Dental Implant Surgery in Houston, TX

The Healthy, Long-Term Choice for Tooth Restoration

Many adults struggle with one or more missing or failing teeth. Our specialists at Alfi Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery proudly offer dental implants to restore teeth and help our patients feel more confident about their smile.

 

Dental implants are a popular, long-term solution that are specially designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Your treatment plan is customized to fit your exact needs and our team will find the right type of implants for you. Contact us in Houston, TX, for a consultation regarding dental implants with our expert oral surgeons, Dr. Alfi and Dr. Carrillo.

 

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a complete type of tooth restoration. Whereas removable dentures or bridges only cosmetically restore teeth, dental implants restore both the appearance and function of teeth. Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that provide stimulation to the jaw bone in the same way as natural tooth roots, keeping it strong and preventing bone loss.

 

If bone loss occurs, bone graft surgery can regrow bone where it is needed. Once healed, there will be a sturdy foundation ready to support a dental implant. On top of the implant post, a connective abutment attaches the dental crown, which is made specifically for your smile.

 

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jaw bone, where they replicate the function and appearance of natural teeth. The implant post is made of medical-grade titanium and fuses to the jaw bone. This post acts like a tooth root and stimulates the bone during chewing, which keeps the bone strong and healthy. Because the implant fuses to the jaw it has the same strength as a natural tooth, allowing you to bite and chew your favorite foods—even hard and chewy foods like steak, popcorn, jerky, and nuts.

 

There is no framework attached to a dental implant like the metal framework that a bridge uses. Dental implants do not rely on other teeth for support, unlike bridges and partial dentures that cling onto existing teeth. Because they are self-supportive, implants protect the health of your remaining teeth by preventing excess wear and properly distributing biting force.

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Implant-based tooth restoration offers numerous benefits over more traditional options for tooth replacement, including:

Longevity

Dental implants have high success rates and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Oral Health Benefits

Dental implants prevent bone loss and keep adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Confidence

With a complete smile that looks and functions naturally, you can love your smile again.

Oral Hygiene

Care for your implants just like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. There are no special rinses or solutions necessary.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures?

Dental implants are healthier and more convenient than traditional dentures and bridgework. Once inserted, your dental implant will remain in your mouth at all times, unlike dentures which must be removed during meals and brushing. Many patients who wear full or partial dentures switch to dental implants because they find their prosthesis uncomfortable and dislike having to remove and replace it.

 

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures
Dental Implants Traditional Dentures or Bridges
Prevent bone loss and dental shifting Prevent dental shifting
No dietary restrictions Avoid chewy or hard foods
Feels natural and has no removable parts Dentures must be taken out during meals, brushing, and at night
Protects existing teeth May damage existing teeth with supporting framework

Types of Dental Implants in Houston, TX

Dr. Alfi and Dr. Carillo offer many types of implant treatments to help more patients achieve a healthier smile. During the consultation, we will outline your options and help select the right choice for you and your financial needs.

  • Single Tooth Replacement. We can use one dental implant to replace one tooth anywhere in the mouth. Implants are strong and can replace front teeth, canine teeth, and even molars.
  • Multiple Teeth Replacement. If several teeth are missing next to each other, an implant can support a bridge. This avoids having to use your existing teeth to support a traditional bridge, possibly leading to damage, and the implant post prevents bone loss.
  • Same-Day Implants. If you are having a tooth extracted, we can immediately replace the tooth with a dental implant at the same visit. This can only be done if there is enough jaw, and will save you time and money by not requiring an additional surgical visit.
  • Full-Arch Restoration. If many or all of the teeth need to be replaced, we can insert several implant posts into the dental arch and attach a fixed prosthesis. The results are a life-changing new smile that functions and looks like a complete set of healthy teeth.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is an oral and maxillofacial surgery procedure that we perform in the comfort of our office in Houston, Texas. Prior to surgery, you will have a consultation appointment with Dr. Alfi or Dr. Carillo. We will take 3D scans of your mouth and create a virtual guide for the implant surgery. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that creates surgical guides for precise dental implant placement. At this appointment, we will help you select the type of anesthesia you would like for your comfort. Most patients undergo IV sedation for dental implant placement.

 

During surgery, your oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and place the implant post. We may place a temporary crown to wear while you heal. Sutures are placed as needed and you will rest until we feel you are ready to go home. When undergoing IV sedation, you must arrange for an adult to drive you home afterwards.

 

Over the next few months, the implant post will integrate with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration. Once fully healed, you will return for a second procedure to attach the abutment if this was not done during the first surgery. Finally, your restorative dentist will create and place your final crown.

 

Types of Anesthesia

There are a variety of anesthesia and sedation options available at our practice.

There are a variety of anesthesia and sedation options available at our practice.

The cost of dental implants varies for every patient. We take several factors into consideration, including the number and type of implants, your insurance, your choice of anesthesia, and if you require additional procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extraction. To find out how much a dental implant would cost, contact Alfi Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery for a consultation.

 

Dental implants do not need to be replaced every few years like removable dentures and bridges. There are no moving parts, so you can eat and speak with ease. Dentures and bridges are often cheaper upfront, but they do not prevent bone loss associated with tooth loss. Many patients find dentures to be embarrassing to remove when eating around others, and it can feel like a hassle to clean them in special rinses every day. By investing in a dental implant, you invest in your smile and health for years to come.

Value of Replacing Missing Teeth

Your teeth are essential to your oral and overall health. It’s important to maintain the appearance and function of your smile so that you can prevent serious dental issues and feel confident about your teeth. Dental implants can restore your ability to eat your favorite foods, maintain good oral hygiene, and show off your smile comfortably and confidently. When you replace missing teeth with dental implants, you make a lifelong investment in your oral health and happiness.

Dental Implants in Houston, TX

Alfi Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery is located in the Texas Medical Center in the heart of Houston, Texas. We have partnered with the Westin Houston Medical Center to provide out-of-town patients with a discounted hotel rate and are conveniently located nearby to patients in these surrounding areas:

  • Conroe, TX
  • The Woodlands, TX
  • Spring, TX
  • Katy, TX
  • Sugar Land, TX
  • Pearland, TX
  • Cypress, TX
  • Humble, TX
  • Pasadena, TX
  • League City, TX
  • Alvin, TX
  • Missouri City, TX
  • Richmond, TX
  • Rosenberg, TX

Hear From Dental Implant Patients

These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.

  • Meet Julie

    Orthognathic Surgery

  • Meet Adi

    Dental Implants

  • Meet Allison

    Wisdom Teeth Removal

  • Meet Mark

    Orthognathic Surgery

Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients

  • "I’m Veronica from Houston and I had a general dental extraction, and I’ll be getting a dental implant. The staff here are some of the friendliest staff I’ve dealt with from a doctor’s office. My doctor, as a person, is outgoing, friendly, innovative, and always on top of what the newest technology is. The video in WUWTA text messages that I received made me feel a lot more comfortable and prepared. My procedure went very well, actually better than what I expected. I had an amazing overall experience here. I would give Alfi Oral Surgery five out of five stars, hands down."

  • "Hi, my name is Greta and I’m from Cypress, and I had a dental extraction with [an] implant placed. When I walked into Dr. Alfi’s practice, I immediately felt a warm feeling. Everyone was very nice. Staff was very welcoming and very helpful with anything that I needed. Dr. Alfi was very calm and explained everything from what he was going to do, which put me at ease. My procedure went very well. Recovery was great. The quality of my life has improved because now on that side of my mouth, it’s much more comfortable. It feels much better now to have a healthy bite. My overall experience with Dr. Alfi was great. To all my friends and family in Channelview to Mission Bend, I would highly recommend Alfi Oral Surgery."

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is not suitable for dental implants?

Patients with compromised immune systems, advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, or those who habitually clench or grind their teeth may not qualify for implant-based treatment. In general, if you are healthy enough to undergo general surgery and have adequate jaw bone, you are likely a candidate for dental implants.

 

Does food get under implants?

Just like a natural tooth, food can get stuck around a dental implant. Brush and floss regularly to keep your implant and teeth clear of plaque and debris.

 

Can a dentist place a dental implant?

Oral surgeons undergo many additional years of training and are qualified to administer all types of anesthesia for oral surgery procedures, whereas general dentists often only offer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. When a patient needs a dental implant, a dentist will often refer to an oral surgeon for more detailed scans, treatment planning, and to perform dental implant surgery.

 

When is it too late to get dental implants?

There is no age limit for dental implants. Whether you are 17 or 70, you can receive a dental implant as long as the jaw has finished developing and there is enough jaw bone to support it.

 

The Leading Oral and Facial Surgery Experts

We are dedicated to serving our patients and community with a higher level of expertise and better clinical outcomes. Experience the difference at Alfi Oral, Dental Implant & Facial Surgery with a team of compassionate experts you can trust.