Dental Implants Baytown

Turn Back the Clock on Missing Teeth

While there are several options available in today’s world for replacing lost teeth, dental implants truly stand apart from the crowd. Why? Because, unlike traditional dentures and bridges, they replicate EVERY part of the natural tooth, including the root that’s well-hidden beneath the surface of the gum tissue. As a result, these new “teeth” are highly aesthetic, reliably functional, and built to last for life, preserving health every step of the way. If you’d like to explore this transformative option in further detail, don’t hesitate to contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today and schedule a consultation for dental implants in Baytown, TX.

Model of two dental implants in Baytown supporting a dental bridge

Why Choose Aesthetic Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?

  • Entire Dental Implant Process Completed In-House
  • Graduate of the Misch International Implant Institute
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology for Safe Implant Treatment
Illustration of dental implant with dental crown replacing a missing lower tooth

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that forms the new “root” of the tooth. It is surgically inserted into the jaw, where it bonds with the tissue and bone via the natural process of osseointegration. This merging is what gives dental implants the ability to last for decades if not a lifetime. Following osseointegration, we can affix a metal abutment on top of the implant, allowing us to secure a custom crown, bridge, or denture into place and complete your smile.

Dentist placing a crown on a model of a dental implant

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we help patients regain control of their lives by placing dental implants right here in our office. To learn about the process and to discover why it’s the best route to take for tooth replacement, continue reading!

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The Initial Dental Implant Consultation

We understand that the dental implant process is a major undertaking. That’s why when you visit our Baytown office, Dr. Hutto will take the time to carefully assess your oral health to make sure the dental implant process will be successful. He’ll also take into account the number of teeth you have missing and the amount of healthy bone mass that remains.

After the visit, you’ll sit down with your dentist to discuss what the findings are and to have any of your questions answered. Once you feel comfortable with all the information and you’ve been cleared to move forward, the process can begin.

Dental Implant Surgery

One of the perks of receiving dental implants in Baytown is that the process is done completely in-house. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll receive only the highest quality care available.

Here is what you can expect from the dental implant insertion process:

  • Local anesthesia is applied to the treatment site.
  • An incision is made into the gums, and a titanium dental implant is inserted.
  • Over three or more months, your gums will heal so you can move on to the next phase of treatment.

Throughout the process, we’ll be right there with you monitoring your progress so you can continue traveling down the road to a complete restoration.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Throughout the healing process, your existing bone mass will fuse (called osseointegration) with the dental implant to create a solid foundation. Once this phase is completed, another sturdy titanium piece can be added: the abutment. Its function is to allow a final porcelain restoration to be securely attached.

The biggest benefit of this is that patients don’t have to worry about a set of prosthetic teeth falling out of their mouth. Better yet, there won’t be any shifting or sliding. With a reliable and sturdy abutment acting as the anchor, the final result will be a smile that looks and feels like you were born with it.

Placement of Dental Implant Restorations

The dental implant procedure has four main parts: the consultation, the implant insertion, the abutment placement, and the addition of the permanent restoration. The latter is what the world will see, but little will they know that beneath what appears to be a natural tooth, tedious work has gone into restoring your smile and oral health to normal.

If you’re only missing one tooth, then a single dental crown will be added. For patients with two or more missing teeth, there is the option of receiving an implant-retained bridge. The apparatus consists of a series of porcelain teeth that are affixed to the single structure, and it’s held in place via the abutment.

If you’re missing a full set of teeth, then you’ll need a set of implant dentures. After a series of strategically placed implants have healed and fused properly, the abutments can be added. They will attach to special snaps at the bottom of the dentures to create a secure, natural, and appealing smile.

To find out which method of replacement will work best for you, contact us today to request an initial visit!

Senior woman pointing to her smile

Benefits of Dental Implants

By now, you’ve probably discovered that dental implants have a uniqueness about them that makes them a superior tooth replacement solution. When compared to other restorative methods, the benefits you can expect with dental implants in Baytown cannot be overlooked. They can improve your confidence, health, and overall quality of life. To find out how they can personally help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.

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Day-to-Day Benefits

We use our teeth every day to eat, speak, and smile. For that reason, it’s understandable to want a tooth loss solution that’ll allow you to live your day-to-day life with ease. Thankfully, dental implants can help you do just that by providing the following benefits:

  • More functionality. Because dental implants replace the entire structure of a missing tooth, you can eat, speak, and smile without any issues. You don’t have to worry about your artificial teeth moving out of place!
  • Increased confidence. Dental implant restorations are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth. Since they’ll complement your facial aesthetics perfectly, you can flash your beautiful new smile with confidence.
  • Easier maintenance. When it comes to caring for dental implants, you don’t have to incorporate complex steps into your oral hygiene routine or purchase special products. All you have to do is brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants can certainly benefit you right now. However, they can also provide many advantages for years to come, such as:

  • High success rate. Implants have an impressive success rate of about 95 percent even 20 years after they’ve been placed.
  • Natural-looking appearance. Because implants stimulate blood flow in the jaw, they prevent deterioration and the sunken, aged look that often accompanies tooth loss.
  • Long-lasting results. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants can last decades without needing replacement.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Dental implants are an incredibly versatile solution. In fact, almost any otherwise healthy adult who has lost one or more teeth is eligible for this treatment. Depending on your unique circumstances, we may rebuild your smile with dental implants in one of the following ways:

Illustrated dental crown being placed onto a dental implant

Missing One Tooth

If we are rebuilding a singular tooth, an implant-retained dental crown will be the best choice for replacement. This crown will be designed as an ideal complement to the rest of your smile in look and feel; better yet, it will be able to fit right in alongside natural teeth without requiring any significant reduction of their shapes, which is much better for your long-term oral health. After some time has passed, it will feel like you never lost a tooth in the first place!

Illustrated dental bridge being placed onto two dental implants

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, there is the option to have an implant-retained dental bridge put into place. This unique restoration eliminates the need to alter healthy tooth structures that are otherwise necessary with traditional fixed bridges. Instead, you can enjoy a more durable and permanent fixture that lasts decades and restores function to your smile.

Illustrated full denture being placed onto four dental implants

Missing All Teeth

When missing all of your teeth along the top or bottom row, an implant denture can be put into place using between four and eight dental implants. Depending on your case, this number may be higher or lower, as it cannot be determined until we meet for a scheduled consultation. With an implant denture, you can enjoy a restored bite, a more structurally sound jawbone, and visually appealing aesthetics.

For those who lack the necessary jawbone density to receive traditional implant dentures, there is the option of choosing All-On-4. This process uses only four titanium posts, which are placed in specific areas of the jawbone (the densest portions), allowing for a stronger and more supportive base.

Learn More About Implant Dentures Learn More About All-On-4
Dentist holding a dental crown before placing it onto a dental implant model

Mini Dental Implants

Versatile in their ability to restore one, multiple, or all missing teeth, mini dental implants can be a great option for anyone unable to receive traditional dental implants. Generally used in the lower jaw, they allow for permanent tooth replacement when there is not enough room for regular implant posts or if certain health conditions must be considered to ensure successful results.

Learn More About Mini Dental Implants
Senior woman in dental chair looking at her smile in a mirror

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

The only way to fully grasp the cost of dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutto and our team. Capable of examining your mouth in its entirety using digital imaging and visual examination, we will decide how best to proceed before crafting a cost estimate that you can review. Our team will go over ways to keep out-of-pocket expenses low as well as help you get the maximum reimbursement from your insurance company.

Woman in olive green jacket smiling outdoors

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Our team at Aesthetic Family Dentistry completes the entire dental implant procedure in-house, which means that you’ll be with the same team of trusted professionals from start-to-finish. Many patients want to know what they can expect after the dental implant surgery so they can prepare for recovery. Below, we’ve listed some dental implant post-op instructions in Baytown to help you make a speedy recovery. If you have any questions or concerns while you’re healing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

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What Should You Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery?

  • You should never drive for at least 24 hours following your surgery until any sedation has completely worn off.
  • Keep your tongue away from your surgery site.
  • Avoid exercising and get plenty of rest.
  • Take any prescriptions provided to you by your implant dentist in Baytown.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • Place an ice pack on your mouth for 10-minute increments if you experience swelling.
  • Don’t rinse your mouth on the day of your surgery.
  • Do not drink carbonated beverages or use straws.

Common Side Effects

Certain side effects are completely common after your oral surgery, including some swelling, bleeding, and general discomfort. As time goes on, you should notice that they begin to go away. If they seem to be getting worse, please contact our office. It will also take a few hours for any numbness to wear off after your surgery, so keep that in mind as you navigate the rest of your day.

Diet

After your surgery, you’ll need to make sure that you stay hydrated and eat soft foods for the first few days to protect your blood clots. Here are some examples of foods that we suggest our patients eat after their procedure:

  • Eggs
  • Pasta
  • Soup (not too hot)
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Pancakes
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Cooked vegetables

The best way to have a speedy recovery is to make sure that you stay hydrated and don’t miss a meal.

Oral Hygiene

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the success of your dental implants. Forty-eight hours after your treatment, you can gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 4 ounces of warm water) between five and six times each day. You can brush your teeth, but it’s important to be gentle and avoid brushing directly on the surgical sites.

Caring for Your Permanent Replacement Teeth

Once your permanent restoration is attached to your dental implants, taking proper care of them can help them last for 30 years or longer, according to several longitudinal studies. The good news is that you just need to clean, floss, and rinse your mouth, just like you would with your home-grown teeth. This will keep harmful oral bacteria from infecting your gums, which is the foundation of your implants. It’s also important for you to visit our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning to make sure that your dental implants in Baytown continue to function properly and stay healthy.

Dental Implant FAQs

Do I need to see a specialist for dental implant placement?

If you’re worried about having to see an outside specialist for treatment, you’re in luck! Dr. Hutto and his team offer start-to-finish dental implant placement and restoration all under one roof! Not only does this cut down on the cost of dental implants because you won’t need to see an outside specialist, but it also offers convenience and allows you to feel more confident and comfortable with a professional who understands your dental needs and is equipped to give you a brand-new smile.

Does it hurt to receive dental implants?

Since you’ll be undergoing a surgical procedure, you can expect some of the normal symptoms – soreness, tenderness, discomfort, and swelling. The reason for this is due to Dr. Hutto making one or more incisions in your gums. He’ll need to place the implant(s) into your jawbone and close up the surgical site before sending you home to heal. Not only will your gums need time to recover, but the implants must properly fuse to your bone and surrounding tissue in a process known as osseointegration. This can take several months to complete. Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Hutto may prescribe pain medication, but if not, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate any discomfort.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Fortunately, dental implants are incredibly easy to maintain. Although your investment in your implants doesn’t stop the minute they’re put into place, you won’t have to worry about spending additional money on special products or supplies to keep them clean. All you need to do is continue to brush, floss, rinse, and maintain your regular six-month appointments with us. These visits will allow Dr. Hutto to check your restorations to make sure no problems are developing in or around your implants.

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