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Dental Implants

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Dental Implants in Houston

Avoiding Certain Foods? Embarrassed About Your Smile? Dental Implants Are a Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth.
Dental implants offer you the opportunity to replace missing teeth with results that both look and feel natural. They are permanent, they do not move or slip inside the mouth, and they require no daily maintenance other than regular brushing and flossing. Cosmetic dentist Wayde Fawcett, DDS provides beautiful, custom-made porcelain crowns for dental implants that can ultimately serve to help you restore both the form and function of your teeth.
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All-On-4® Teeth in a Day
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Porcelain Crowns
CEREC® One-Visit Restorations
Dental Bridges
Dentures
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Inlays and Onlays

What Are Dental Implants and Their Benefits?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that completely takes the place of the tooth and its root. Each implant is composed of a titanium post that replaces the root of the missing tooth, a porcelain crown, and an abutment piece that connects the crown with the post.

People with missing teeth often experience problems with chewing or speaking. It may even have a negative effect on their appearance. Dental implants are the ideal way of replacing missing teeth. The implants are designed to become a permanent part of your mouth, just like your natural teeth. In fact, the ceramic crown that is attached to the implant is so lifelike it’s practically indistinguishable from your natural teeth. In addition, the crown is custom-designed and created precisely so that the fit is not only comfortable but also extremely secure so that you won’t even notice it when you chew or speak.

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Dental Implants
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What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are interested in implants to replace a missing or lost tooth, Dr. Fawcett will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if your health is conducive to this type of restoration. Healthy gums and good jawbone density are essential to support the implants. You must also be meticulous about regular dental visits and maintaining your dental hygiene. There’s a higher risk with implants for those who suffer from diabetes, as this can interfere with healing. Although smoking poses an additional surgical risk, it does not preclude smokers from receiving implants. Smokers may be at greater risk for gum disease than non-smokers and gum disease can weaken the gum and bone tissue needed to support implants.

What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Entail?

An implant restoration is conducted in steps. The first part of the procedure is an initial Axeos™ scan (see below), which helps Dr. Fawcett determine whether you are a good candidate for implants. Next, posts for the implants will be surgically placed in areas that best support the implant. The posts should gradually fuse with your jawbone and/or gumline over the course of a few months, after which you will return to the office to receive your permanent crown. The new implant, which should look and function like a natural tooth, will be attached with an abutment to keep it in place.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Dental Implants?

As with any major surgery, there are some associated risks. However, dental implant surgery is considered an extremely predictable procedure. Possible risks include infection, numbness, damage to surrounding teeth, or implant failure in extremely rare cases.

We always prioritize your safety above all else, and your dentist will discuss factors that may increase your risk of complications during the consultation process. Patients with increased risks include those who smoke or who have pre-existing medical conditions.

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Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

Typically, local anesthesia is used during dental implant surgery to help ensure your comfort. Just as with many other dental procedures, such as receiving a filling, most will not feel any pain under local anesthesia, though every patient may react differently.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed to permanently replace one or more teeth. They do not shift or slip, and the implants become a permanent addition to your mouth. Many patients have had their dental implants for 40 years or more.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery From Dental Implant Surgery?

Since there are usually no open wounds after dental implant surgery, the recovery time for this procedure is relatively fast. Any discomfort experienced during the days following your procedure can be easily managed with oral pain medication.

What Are Common Dental Implant Success Factors?

Dental implants can be maintained simply by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental exams are all essential in the upkeep of implants and your overall dental health. In addition, because smoking is so harmful to your oral health, those who refrain from tobacco use will typically see more success from their implants.

Types of Dental Implants

The best type of replacement will depend on the extent of work that needs to be done. Dr. Fawcett will determine which of the below is right for you at your consultation. The three main types of dental implant replacement include:

Single-Tooth Replacements

Single-tooth implants can be an excellent replacement for one tooth at a time. We often use same-day CEREC® dental crowns, a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing option, for single-tooth implants.
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Multiple-Tooth Replacements

For the replacement of two or more teeth, implants can act as an anchor for a dental bridge. These fixtures are usually made up of two to six implants, and—like our crowns—are custom-made to blend with the rest of the teeth. Alternatively, we can place multiple individual implants.
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Full Arch Replacements

A full arch replacement is designed for the entire mouth (i.e. either the lower set of teeth, the upper, or both). We find that the best solution for a full arch replacement is the All-on-4® system (see below), an effective technique that uses four implants as “anchors” for the restoration.

What Kind of Technology Is Used for Dental Implants?

The state-of-the-art dental technology Dr. Fawcett uses for diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, and the restoration of dental implants helps him to achieve the outstanding results for which he is known. For dental implant patients, the most important pieces of advanced technology in our office are the Axeos™ 2D/3D scanning system and the CEREC® CAD/CAM restoration design and milling system. Learn more about these impressive technologies:

What Are All-On-4® Teeth in a Day - Same Day Dental Implants?

The All-On-4® system is the fastest way to achieve secure replacement of all the top and/or lower teeth. This technique uses four strategically placed dental implants, two positioned toward the front of the jaw and two angled from the back, to anchor each custom full-arch restoration into place. The secured dentures do not slip or rub on the gums, which makes them an appealing alternative to removable dentures. Furthermore, All-On-4® can be a viable option for patients with reduced jawbone density. The specialized dental implants heal quickly and, in some cases, restorations can be placed soon after implantation. Patients who choose All-On-4® are generally very satisfied with the look and feel of their replacement teeth and enjoy smiling, eating, and speaking with renewed confidence.
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Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns

Some may confuse dental implants with dental crowns, as some of the benefits of both restorations can overlap. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry service that requires oral surgery to replace missing teeth. They utilize titanium posts that are driven into the jawbone and capped on the surface with a dental crown. While crowns are often placed in complement with dental implant treatment, a dental crown alone is not utilized to replace missing teeth. Rather, a dental crown is utilized to strengthen a weak or painful tooth, prevent further damage, and enhance the appearance of your smile.

What Are Some Dental Implant Alternatives?

For those who may not be ideal candidates for dental implants, our practice offers several alternative options. A few examples of services that can provide similar benefits to dental implants include dental bridges and traditional dentures.

Dental bridges can fill gaps left behind by missing teeth, only the procedure does not require oral surgery to be secured. Since treatment uses dental crowns to affix the dental bridge, this option does not stimulate the jawbone. Therefore, bridges do not prevent bone loss like dental implants. Similarly, dentures can restore entire rows of teeth without invasive treatment, but may not offer results that are as secure or natural-looking as dental implants.

Depending on your needs, dentures and dental bridges can be anchored by implants to allow patients to replace consecutive missing teeth while combatting jawbone recession.

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Dental Implants Cost

The exact price of dental implants varies from patient to patient, and is dependent on a number of factors, including:
  • Number of dental implants
  • Location in the mouth
  • Degree of surgical difficulty
  • Skill and experience of the dentist
That said, the average cost of dental implants at our practice is as follows:
  • Titanium dental implants: $2,200 – $3,000
  • Abutment and crown (ceramic): $2,400 – $3,000
  • Total average cost: $5,100

If you would prefer to receive All-On-4® implant-supported dentures instead of individual dental implants to replace each missing tooth, the overall cost of your procedure will most likely be lower. Also, if you do not have sufficient jawbone density to support dental implants, you may be eligible to receive bone grafting, which can make you a better candidate for implants. If bone grafting is necessary, you will likely have a higher cost.

During the consultation process, Dr. Fawcett will conduct a comprehensive oral exam, review your medical history, listen carefully to your goals, and recommend a treatment approach. Then, he can provide an estimate for the cost of your dental implant procedure.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

As with many elective dental procedures, dental implant surgery is not typically covered by insurance providers. However, we offer several financing options that can help you attain the smile of your dreams in a manner that fits comfortably within your budget.

Why Choose the Fawcett Center for Dentistry for Dental Implants?

Dr. Fawcett has acquired additional training in implants among the many other credentials he has achieved over his long and distinguished career. He is a member and Fellow of the International Congress of Implantologists, making him an experienced and skilled choice for patients considering permanent teeth replacement. His special focus on dental implants gives him the added advantage of supplying integrated technology that enables him to complete the entire process from start to finish all under one roof.
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Dr. Fawcett explains, “By having the latest computer-assisted technology that integrates the digital scanning and design capabilities of CEREC® with the diagnostic accuracy of a GALILEOS 3D® scan, I am able to treatment plan the surgical and the prosthetic implant simultaneously, which ensures maximum safety for my patients and a more predictable outcome.”

This is a huge advantage for our patients because they won’t have to visit multiple doctors to complete their treatment. Additionally, Dr. Fawcett can pinpoint the placement and the angle of the dental implant precisely, so patients can have peace of mind knowing that the final crown will fit perfectly in their mouth.

“Dr. Fawcett has been my family’s dentist for over 30 years. We now travel over 150 miles to see him. He is the only one we trust with our teeth.”

~ Warren Williams

Additional Dental Implants FAQs

Contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A.

For more information on dental implant restorations, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at our practice, please contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry.
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Dental Implants in Houston, TX

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