looking for a competent oral surgeon in Houston TX or anywhere else for that matter, here’s some information that will help you find one.

What does an oral surgeon do?

An oral surgeon, among others, is skilled in removing diseased and impacted teeth as well as in administering anesthesia. He is also skilled in placing dental implants when collaborating with a cosmetic or restorative dentist. He also knows how to treat minor to complex facial injuries that involve the oral tissues, jaws, cheek, eye sockets and the like. Moreover, an oral surgeon also evaluates pathologic conditions and performs reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and even jaw surgery.

What To Ask

You have to consider some crucial factors to help you find an expert oral surgeon. First of all, you have to know how long he has been in practice. You want someone who has been in the industry for years. The longer he is in the profession, the more procedures he has performed making him more reliable and competent at what he does. Ask about his training and clinical experience particularly on the procedure that you will be requiring. Ask if he had encountered any problem when performing this specific procedure in the past.

A good oral surgeon belongs to some reputable associations in his filed and constantly updates himself with the recent developments in his area of expertise. Ask if he belongs to any particular group and what studies he has taken up recently. Also, ask him about what other options are available for you that will treat or correct your condition and their corresponding pros and cons.

Inquire about the cost of the procedure you want and ask if there are other modes of payment or in-house financing that you can avail in case your dental insurance won’t shoulder the cost of your treatment. You should also ask what type of emergency care the oral surgeon offers and if he is available after office hours, on weekends and holidays.

If you are looking for a reputable oral surgeon, visit Dr. Holly Gregory,DDS today. 

Exposure Of Impacted Teeth In Houston TX: Is It The Ideal Solution?

In simple terms, an impacted tooth is a tooth that did not come out of the gum tissues like it’s supposed to. Its normal eruption into the mouth was hindered by several factors including dense soft tissue, bone, cysts, or another tooth. There are various treatments for an unerupted tooth and these include extraction of the tooth, extraction of the impacted tooth, and surgical exposure of the impacted tooth, just to name some. If you are considering exposure of impacted teeth in Houston TX or elsewhere, here’s some basic information about this treatment that you need to know.

In general, the wisdom tooth is the most common case for impacted teeth and has to be removed to avoid any problems. Next are the maxillary cuspids or the canine and/or eye teeth. Other commonly impacted teeth are the second molars, bicuspids, and the lower jaw cuspids. In general, the older the patient, the lesser is the chance for the impacted tooth to erupt naturally. When you have an impacted tooth that is not your wisdom tooth, early detection is crucial as it can greatly affect the kind of treatment that you’ll have and its success.

If for example, your treatment is exposure of the impacted tooth, this entails exposing the said tooth. Once it is exposed, your dental practitioner will then attach an orthodontic appliance to aid its eruption. A periodontal packing may be attached over the tooth temporarily depending on a patient’s case until his post-operative appointment. Further treatments may be needed to move the tooth properly into the dental arch. During the procedure, a patient may have several anesthetic options including IV sedation, local anesthesia, etc.

In cases when the impacted tooth has to be extracted, the tooth is exposed by cutting away the gum and bone tissues covering the tooth and with the use of forceps, the tooth is moved gently back and forth to loosen its grasp from the jaw bone and ligaments that hold it in place. The extraction of an impacted tooth normally is an option when the tooth in question won’t move despite all the interventions done. When it is the only choice left, dental practitioners often offer treatment solutions that will address the missing tooth.

Don’t let any dental problem keep you from living a full life. Visit Dr. Holly Gregory,DDS today and know what your dental options are.

Common Cases When Tooth Extraction In Houston TX Is Necessary

A trip to the dentist is often a dreaded thing. This is especially true when you will have your tooth or teeth pulled out. Permanent teeth can last a lifetime but there are cases when they have to be extracted. These days, there are now modern ways of carrying out a tooth extraction although the traditional way is still widely used. If you are considering tooth extraction in Houston TX or anywhere else, it is a good idea to know what your options are to ensure that you have a safe and convenient procedure and quicker healing time.

As mentioned, there are instances when a tooth has to be extracted. The most common reason is when the tooth is badly damaged due to injury or decay. Other reasons include a crowded mouth, infection, periodontal or gum disease, radiation, organ transplant and chemotherapy. Of all tooth extraction categories, wisdom teeth removal is the most common. This is actually often recommended by dental professionals even before the wisdom tooth has fully developed in order to avoid potential problems in the future.

What to Expect

Generally, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the problem tooth is located. In the case of multiple teeth extraction, a strong general anesthetic may be used to make you sleep all throughout the procedure and prevent you from feeling the pain throughout your body. In the case of an impacted tooth, the dentist will cut away the gum and bone tissue to expose the tooth and using a pair of forceps, will rock it gently to loosen it from the jawbone and ligaments that hold it in place. For hard-to-pull tooth, it may have to be removed in pieces.

Basically, there are two types of tooth extraction- simple extraction and the surgical extraction. The former is a simple tooth extraction method commonly done by dentists with or without sedation or anti-anxiety medication. It is done on teeth that are easily seen in the mouth. For hard to reach teeth or those that can’t be easily seen, the surgical extraction is performed. This procedure requires some type of surgical procedure making it more complicated. In addition, it can be performed with local anesthesia and/or conscious sedation.

If you had a difficult tooth extraction, you may have to go back to your dentist for a follow-up check-up. But commonly, when it’s a simple procedure, you just have to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Got a dental issue that is keeping you from living your life to the fullest? Visit Dr.Holly Gregory, DDS at Northeast Houston Dental Implants &Periodontology today and see which solution is right for you.