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. Monica Chau, 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
I absolutely loved the patient experience in the this office. I am new in the area and so l just did a goggle search and several dental offices pulled up. My spirit lead me to this office. From the moment l walked into the office l felt welcome. I had spoken with Tabitha earlier that morning to confirm my appointment and I recognized the voice when l walked in. She made sure my paperwork was completed and then introduced me to Pascha. She took all my X-rays and pictures of my teeth.. she was so gentle and kind, asking me if l was okay throughout the procedure. That is huge in my books because it showed she cared/cares. Dr. Chau and Pascha were amazing; they work so well together. They were engaging, as well as reassuring. They made me feel comfortable and safe in their care. Dr. Chau explained and reviewed all the X-rays and pictures. She stopped periodically to ask if I had questions. Dr. Chau and her crew on 10/24/2023 were phenomenal. I highly recommend you checking out Hearthstone Dentist . It’s full of joy.
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.
I have been coming here for many years. The original dentist retired and I have been seeing Dr Chau since 2021 and she does an excellent job. She takes time to explain all she does and asked for me to ask any questions or concerns I have.
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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.