Procedures



Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts called abutments that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
 
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
 
Dental implants can be an incredible long-term solution for the replacement of missing teeth.

We have the latest technology in our office, including the latest iCAT 3D conebeam scanner and state of the art software, to help you make the best treatment decisions. Dr. Wiggins' philosophy regarding implants is to make the choices that give our patients the highest possible long-term success rate. Most patients have little or no pain after placement of implants.

Dental implants need a stable base of bone for the best long term success. The process of maintaining and building that bone begins at the time of extraction with the placement of a ridge preservation graft.
This type of graft may save you the time and expense of more extensive grafting later. Technique and materials make a huge difference. If you have already had an extraction without a ridge preservation graft, we will evaluate your situation and may use other grafting techniques or nongrafting techniques to get you the best possible result.

Dental implants are the best replacement option for teeth in the vast majority of cases. Please call 281-395-1200 to schedule an evaluation.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it's a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
 
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
 
Dental implants do not require cutting away healthy tooth structure. Bridges require grinding teeth which may lead to future decay and loss of those teeth.
 

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
 
Cylindrical dental implants have the highest success rate of any tooth replacement option. The 5 year success rate is 98%, and the 23 year success rate is 96%. Compare that with the other fixed option: tooth supported bridges. The average tooth supported bridge lasts just 13 years, so there is only a 50% chance that a bridge will be in place at 13 years. Cylindrical dental implants have the best long term success rate.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth. You will avoid chewing in the area of the implant to allow it to heal properly.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Wiggins will uncover the implants and place a healing collar. He wil then attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
 
If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted prior to implant placement, a ridge presevation graft is needed to keep to bone high and wide enough for a properly sized implant to be placed.

Surgical Advances

Today, the success rate of implants and bone grafting is extremely high. Dr. Wiggins will use techniques to help give you the best chance of success. Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Wiggins performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent crown, bridge, denture or other prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process. Dr. Wiggins usually places any temporary crowns on the implant/abutment.

What Types Of Prostheses Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial fixed prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete fixed dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to locator attachments, a bar, or ball in socket attachments, and can be removed nightly, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and is removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Wiggins performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under general anesthesia with local anesthesia for added comfort.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will usually serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.