DENTIST IN HOUSTON, TX DESCRIBES THE BENEFITS OF USING DENTAL IMPLANTS MADE OF CERAMIC
Tooth loss can be a time of mourning for many patients. With proper care, most patients will be able to keep the smile beautiful for a lifetime. However, disease, decay, and accidents can cause patients to lose one or more teeth within the smile. Patients in Houston, TX who are struggling with tooth loss are welcome to visit a dentist who provides a variety of treatment options. There are many benefits to replacing the teeth, including improved appearance and function of the smile. Many patients may consider the benefits of permanent tooth replacement options such as ceramic implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are restorations that act as a tooth root replacement. At Houston Biological Dentist, Dr. Marilyn Jones is pleased to provide ceramic dental implants. These implants are made of ceramic instead of traditional titanium, ensuring a more natural appearance and biocompatible treatment. These restorations look like small screws that are surgically placed into the bone of the jaw and then restored via one of several different methods.
Dental implants can be restored with:
- Crowns, to replace a single tooth
- Dental bridges, acting as an anchor for one or both sides of the bridge
- Dentures, to eliminate the need for denture adhesives for a stronger, more stable foundation
What are the benefits of ceramic dental implants?
There are several reasons patients in the Houston, TX area should consider the placement of ceramic dental implants. Ceramic dental implants are:
- More aesthetic, as they match the appearance of natural tooth enamel
- Biocompatible, and are appropriate and safe for the human body
- Used for providing a strong and stable foundation for restorations
- A wonderful investment in the smile, as they can last a lifetime
- Versatile, providing ways to hold several different types of restorations
- Easy to care for, with normal brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits
- Best for patients who have enough bone structure to ensure successful placement
Who may consider dental implants?
Dental implants are best for patients who have enough bone of the jaw left to successfully place their new restoration. Dental implants do require bone as a foundation of support, and once placed, they activate a process called osseointegration in which the bone of the jaw fuses around the implant to hold it in place. This process cannot be achieved without enough bone. Therefore, a dentist will take a series of x-rays during the evaluation period to determine if a patient needs to think about alternative solutions.
What are alternatives to dental implants?
If patients are not appropriate candidates for dental implants, they do have options to consider. First, they can undergo a procedure called bone grafting to build up the bone of the jaw and help in developing the area in preparation for dental implant placement. This may take some time, but it can be beneficial for patients who are serious about using implants to replace their teeth. Patients can also ask about dental bridges, which are used to replace one or more teeth within an arch. Bridges are made of ceramic to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They include false teeth called pontics that are fused on each end to dental crowns. The crowns bond over the top of the adjacent teeth to hold the pontics along the gum line for a completed look. Finally, patients can also ask about dentures. There are two types of dentures, including partials used to restore one or more teeth within the dental arch. These restorations are made of an acrylic framework that slides into place along the arch and uses the existing teeth for support. During an evaluation, patients can learn about these alternatives.
Ready to learn more about the benefits of ceramic dental implants?
Contact the team of Houston Biological Dentists to work with Dr. Marilyn Jones and discuss how you can restore your smile with biocompatible solutions. Ceramic dental implants are just one of several treatment options available for patients in and around Houston, TX. Call her facility today at (713) 785-7767 and make changes to benefit your smile! The practice is conveniently located in Suite 204 at 800 Bering Drive.
Dr. Marilyn Jones - Houston Biological Dentist
A graduate from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Jones holds a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Houston. She is a passionate, skilled, and talented dental surgeon with a drive for excellence.
While previously being a tenured Assistant Professor of chemistry & an Assistant Professor of integrative dentistry, Dr. Jones continues to educate and update herself on the modern approaches and practices of dentistry and related advances in healthcare to ensure that she delivers the best possible care and service to her patients.
