Dental implants

Quick links

Do you need more information on dental implants?

Dental Implants in Houston, Cypress & Katy TX: When Is the Right Time?

Dental implants are made of titanium. A completed implant includes three pieces: the implant itself (a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone), the abutment (a connector between the dental implant and crown) and the crown (the part that is visible and looks like a tooth). Our oral surgeon will place the implant and the abutment, and the crown will be completed by your general dentist.

When is it a good time to get dental implants?

If you’re considering dental implants in Houston, Cypress & Katy TX, one of the most critical questions to ask is, “When is the right time to begin the process?” You might be surprised to learn that your jawbone health plays a significant role in this decision.

Your jawbone is much like a muscle—it needs consistent stimulation to maintain its density and volume. Unfortunately, the moment a tooth is lost or extracted, your jawbone begins to deteriorate almost immediately. In fact, research has shown that within just one year of losing a tooth, the jawbone may shrink by as much as 25% in width.

This is why acting early is so important. The sooner you replace a lost tooth with a dental implant, the higher the chance of avoiding the need for more involved procedures like bone grafting later on. At Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our experienced surgical team provides advanced, safe, and affordable dental implants in Houston, Cypress, and Katy TX—using the latest technology and techniques for optimal results.

The Dental Implant Procedure: Step by Step

Whether you’re replacing one missing tooth or several, the dental implant process is precise, comprehensive, and customized for your needs. Here’s a closer look at what to expect when you choose dental implants at our Houston, Cypress, or Katy locations:

1. Consultation & Customized Treatment Planning

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and evaluation. During this phase, our team gathers diagnostic imaging and thoroughly reviews your dental and medical history. This information helps us develop a personalized treatment plan that suits both your health goals and budgetary needs. Choosing an oral surgeon matters. At Memorial OMS, you are in the hands of specialists trained in maxillofacial anatomy, ensuring the safest and most predictable outcomes.

2. Tooth Extraction

If you still have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs replacement, we’ll schedule a quick and gentle extraction. In some cases, the dental implant can be placed at the same time as the extraction, minimizing the overall treatment time. If the jawbone isn’t ready to hold the implant securely, we’ll need to move to the next step—preparation through bone grafting.

3. Bone Grafting (if necessary)

Loss of jawbone mass is common after tooth loss, especially if significant time has passed. When this occurs, bone grafting is often required to rebuild the jaw and create a sturdy foundation for the implant. This involves placing bone material at the site, allowing it to heal and integrate over several months before the implant can be inserted. When performed early, however, dental implants can help preserve jawbone integrity and reduce the need for grafting altogether.

4. Dental Implant Placement Surgery

Once the foundation is ready, the implant surgery can begin. During this procedure, a small titanium screw is surgically inserted into your jawbone to act as your new tooth root. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure typically takes only 1–2 hours and is performed under local or general anesthesia for your comfort. Our surgical expertise and advanced technology make this procedure safe, comfortable, and highly predictable.

5. Osseointegration (Healing Period)

After surgery, your implant is allowed to heal and undergo a biological process known as osseointegration—this is where the titanium implant bonds naturally with your jawbone over a 3-month period. This bond creates a strong, permanent foundation for a replacement tooth.

6. Final Restoration

Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment supports a dental crown that looks, feels, and functions just like a real tooth. In most cases, the crown is placed by your general dentist following coordination with us.

Why Choose Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?

At Memorial OMS, we set the gold standard for dental implants in Houston, Cypress & Katy TX. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring years of specialized training, and we use leading-edge 3D imaging, surgical navigation systems, and minimally invasive techniques to ensure you get the best outcome possible. We are committed to providing care that is:

Safe – Led by board-certified oral surgeons with extensive implant experience.
Comfortable – Surgical care in a relaxed and supportive environment with sedation options available.
Affordable – Custom treatment plans that take your budget and long-term goals into consideration.

We also encourage you to visit our procedures page to learn more about the full range of oral surgery services we offer.

Get Started Today with Dental Implants in Houston, Cypress & Katy TX

If you’re ready to reclaim your smile and restore your oral health, now is the time to consider dental implants. The sooner you act, the better the outcome, particularly when it comes to preserving jawbone structure and avoiding invasive procedures later on. At Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are proud to serve patients from all across the Houston metro area—including Cypress and Katy—with excellence, compassion, and world-class results. Explore our patient-friendly options, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced surgical care today. For more commonly asked questions, be sure to visit our convenient Dental Implant FAQs section.

Stay Connected

See what our patients have to say and leave your own review on our Google Business Profile.