Graceful Smiles Dentistry

Are Dental Implants Noticeable?

Dental Implant

If you have missing, damaged, or broken teeth and are looking for the perfect restoration solution, dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental Implants are a permanent solution and are durable and long lasting. Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. Implants are comfortable and do not slip or click like other restorative options.

Your bright white natural smile will be noticeable and will look natural. Implants act like an artificial tooth root and are made of titanium. Implants are placed into the jawbone and act like a screw. This provides the base for one or many crowns. Custom crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth giving patients a natural white smile.

As part of the implant consultation process we will check to make sure all patients have enough bone present in the jaw to support the new implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to add the support that is needed. This helps to create that strong base that is required for the implants.

Once the implants are placed, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. Temporary crowns may be used until the permanent crowns are ready to be installed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Provide patients with a natural looking smile and functions like natural teeth.
  • Provide long term value financially.
  • Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other solutions.
  • Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and this helps to stimulate new bone growth.
  • Dental implants are built to last upwards of 25 years, but can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to set up your initial implant consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to take a detailed look at your teeth and mouth, and discuss treatment options. We also will develop a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with the dental implant process.

Dental implants can be life changing, and can allow patients to live a normal healthy life eating and drinking as they would with natural teeth. Taking that first step is worth it to achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted.

To schedule your implant consultation please call our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that places a cap over a tooth or dental implant. Crowns help keep the underlying tooth from breaking apart, and can be used to help fix an area on a tooth that is broken. There are different types of crowns available to patients, and depending on the severity of the tooth will determine which type of crown is best. Crowns are typically made of hard materials such as porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made of gold, resin, or stainless steel. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and blend in nicely.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns improve your appearance, and can help correct any cosmetic issues in the mouth. There are many benefits to dental crowns, and crowns are commonly used today.

  • Crowns are used to replace large or worn out fillings in the teeth
  • Restore dental implants
  • Restore cracked, injured, or damaged teeth
  • Correct discoloration or alignment
  • Reshape your teeth
  • Keep cracked or damaged teeth from breaking down further
  • Protect the underlying tooth after a root canal
  • Crowns are durable and last for years

Cons of Dental Crowns

With any dental procedure there are always some disadvantages patients should consider. In some cases, crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. This is not common but does happen occasionally. During a crown procedure the tooth has to be filed down to ensure the crown can be securely placed. If a crown is not fitted properly there is risk that it can fall out, or allow bacteria to enter underneath the crown. Patients may become more sensitive to hot or cold after their crown is placed. Our office typically recommends a sensitive toothpaste to help with this issue.

If patients ever have an issue with a crown we encourage them to contact our office right away. Leaving a damaged crown untreated can lead to further issues or complications. Overall, crowns are extremely helpful in preserving teeth, and give patients a beautiful natural white smile. The benefits of crowns definitely outweigh the risks.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental crowns, or if you have a damaged or discolored tooth, a dental crown may be the right solution. Our team is available to help you take the next step towards that perfect smile.

To schedule your consultation with our team contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

What Do Dental Implants Look Like?

If you are looking for a permanent solution for damaged, broken, or missing teeth, then dental implants may be right for you. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we offer many restorative options for our patients, and are conveniently located in Richmond Texas. One of the most common restorative options is dental implants. Implants are a great option, and are durable and reliable, giving patients that bright white smile they have always wanted.

What Do Dental Implants Look Like?

Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They look natural and feel comfortable in the mouth. Once you have implants no one will know you have them because they look that natural.

Implants act as an artificial tooth root similar to a screw that is placed in the jawbone. The implant is made of titanium and provides the base of support for one or more artificial teeth known as crowns.

Benefits of dental implants: 

  • Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other restorative options. 
  • Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth and help stimulate new bone growth. 
  • Implants can last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if cared for properly. 
  • Dental implants provide long term value financially giving patients a beautiful long lasting smile. 

What Should I Expect When Getting Dental Implants?

In order to provide the proper amount of support, the patient must have enough bone in the jaw. Part of our evaluation process will be to determine if you have enough bone present. If needed, bone grafting can be done where synthetic bone is added to the area needed.

With dental implants multiple appointments are required, and there is a healing process involved. The process is called osseointegration, and this is when the bone fuses to the implant that serves as the base for support. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth.

Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant, and this holds the implant in place. Custom crowns are made to match the shade and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while we wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry

At Graceful Smiles, we provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We take care of our families, and ensure that each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Elsa Mammen, please contact our dental office in Richmond, TX today! 

Who does dental implants near me?

Graceful Smiles Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry as well
as many other services in Richmond. Our goal is to provide the highest level of
care to our patients of all ages. We want our patients to feel relaxed and at
ease when they enter our office. Graceful Smiles offers many dental restoration
options for our patients, and one of the most common is dental implants.

Dental implants are a great option if you are looking for a
permanent solution. If you have cracked, missing, broken teeth, or your current
dental implant has become loose, our office can help. Graceful Smiles Dentistry
is conveniently located to serve patients in the Richmond area.

The following
restorative services are offered at Graceful Smiles Dentistry:

  • Dental Bridges
  • Ceramic Dental Crowns
  • Inlays and Onlays
  • Dental Implants

If you currently have dental implants, and notice your
implants feel loose, this may indicate your implant is in need of replacement.

Dr. Mammen has a passion for dentistry, and has many hours
in continuing education to keep up with the latest technology. She specializes
in restorations for dental implants, and provides patients with beautiful
smiles.

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are
right for you, or have an issue with an existing dental implant, contact
Graceful Smiles Dentistry to schedule your appointment.

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

Many people wonder when it is appropriate to call your dentist in an emergency. If you have experienced trauma and have a cracked or chipped tooth, this is not typically a dental emergency unless you are experiencing pain or bleeding.

It is best to access the situation and determine how bad the crack or chip is. If you are experiencing a high level of pain or bleeding it is best to call our office right away, and we will accommodate you and get you in as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and we encourage all patients to call if they are unsure.

While you wait to come into the office, we recommend rinsing with warm water and applying pressure to stop any bleeding. An ice pack can be used as well to prevent swelling.

If you do not have any pain or bleeding, we still encourage you to call our office at your earliest convenience soon after the incident. This way we can take a look and address the issue promptly.

Patients should not wait and avoid addressing a chip or crack. If left untreated, the situation may become worse and cause additional problems.

At Graceful Smiles we care about our patients, and your oral health is our priority.

Call Graceful Smiles today to schedule your appointment.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

dental implant

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

It’s a good idea to keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

If you’re missing teeth or are wearing an ill-fitting denture, implants are a great alternative to other treatment options available. Implants are securely and safely placed into the bone of the jaw. From there, they’ll fuse and bond with the surrounding bone to create a semi-permanent restoration for crowns, bridge work and even full dentures. Implants have been a go-to option for a lot of patients since they’ve been developed. They’re great for most patients and can successfully help in enhancing the overall look and appeal of your smile.

I recommend this office. They constantly were checking if I was ok. The dentist and staff were very nice.

Amy T

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The average dental implant will last for about two or three decades. It’s not uncommon for patients to have implants that are far older than three decades. This is why they’re considered to be a semi-permanent option for missing dentition. You can have a single tooth replaced at a time or use multiple implants to replace several or all of your teeth. Obviously, certain factors will determine how long the implant stays secured in your mouth. If you have bone loss issues or have suffered from facial trauma, this may affect the lifespan of the implant.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Implants

Just like the rest of your teeth, your implants will benefit from regular dental appointments. We check the health of your implants and make note of any signs of cracking or breaking. If the implant is loose, this could be due to bone loss underneath the gum line. However, issues with implants are rare and most of these restorations last for decades without any type of problem coming into play. Because of this, you can experience the benefits of a long-lasting and highly durable restoration that enhances your smile. It’s a good idea to keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing and flossing. This helps to prevent gum disease from developing, which could lead to bone loss over time. We can offer advice and information on your dental implants if you’re considering having them done. Because implants are easy to place and quickly fuse with surrounding bone, you can experience the benefits of having a secured option that you won’t need to worry about for years.

If you would like to come in for a consultation regarding dental implants, we welcome you to call our office and schedule an appointment with one of our helpful staff members.