With dental implants, you no longer have to suffer the embarrassment of missing teeth. Modern dental implants offer the most robust and advanced way to replace missing teeth. So if you are missing one, several or multiple teeth, then dental implants can give you the cosmetic results you demand.
Dr. Nugent What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the jawbone. These titanium screws serve as the foundation for the replacement teeth. The replacement teeth are fixed (they do not come out after meals or at night)
Dr. Nugent who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone missing a tooth, multiple teeth, or even all their teeth is a candidate for implants. Nothing in dentistry is more advanced or lasts longer in replacing missing teeth than a dental implant. However, you must have enough jaw bone to have the dental implant inserted. Even if you have deficient bone levels, you can receive bone grafts to raise the bone levels to accept a dental implant.
Dr. Nugent what about bridges or partial dentures to replace missing teeth?
Bridges are old-fashioned and use outdated techniques. Dental bridges require aggressive cutting on adjacent teeth. Then these cut teeth will be crowned and have a fake tooth between the crowns. You cannot floss between the fake teeth, and the life span of a bridge is about 10 to 15 years. Then you have a much bigger problem down the road when the teeth supporting the bridge develop decay. Also, the teeth supporting the teeth are more likely to need root canals. The bone underneath the fake tooth will deteriorate and create a large food trap under the bridge. The beauty of a dental implant over a bridge is that no cutting on healthy neighbor teeth is necessary, and the dental implant prevents drastic bone loss.
Again, partial dentures are an outdated technique for replacing missing teeth. Patients hate the big bulky plastic and metal in their mouth. Patients hate taking partial dentures in and out of their mouths. Partial dentures are ugly with their metal clasps. Furthermore, partial dentures do not stimulate bone, so patients will have large areas of bone loss and this will create a “roller coaster” of bone levels. While partial dentures are quick and less expensive, they are not the best long-term solution for your overall dental health.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
NO, dental implants are not painful. Dr. Nugent will place the titanium implant into the jawbone. The dental implants can be placed using just local anesthesia or with dental sedation. It is a time-consuming procedure when having multiple implants placed. Many patients prefer sedation for multiple implants because the patient will be unaware of time while under sedation. Dr. Nugent’s mother, father, father-in-law and mother-in-law all had their dental implants placed with just local anesthesia. Some patients experience varying degrees of discomfort or pain, which subside in a couple of days. Then in 2020 Dr. Nugent’s wife had a root canaled tooth fracture. Dr. Nugent removed the tooth and placed a dental implant.
Post-surgery pain medication will be prescribed. However, most patients end up only taking Advil and not their prescription medication.
How are Dental Implants Attached in Your Mouth?
The dental implants are placed into your bone. The titanium dental implant osteointegrates (fuses to bone). The process of the bone fusing to the dental implant can take from three to six months. During this healing time, the bone grows in and around the dental implant, creating a very strong foundation. Once the dental implant is properly anchored into the jawbone, the abutment is inserted on top of the implant. Then a beautiful porcelain crown is put on top of the abutment, and the implant now looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Dr. Nugent what about “teeth in an hour” and “teeth in a day”?
In certain situations and on ideal candidates, implants can be restored immediately with a temporary abutment and temporary crown. However, if you try to push the envelope of established guidelines, then you can get implant failures. Dr. Nugent did an immediate implant on his Father because his Father had the ideal conditions for an immediate implant. If it sounds too good to be true on TV or in the newspaper, it probably is. If you want to see if you are a candidate for an immediate dental implant, then come see Dr. Nugent
I want a dental implant but don’t want a missing tooth space.
If you are a candidate for an immediate same-day implant, then you can have a temporary tooth while the implant fuses to the bone. If it is better to let the dental implant heal without external forces and pressures, then Dr. Nugent can create a “flipper.” A flipper is a false tooth attached to a plastic base. The flipper is contoured to fit around your natural teeth. Flippers are a temporary solution to missing teeth and are frequently used for front teeth.
Why Dental Implants Are the Modern Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
For decades, patients with missing teeth had only a few options: dental bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures. While these older solutions helped fill gaps in a smile, they came with significant limitations. Today, dental implants have transformed modern dentistry, offering unmatched durability, aesthetics, and long-term oral health benefits. If you’re exploring tooth replacement options, understanding why implants outperform traditional treatments is essential.
Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth more closely than any previous solution. Unlike bridges or dentures that rest on the gums or rely on adjacent teeth for support, implants are anchored securely into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was. This titanium post acts like a new tooth root, integrating with the bone to create a permanent and stable foundation. On top of the implant, a custom-made abutment and porcelain crown complete the restoration, blending seamlessly with the natural teeth. Because implants stand independently, they do not require damaging or altering healthy neighboring teeth, making them a more conservative and protective option.
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their ability to preserve jawbone health. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone no longer receives stimulation and begins to shrink—a process called bone resorption. Bridges and dentures cannot stop this process, and in many cases, dentures can even accelerate bone loss due to constant pressure on the gums. Dental implants, however, stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, preventing deterioration and maintaining facial structure. This helps patients avoid the sunken, aged facial appearance that often accompanies long-term tooth loss.
Implants also offer superior comfort and function. Patients frequently struggle with removable dentures that slip, cause sore spots, or limit the ability to eat certain foods. Implants eliminate these frustrations. They stay firmly in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with absolute confidence. Many patients report that implants feel so natural they forget which tooth is artificial. For denture wearers, implants can even be used to stabilize dentures through implant-retained solutions such as locator attachments—providing remarkable stability and dramatically improving quality of life.
Longevity is another critical benefit. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Bridges typically last 10–15 years, and dentures need regular adjustments and replacement due to bone loss. Implants, by contrast, are resistant to decay and cannot develop cavities. They provide a strong, long-term investment in your oral health, saving you time, money, and discomfort over the years.
Finally, when it comes to appearance, dental implants reign supreme. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The crown is crafted to match your surrounding teeth perfectly, creating an indistinguishable and beautiful smile. Unlike dentures that may appear bulky or artificial, implants deliver a seamless, natural-looking result that boosts confidence and enhances overall facial aesthetics.
If you are considering replacing missing teeth, there is simply no better option than dental implants. They protect bone health, preserve natural teeth, provide exceptional stability, and offer long-lasting beauty and function.
To learn more and discover whether dental implants are right for you, call Dr. Michael Nugent at 713-941-8261. Schedule your appointment today and experience the most advanced, comfortable, and reliable tooth replacement solution available. Dr. Nugent is located at 3421 Burke Rd, Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.