1744 Fry Rd., Houston, TX 77084

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Implant Dentistry

Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants

If you're missing teeth, you're not alone. Tooth loss is a far more common problem than you think. In fact, studies show that 178 million people across the United States are missing at least one tooth, and 35 million are completely edentulous (missing all their teeth). Whether you have lost one tooth or multiple ones to gum disease, tooth decay, or a traumatic injury, the office of Briter Dental can help. We provide state-of-the-art care and offer the latest solutions to help patients reestablish complete, healthy, and beautiful smiles.

Briter Dental | Dental Sealants, Dental Fillings and Dental Bridges

Dental implants for a smile that looks and feels completely natural!

Today, dental implants represent the most advanced system for the replacement of missing teeth. While conventional fixed bridges and dentures remain effective and satisfying ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile.

With dental implants, you can once again enjoy all your favorite foods and speak and smile with renewed confidence and ease. Because dental implants behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth, they provide unrivaled stability for the placement of a broad range of dental prostheses, including crowns and bridges up to a complete set of teeth. For patients who wear full dentures, dental implants provide the added stability and retention required to improve comfort and fit while preventing any embarrassing slippage.

If you are struggling with tooth loss and looking for the best solutions for the replacement of missing teeth, visit the office of Briter Dental to learn more about dental implants and all the state-of-the-art services we provide. At the office of Briter Dental, we take pride in creating beautiful and healthy smiles!

Dental implant basics

Dental implants are small, biocompatible surgical posts that behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth. Once placed and integrated with the surrounding bone, dental implants provide unparalleled support for single crowns, bridges, and dentures. As the most advanced method for the replacement of missing teeth, they offer satisfying, long-lasting, and functional solutions for rebuilding a complete smile.

Consider all the benefits

Whether you’re missing one tooth, multiple ones, or missing all your teeth, you can rebuild a complete and beautiful smile with dental implants! According to statistics, roughly 3 million people have already received dental implants, with that number increasing at a staggering rate of 500,000 per year! The soaring popularity of dental implants is attributed, in large part, to the numerous benefits they offer as compared with other methods of care.

While conventional fixed bridges and dentures provide effective and satisfying solutions for the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants offer several advantages over traditional methods of care:

  • Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
  • With precise placement, good oral hygiene, and routine care, dental implants can last for many years.
  • Dental implants provide continued stimulation to the underlying bone to prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing while preserving natural facial contours.
  • Since implants behave like natural teeth, there is no chance that they will slip or dislodge like removable dentures when speaking or eating.
  • Dental implants make it possible to speak with ease and eat and taste all types of food with virtually no restrictions.
  • Dental implants do not decay and will not develop cavities.
  • Unlike a fixed bridge, dental implants do not require any preparation or crowning of teeth adjacent to the edentulous area.
Briter Dental | Geriatric Dentistry, Ceramic Crowns and Implant Dentistry

The Most Versatile Solution for The Replacement Of Missing Teeth

Types of Dental Implants:

  • Single-tooth implant

    When a single tooth is missing, a dental implant restored with a crown replicates a natural tooth in almost every way. It’s no longer necessary to fabricate a conventional three-unit bridge involving the preparation and crowning of any adjacent teeth. As a self-supporting and fully functional entity, a single tooth implant offers patients an excellent solution for reestablishing a complete and attractive smile.
  • Implant-supported fixed bridges

    As used to replace two or more missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge preserves the integrity of the adjacent natural teeth while providing the ongoing bone stimulation needed to prevent bone shrinkage and maintain facial contours. Unlike a traditional fixed bridge to replace multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge does not require the preparation and crowning of any adjacent natural teeth. Instead, it relies on a select amount of strategically placed dental implants to support all the crowns and replacement teeth needed.
  • Full arch replacement with four or six Implants

    Serving as an alternative to full dentures, a complete set of replacement teeth supported by strategically placed implants successfully reestablishes a smile that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one. Unlike conventional dentures, this approach offers a fixed solution that’s both stable and non-removable. While eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives and having to take any dentures out to clean and sanitize them, it boosts confidence as one speaks, smiles, and chews. It also permits the immediate placement of an attractive set of temporary teeth, with a permanent set to follow once the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
  • Implant-retained denture

    As the name implies, this type of denture attaches to a select number of strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw. These small surgical posts provide precise points of attachment for the overlying denture and add a significant measure of stability and retention. This added level of security enables one to smile, speak, and eat with greater confidence and ease.
Briter Dental | Pediatric Dentistry, Veneers and Emergency Dental Treatment

Are dental implants right for me?

If you are wondering if you’re a candidate for dental implants, it’s easy enough to find out. At the office of Briter Dental, we’re not only happy to look at your smile, but we’ll also answer all your questions and explain your best options for dental implants. We treat every smile as unique and develop personalized treatment plans based on your medical and dental histories, current oral health, cosmetic expectations of care, lifestyle, and budget.

How are dental implants placed?

It’s essential to plan and meticulously execute every step in care, from initial treatment planning and the precise placement of dental implants all the way to the design, fabrication, and insertion of the final crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Surgery to place dental implants is typically considered a minor surgical procedure and performed on an outpatient basis. However, the exact extent of the procedure depends upon the type and number of dental implants and whether or not any additional procedures are required to prepare the supporting bone.

We view communication as a vital part of patient care. Before your dental implant procedure, we’ll discuss dental anesthesia, options for dental sedation, and provide detailed pre-op and post-op care instructions. You can count on our office to keep you well-informed every step of the way.

Once a dental implant gets placed, it takes a few months to integrate fully with the surrounding bone. While a few implant solutions allow placing a same-day temporary crown or bridge, others require waiting for complete healing and osseointegration (fusion with the surrounding bone) to place the permanent prostheses.

Briter Dental | Veneers, Emergency Dental Treatment and Inlays  amp  Onlays

Why might I need a bone graft to get a dental implant?

According to clinical studies, dental implants have a demonstrated long-term success rate of well over 95%. However, the long-term stability and success of a dental implant depend upon the presence of sufficient bone at the time of placement. In cases of periodontal disease or following the extraction of a tooth, bone volume is often lost. By placing a bone graft in the extraction site, or prior to the placement of a dental implant, we can establish sufficient bone support for a sturdy and stable dental implant.

Briter Dental | Root Canals, Implant Restorations and Pediatric Dentistry

Let The Office Of Briter Dental Help You Rebuild A Beautiful Smile

Missing teeth do more than cause embarrassing gaps in your smile. For one thing, they can also affect your ability to speak or chew nutritious food with ease. By not replacing missing teeth, the adjacent ones can shift towards the space over time and change your bite and compromise the health of your smile in many ways.

With all of the advances in dental materials, technology, and treatment methods available today, it’s easier than ever before to replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results of care.

At the office of Briter Dental, we’re pleased to offer leading solutions to improve your oral health and give you a smile you can feel confident sharing with the world. We give you back the complete smile you have lost and provide personalized solutions for all of your oral healthcare needs. To find out more about dental implants or schedule an appointment so that we can take a closer look at your smile, give us a call today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth? Are dental implants worth it?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Are dental implants painful?

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Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

What are dental implants made of?

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Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Are dental implants permanent?

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Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Are dental implants expensive?

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Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

How do I care for my dental implants?

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It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

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Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts, most commonly made from titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Over time the surrounding bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once integrated, implants can support crowns, bridges or full-arch restorations to restore normal chewing and speaking function.

Implant restorations are custom fabricated to match the color, shape and size of adjacent teeth so they look and feel natural. Because implants anchor prosthetic teeth directly to the bone, they provide superior stability compared with removable options and help preserve bone and facial contours. Modern digital planning and restorative materials allow clinicians to design predictable, long-lasting outcomes for many tooth-replacement scenarios.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

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Good candidates for dental implants generally have good overall health and adequate jawbone volume to support the implant posts. Patients with controlled chronic conditions, such as well-managed diabetes, can often be treated successfully after a careful medical review, and smokers may be counseled about increased risk and strategies to improve success. A thorough evaluation with clinical examination and imaging helps determine whether additional procedures like bone grafting or sinus augmentation are needed before implant placement.

Candidates are evaluated individually based on dental history, oral health, cosmetic goals and lifestyle factors, and clinicians work with patients to develop a personalized plan. When medical or anatomic issues exist, staged approaches or alternative restorative options may be recommended to achieve the best long-term results. A consultation will outline the recommended pathway and the timing for each phase of care.

What types of dental implants and restorations are available?

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Several implant-based solutions are available to replace missing teeth, depending on how many teeth are missing and the patient’s goals. Options include single-tooth implants restored with a crown, implant-supported fixed bridges for multiple adjacent missing teeth, implant-retained removable dentures, and full-arch fixed restorations supported by four to six strategically placed implants. Each approach is selected to balance function, esthetics and long-term support for the surrounding bone.

Restorative materials range from high-quality ceramic crowns to full-arch prostheses that mimic natural teeth and gum tissue for esthetic and functional results. The choice of restoration also considers hygiene access, repairability and maintenance needs, and clinicians will recommend the option that best fits a patient’s oral condition and lifestyle. Digital planning and laboratory workflows allow precise implant placement and prosthesis fabrication for predictable fit and appearance.

How is a dental implant placed and how long does the process take?

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The implant process begins with a comprehensive evaluation that often includes three-dimensional imaging and study models to plan ideal implant positions. Implant placement is typically performed as an outpatient surgical procedure under local anesthesia, with optional sedation depending on patient needs and complexity. After placement, a healing period of several months is usually required for osseointegration before the final restoration is attached, although some workflows allow for temporary teeth during healing.

The total timeline varies by case complexity, whether bone grafting or sinus lifts are necessary, and the type of restoration chosen, but many patients complete treatment in a staged protocol over a few months. Regular follow-up appointments monitor healing and ensure the implant integrates properly before progressing to the final restorative phase. Clear communication about each phase helps patients know what to expect from placement through final restoration.

Why might I need a bone graft before getting a dental implant?

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Bone grafting is often recommended when there is insufficient jawbone volume or density to support a dental implant reliably. Bone loss can result from tooth extraction, periodontal disease, trauma or long periods without a tooth in the area, and a graft can restore the necessary height and width of bone for predictable implant placement. Grafting materials may include the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or biocompatible synthetic substitutes, and the choice depends on the clinical situation.

Bone grafts can be performed at the time of tooth extraction, before implant placement as a staged procedure, or simultaneously with implant placement when conditions allow. Successful grafting increases the likelihood of long-term implant stability and helps preserve facial contours and oral function. Your clinician will explain the grafting options, healing timeline and how grafting fits into the overall treatment plan.

What are the benefits of dental implants compared with bridges or dentures?

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Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional bridges and removable dentures, beginning with preservation of the underlying jawbone because implants provide stimulation similar to natural tooth roots. Unlike conventional bridges, implants do not require preparation or crowning of adjacent healthy teeth, which helps preserve natural tooth structure. Implants also provide greater stability than removable dentures, reducing the risk of slippage during speaking or eating.

Functionally, implants allow patients to chew a wider variety of foods comfortably and speak with confidence, and implant restorations are resistant to decay because the post itself is not susceptible to cavities. With proper hygiene and routine dental care, implants have excellent long-term success and can be a predictable way to restore oral health and facial harmony. Treatment planning focuses on selecting the option that best meets each patient’s functional and esthetic goals.

What should I expect during recovery and how can I care for my implants?

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After implant surgery it is common to experience mild swelling, bruising and some discomfort for a few days, which are typically managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. Patients are usually advised to follow a soft diet for a short period, avoid vigorous rinsing or strenuous activity in the immediate postoperative phase, and attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the healing site is important to reduce the risk of infection and support osseointegration.

Once the final restoration is in place, ongoing care includes regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings to maintain gum health and implant longevity. Special tools such as interdental brushes or floss designed for implants may help clean around prosthetic components, and clinicians will provide personalized home-care instructions. Routine dental exams allow early detection of soft tissue or prosthetic issues so they can be addressed promptly.

Are dental implants safe and what are the possible risks or complications?

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Dental implants have a strong safety record and documented long-term success when placed and maintained appropriately, but, as with any surgical procedure, they carry some risks. Potential complications include post-operative infection, implant failure if osseointegration does not occur, damage to nearby anatomical structures such as nerves or sinus cavities, and development of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis if oral hygiene is inadequate. Careful planning, sterile technique and good patient compliance reduce the likelihood of complications.

Early diagnosis and intervention can often manage many implant-related issues, which is why regular follow-up and prompt reporting of changes such as pain, mobility or persistent swelling are important. Your dental team will review risks specific to your medical and dental history and explain preventive measures, expected healing milestones and signs that warrant immediate attention. Open communication and adherence to postoperative instructions help maximize safety and long-term success.

How long do dental implants last and what affects their longevity?

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When implants are properly placed and maintained, they can last for many years and often for the patient’s lifetime, while the prosthetic crowns or bridges attached to them may require periodic maintenance or replacement. Longevity depends on several factors including the quality and quantity of supporting bone, the patient’s oral hygiene practices, systemic health conditions, smoking status and habits such as bruxism. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings play a key role in preserving implant health.

Prosthetic components like crowns, screws or dentures may experience wear and could need repair or replacement over time, but the implant fixture itself is designed for long-term function. Maintaining optimal gum health, controlling risk factors and following the clinician’s maintenance recommendations improve prognosis and reduce the chance of complications. A collaborative approach between patient and dental team supports the best possible outcomes.

How should I prepare for an implant consultation at the office?

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Before your consultation gather any recent dental records, radiographs and a list of current medications and medical conditions to share with the dental team, as these details help guide treatment planning. Prepare a list of your goals and questions about function, esthetics, timeline and comfort options so the consultation is focused and productive. Expect a clinical exam and imaging, such as a cone-beam CT scan when indicated, to evaluate bone volume and anatomical considerations for precise planning.

At Briter Dental the consultation will include a discussion of recommended treatment phases, potential adjunctive procedures like grafting, and the expected follow-up care needed for success. Clinicians will explain anesthesia and sedation options appropriate for your comfort level and medical status and outline the sequence of appointments from surgery to final restoration. Bringing a support person to the appointment can be helpful when reviewing treatment details and next steps.