Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
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“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Condrey is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an implant surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Condrey performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
J. Gregory Condrey, DDS, MS, PA
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey performed an excellent, pain free procedure for me last week. He and his staff are very patient & kind. My family & I highly recommend him!
- Trudy H
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff are caring, pleasant and professional. I had a molar extracted in preparation for implant. I was informed by Dr. Condrey throughout the procedure and both he and his associate were concerned that my comfort was foremost. Best of all, no swelling and only two ibuprofen for very minimal discomfort!
- Michael L
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey is as professional as he is personable. He quickly resolved a chronic abscess problem that had baffled several other practitioners. Believe me that absence of abscess makes my heart grow fonder (and healthier). He also has impeccable taste in his office and staff selections. The facility is open and airy, plus it is filled with such beautiful furnishings and artwork that it resembles a mini-museum. His staff is as attentive as they are attractive. These combined elements provide a relaxing and pleasurable experience for patients receiving competent care for complex problems provided in a truly wonderfully soothing environment.
- Chuck B
Patient Review
Wow, what an amazing and simple experience!! I was so worried about getting an implant as i have had some bad dental experiences in my life and Dr. Condrey was amazing. I never had but the smallest amount of pain, barely noticeable following the procedure!! His office staff was also great and very personable! It was just a wonderful experience!!!
- Connie W
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff were kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I received professional dental care for my tooth extraction and implant. It was a good dental experience.
- Sandra T
Patient Review
I have been a patient for over 10 years with Dr Condrey. Not my first periodontist, but definitely the best one. Staff is friendly and most capable at the jobs they do. Used to always request nitrous for routine cleanings, but Andrea has such a good touch and technique that nitrous is not needed for the sensitive gums.
- Charles T
Patient Review
Very courteous and profession service
- Tim L
Patient Review
First of all I'm infamous for my dental phobias so let that be the base. Dr. Condrey and his staff were totally professional, personable, and accommodating for my entire office experience. My service/ insurance procedure was seamless and most importantly I had full access to Dr. Condrey during and after business hours. You can't take that for granted. I would recommend him and his staff to all my friends and family and coming from someone who's a stickler for customer service and loyalty I wouldn't just say it if it wasn't so.
- Marvin M
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and all the staff were very personable, informative, kind and considerate. The office atmosphere is very welcoming as is Dr. Condrey and each one of his assistants at the front desk and in the procedure rooms. They were great at explaining the procedures as well as thoroughly answering any questions I had. Going to the dentist really isn't what I'd call a fun day, but Dr. Condrey and his staff made the experience easy and painless. They were all a pleasure to work with and I would certainly give the highest recommendations for anyone needing to see a periodontist. Whether you live in Sugar Land or anywhere in the surrounding areas, Dr. Condrey is the doctor to see.
- Janis C
Patient Review
Very happy with the staff, they were very concern and helpful.The Dr. did a great job explaining want was going to be happening step by step. Did a wonderful job with the implants and made sure I was doing ok. Big Thanks
- Joyce A
Patient Review
Very friendly and professional staff. Prompt attention. All questions answered thoroughly.
- Ivelysse S
Patient Review
Friendly and professional. I feel like I am in good hands. I have had past issues with my teeth but thankfully, I am seeing some good progress.
- Colleen P
Patient Review
I definitely recommend Dr. Condrey for dental implants. My wife was impressed too and if she’s in the market for an implant, she won’t go anywhere but to Dr. Condrey.
- Randal D
Patient Review
I'm beginning the process for my first dental implant. You can therefore understand how apprehensive I was initially. I feel extremely comfortable and at ease with Dr. Condrey and his team since they have taken the time to explain the implant procedure to me. Importantly, in the interim, they have been very responsive to questions related to my care. My spouse first received dental care from Dr. Condrey and his staff. They are well regarded, and I concur.
- Bertha H
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his amazing staff make going to a dentist a very relaxing experience. Andrea, my dental hygienist, does a great job and always makes me feel comfortable. Dr. Condrey is a great periodontist/dentist. Highly recommend their services.
- Robin B
Patient Review
I have been very satisfied with Dr. Condrey and his staff.
- Linda J
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff are truly the most competent professionals in town . I am glad my dentist recommend him .
- Silvina H
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey and his staff are most competent professionals I have come across. I have been seeing this doctor now for about a year . I have my regular cleanings every three month, and a one time "deep cleaning". His dental hygienist is really meticulous about her work and does an excellent work. I see Dr. Condrey at least every other time I go to have my quarterly cleaning, to check on the progress of my gums that so far are improving a lot. He is very thorough in his check ups and always give me an explanation of the condition of my gums and what I should do to take care of them and my teeth. Very satisfied to be his patient! I give this office a rating of 5 Stars!
- Maria S
Patient Review
Friendly competent staff. Dr. Condrey has a calming, skillful, professional manner; he shows concern for the health of teeth and bones. I would highly recommend Dr. Condrey! I am grateful that my Dentist referred me.
- Laura T
Patient Review
Dr. Condrey is very sincere in doing the very best for his patients. He is gentle in his procedures and sensitive to his patient's requirements and requests. Andrea is fantastic, and also gentle but very detailed in her work. Wonderful experiences from the first periodontal process and every visit for cleaning since then. I highly recommend Dr. Condrey and his team!
- Sharon W