Dental Implants

Drs. Ronald Horne, Mathew Gordon, Michael Shedlosky, and Nitin Raju have received extensive training in dental implants and are at the forefront of the most current technology in implant dentistry. Furthermore, LoneStar OMS utilizes state of the art 3-D implant treatment planning and rigid surgical guidance for optimum implant placement.  We also offer complimentary assessments to our patients considering dental implants.

About Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. People are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

People who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat and function normally, and can smile with confidence knowing their teeth appear natural.

Implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. With this process, the bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth.

In addition, implants are helpful in minimizing bone loss which often happens after losing teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Replace one or more missing teeth without compromising adjacent teeth. A dental implant doesn’t require reducing other teeth, as does a tooth-supported bridge. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene and making patients personal home care easier.

• Resolve jaw joint pain or bite problems as well as restore facial contours and lip support. Since these are caused or affected by missing teeth and loss of bite stability, dental implants can restore chewing and functionality and improve overall appearance by replacing the missing teeth.  Implant tooth replacement is secure and durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Restore a confident smile. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, especially since they are designed to fuse with the bone. Ultimately, this can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.  Dental implant tooth replacement has much greater patient satisfaction than other methods of tooth replacement such as fixed bridgework and removable dentures.
• Restore speech, chewing, and overall function in patients wearing partial or full dentures. Dental implants anchor to your denture, eliminating discomfort and improving functionality, providing increased patient satisfaction.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants depends on each case but usually requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself into the bone within 3-4 months in most cases.

After the implant has fully integrated with the bone, you will be referred back to your dentist to have the replacement teeth designed and fitted to the  the implant. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take 1-2 months to complete.

As expected, good oral hygiene and eating habits, as well as regular dental check-ups will aid in the lifelong health of the dental implant.