Whether you’ve lost a single tooth due to injury or decay, or you’re missing multiple teeth, this issue can significantly impact your confidence, oral health, and overall quality of life. The gaps in your smile affect more than just your appearance; they can make eating difficult, cause remaining teeth to shift, and lead to bone loss in your jaw. Fortunately, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that restores your smile while preventing jawbone resorption.
At Brilliant Dental Care, Dr. Kevin Freeman and our trusted team understand the challenges that come with tooth loss and offer advanced dental implant solutions to restore your smile’s function and beauty. With his extensive training and commitment to using the latest technology, Dr. Freeman can help you regain your confidence and enjoy the foods you love with dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. These biocompatible posts provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, whether you need to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, cosmetic dentistry solutions like dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support and integrate directly with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
At our Houston practice, Dr. Freeman uses advanced digital CBCT scans to precisely plan your implant placement. This three-dimensional imaging technology allows him to evaluate your bone density, locate vital structures, and determine the optimal position for your implants. The digital planning process ensures greater accuracy and helps predict successful outcomes before treatment even begins.
The implant itself consists of three components: the titanium post that’s placed in your jawbone, an abutment that connects to the post, and the crown that serves as your visible replacement tooth. Using our in-house CEREC technology, Dr. Freeman can often create your custom crown in a single visit, reducing the number of appointments needed to complete your treatment.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Choosing dental implants over other tooth replacement options provides multiple benefits for your oral health and quality of life, including the following:
- Preserve healthy tooth structure by eliminating the need to grind down adjacent teeth
- Prevent bone loss in your jaw by stimulating natural bone growth
- Provide superior stability and comfort compared to removable dentures
- Allow you to eat all your favorite foods without restrictions
- Maintain your natural facial structure and prevent premature aging
- Offer a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care
These comprehensive benefits make dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement, offering both immediate improvements and long-term oral health advantages.
Preserving Your Jawbone and Facial Structure
One of the most significant benefits is that implants help prevent bone loss in your jaw. Within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, maintaining your facial structure and preventing the sunken appearance that often occurs with traditional dentures.
Implants also provide superior comfort and stability. You won’t have to worry about slipping dentures or avoiding certain foods; with dental implants, you can eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. The restoration process feels natural because the implant becomes part of your jaw, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience often associated with removable prosthetics.
The Dental Implant Process at Brilliant Dental Care
Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Freeman evaluates your oral health, discusses your goals, and determines if you’re a good candidate for implants. Using digital X-rays and CBCT scanning, he’ll assess your bone density and create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Implant Placement and Healing
The implant placement procedure is typically performed in our comfortable Houston office using local anesthesia. If you have more intense anxiety, we also offer nitrous oxide to help you relax during treatment. Dr. Freeman carefully places the titanium implant into your jawbone, and in many cases, a temporary restoration can be placed the same day to maintain your appearance while the implant heals.
The healing period, called osseointegration, typically takes three to six months as your jawbone grows around and fuses with the implant. During this time, you’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your progress. Once osseointegration is complete, Dr. Freeman will attach the abutment and create your custom crown using our advanced CEREC technology.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from dental implant surgery is generally straightforward, and most patients return to work within a day or two. You may experience mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. Dr. Freeman will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and long-term success of your implants.
Financing Your Dental Implant Treatment
We understand that dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health and quality of life. At Brilliant Dental Care, we accept most major insurance plans. While dental insurance typically doesn’t cover the full cost of implants, it may help cover portions of your treatment. Our team will work closely with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits and provide clear, accurate information about your coverage.
Flexible Payment Options
For patients without insurance coverage or those seeking flexible payment options, we offer financing through CareCredit and SunBit. These programs allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over manageable monthly payments, making dental implants more accessible and affordable. We also offer our In-House Smile Advantage Plan, which provides additional savings on dental treatments for patients without traditional insurance.
Contact Brilliant Dental Care for Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you’re ready to restore your smile and regain your confidence, dental implants at Brilliant Dental Care offer a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Dr. Freeman’s advanced training and postdoctoral residency training at UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston ensure you receive the highest quality care throughout your treatment journey. With his years of experience in advanced general dentistry, Dr. Freeman has the expertise to handle even complex implant cases.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from living your best life. Contact our Houston practice today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a complete, healthy smile. Call us at (713) 360-7638 or schedule your appointment online to learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile and improve your quality of life.
