What Are Dental Implants?
Losing a tooth changes your smile in many ways — some you can see, and others aren't so obvious. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may start to shift out of their proper place, bite pressure becomes uneven, and the jawbone may shrink due to a lack of stimulation. Over time, these changes can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and increased stress on the rest of your teeth. A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that includes both the visible crown and the root structure beneath it, providing the support you need for a healthier, more stable bite. At Hearthstone Dentistry in Houston, TX, we provide dental implants tailored to your specific needs, whether you're replacing a single tooth or considering implant-supported restorations for a larger area. Led by Dr. Rachal Liverman, our team guides patients through each step of their dental implant procedure, taking the time to answer any questions and concerns so that you can make a confident decision about your oral health. If you're considering your options for tooth replacement, schedule a consultation at our practice to learn if dental implants are right for your smile.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The dental implant procedure is completed in phases. We'll start with a comprehensive evaluation at our Houston, TX office, which will include digital x-rays to assess bone structure and confirm that your jaw can support an implant. If not, we may need to arrange for a bone graft to fill out the jawbone. Once the site is ready, we'll surgically place a small titanium post in the jaw where the missing tooth was located. This post will act as a replacement root, gradually integrating into your jaw over the course of several months. Once the bone has fully healed around the post, we attach an abutment that will connect the implant to the final crown. The crown itself is custom-designed for your bite and matched to the shape and color of your natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Because they integrate with your bone and remain fixed in place, dental implants offer stability that other tooth replacement options can't match. They're a long-lasting, attractive option for our patients who want a discreet smile solution, providing benefits that include:
- Replaces the full structure of a missing tooth
- Preserves bone in the jaw and prevents shrinkage over time
- Helps maintain proper bite alignment and chewing strength
- Does not require support from neighboring teeth
- Can anchor bridges or full dentures for added stability
- Custom-shaped for a natural appearance and comfortable fit
Hearthstone Dentistry Reviews
Everyone is very pleasant. She has quite the uplifting and bubbly personality. Thorough in explaining what the procedure is and ask if I have any questions. Checks that you are doing ok while procedure is being done. Great dentist!
My first time at the dentist and this office made it such a joyful experience. The receptionist at the front desk was helpful and very kind. The dental assistant was patient and informative and the dentist was very thorough, answered all my questions and funny/witty. Great experience!
Very professional and courteous. Always professional, and always taking care of the patient.
3
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dental implant look like a natural tooth?
Yes, your final restoration is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing smile. The crown is custom-designed to match the specific shape, size, and color of your surrounding natural teeth. Our goal at Hearthstone Dentistry is to create a result that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Dr. Liverman ensures patients are comfortable throughout the procedure by using local anesthesia. While you may experience some mild soreness and swelling after the placement, this discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants have a very high success rate and are considered a reliable, long-term solution for tooth replacement. Success depends on factors such as your overall health, jawbone density, and commitment to good oral hygiene. With proper care in Houston, TX, your implants can last a lifetime.
Lifelike Tooth Replacement
Replacing a missing tooth is about restoring the structure and function of your mouth in a way that supports your long-term health. At Hearthstone Dentistry in Houston, TX, Dr. Chau and our team provide personalized dental implant care designed to rebuild your bite and help you move forward with comfort and confidence. Schedule your consultation to learn whether implants are the right solution for your needs and what your next steps could look like.