Houston Dental Implants: Frequently Asked Questions, PART 2

In this article, part 2 of 2, we explore some of the questions most frequently asked about dental implants and the procedure involved in the placement thereof.

Houston Dental Implants: A Brief Revision

In the previous blog post, we introduced Houston dental implants as one of the best solutions modern dental science has to offer patients presenting with single and multiple missing teeth. Some of the questions addressed pertained to what dental implants essentially are, how they are looked after as well as how long they last as a teeth replacement solution, amongst others. In this article, the second of two, we will answer some of the other questions frequently asked about Houston dental implants.

Question 5: What does getting dental implants placed involve?

In your initial consultation with a dental implantologist, he will assess the damage done, whether it is from accidental trauma or decay, and recommend an appropriate course of action. If the tooth or teeth in question cannot be ‘saved’, then he will begin the preparations for you to receive Houston dental implants. This generally involves taking X-rays of your mouth and jaw to facilitate in the detailed planning of the procedure. You will then return after one or two weeks, while your implant/s are being fabricated, for a second appointment during which they will be placed. The complexity of the procedure depends greatly upon the extent of the damage done to your jaw (if your teeth were knocked out by accident) or the prevalence and advanced state of oral infection (if you lost your teeth to gum disease or decay). While Houston dental implants constitute a comprehensive solution to missing teeth, ultimately, the implantologist will want to make sure that your oral health is up to par before embarking upon any oral rehabilitation.

Question 6: Is there a chance that I won’t be considered a candidate for dental implants?

Houston dental implants do not discriminate between patients. Even if you are completely edentulous and have lost all your teeth to gum disease, they can be used to restore your oral aesthetics and functionality. Your journey to beautiful teeth may be longer and involve a slightly more complex procedural plan, but you can and will get there!

Question 7: What happens if my Houston dental implant becomes loose or falls out?

If you heed the implantologist’s post-procedural advice, then there is no reason for you to become concerned about losing your Houston dental implant. If however, it does accidentally become loose, you should set up an appointment with the implantologist immediately. If your implant actually falls out, make sure that you seal it in a plastic bag and take it with you to your appointment. If you cannot see him immediately, then make sure you keep your mouth clean by rinsing it with warm salty water or an anti-bacterial mouthwash after every meal to prevent bacteria from establishing a foot-hold in the bare socket.

Question 8: Does getting Houston dental implants placed hurt?

The use of local anesthesia and sedative medications during the placement of your Houston dental implants almost always renders the entire experience completely pain and anxiety-free. The implantologist will prescribe you a course of analgesic medication (painkillers) to deal effectively with any post-operative pain. Patients seldom complain of anything more than isolated, mild achiness after having Houston dental implants placed.