Von Boeckmann, DDS

Keith Von Boeckmann, Dds

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  Any dental procedures which make your smile look better can be known as a dental cosmetic procedure. A cosmetic dentist's prime focus will be to perform operations which can make the teeth more attractive while not compromising on oral health. Teeth whitening, dental bonding, dental veneers, and lumineers can be used to craft good-looking smiles, but that is not all. Prosthodontic appliances like implants and bridges can also come under dental cosmetic procedures. Because by replacing a lost tooth, these procedures can fill the gap and enhance your smile. Why Cosmetic Dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry which is concerned about the aesthetic aspect of a smile. A cosmetic dentist will aim to bring dental technology to best use to come up with the dream smile of a patient. The dentist addresses the concerns of patients and sets a treatment plan after performing a thorough evaluation of oral health. The results can truly bring a change in the life of patients. Cosmetic dentistry procedure can boost the confidence of a person. Good looking smiles can make a person feel good about himself/herself. Beautiful teeth can make a person look young. When a person feels good about himself/herself, there can be an improvement in overall health. Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment A regular dental visit to the cosmetic dentist will involve a thorough evaluation of oral health. Our cosmetic dentist may ask a few questions to patients about their concerns and changes they expect from a cosmetic dental procedure. After analyzing the oral health condition, our cosmetic dentist will set a treatment plan. Sometimes a single cosmetic dentistry procedure may be sufficient otherwise other treatment may require a combination of different dental cosmetic procedures. Our cosmetic dentist may also provide a preview of the expected outcome of the treatment.

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Dental Implants

  A missing tooth can give rise to several problems in oral health. There are numerous dental appliances that are developed as a prosthodontist and as a implantologist that replaces a missing tooth. If you are a person who is planning to meet a dentist to replace a missing tooth, then you can probably consider dental implants as one of the best options. Dental implants work effectively in restoring the root of the natural tooth, the surgeries to place a dental implant in the jaw bone of patients can be performed by a qualified dentist. At Von Boeckmann DDS in Missouri, we understand the importance of a tooth for the oral and overall health of a person. We perform dental implant surgery. Which can provide a permanent solution to the patient's, who are suffering from missing teeth. Missing Tooth and Oral Health Tooth loss can happen for several reasons. Tooth decay and gum diseases are some common dental conditions which can cause tooth loss. Apart from a dental infection, a person might lose teeth from an accidental injury as well. A missing tooth can lead to a lack of stimulation to the jawbone. While the tooth or several teeth are missing. The condition may lead to bone resorption, and that decrease the height and width of the jaw bone. The facial skin may tend to sag because of the lack of support to facial muscles and could be one of the reasons why the patient's who have missing teeth tend to look odd. A missing tooth can lead to shifting in the position of the teeth around the gap. As a result, there is an imbalance in biting, which can lead to TMJ problems. How can dental implants help? Dental implants are made of the titanium, which creates a bond with the tissues of the jawbone. Our surgeon will perform the surgery by drilling a hole into your jawbone. Dental implants support the dental crowns and provide the artificial tooth enough strength and stability. The process of osseointegration ensures that the implant remains integrated with the jawbone for a long time. An implanted tooth can be cleaned and taken care of just like natural teeth. With proper care, the artificial tooth will last for a lifetime. The procedure doesn't require the adjacent teeth to be filed like it would be with a dental bridge. This is one of the main advantages of dental implants over other methods for restoring a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Dental Implants – Are you the Candidate? A dental implant is a replacement for the missing root of a tooth. The implant integrates with the supporting bone structure and gains higher stability. This is one of the biggest functional advantages of the implanted tooth. For successful integration and long life of dental implants, good oral and overall health may be necessary. Your dentist may look for certain criteria during the evaluation before deciding on the placement of a dental implant. Though all patients are good candidates for the restoration, and some may be evaluated carefully to analyze the risk of failure as compared to others. Speak to your dentist to know more about oral health concerns for dental implant placement. Dental Implant Surgery Procedure The placement of a dental implant and dental crown requires few visits to the dental practice. After confirming that dental implant surgery can be performed our dentists initially prepare the site for the placement of the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone through a surgical procedure. The implant is left to heal for a few months when it forms a strong bond with the jaw bone. The abutment and crown are fit over the implant during next visit.

  Link: Dental Implants

• Dental Bridges

  The gap caused by a missing tooth can have far-reaching effects on the oral health of a person than just ruining the smile. Therefore it's always advisable to replace a lost tooth from the perspective of good oral health and overall health. Dental bridges are among the affordable replacement appliance for the missing tooth. They generally have two crowns, which are placed over the natural teeth and used as anchors. A false tooth which lies between the crowns forms the artificial replacement of the natural tooth which is lost. In this way dental bridges finely bridge the gap in the dental arch. Our dentists provide comprehensive dental care catering to the dental needs of patients. We been offering dental bridges and we have been successful in replacing a lost tooth in many of our patients in Missouri City using these teeth replacement appliances. Dental Bridges – Treatment Process The process of placing a dental bridge happens in a few visits, and it requires the preparation of the teeth appliance and it's done by removing a small layer of enamel from them. Our dentist Dr. Von Boeckmann then takes impressions of these teeth and gets the dental crowns prepared in the lab. Patients are provided with temporary tooth bridges until the permanent one is placed. During the next visit, the whole set of dental crowns and false tooth arrive at our dental practice. The placement of a dental bridge takes place. After the treatment is complete, our dentist will stay in touch with patients to check the fit and finish of dental bridges. If proper care is taken this tooth-replacement appliance can last for as many as 15 years. Benefits of Dental Bridges Dental bridges may not be as effective as dental implants in replacing a lost tooth, but they can support the chewing and biting functions of a person. They are affordable compared to dental implants. Dental bridges can fill the gap and avoid orthodontic problems which may be caused by the teeth shifting. They create a balance in your bite and can bring back the healthy smile.

  Link: Dental Bridges

• Dental Crowns

  A dental crown acts as a shield to the weak natural tooth which needs protection. The crown is designed to look like your natural teeth. It's used as a cap over a tooth. Which has undergone root canal treatment or has a large filling or over a tooth which is broken. The process ensures that the natural tooth is protected while the crown supports basic functions of the tooth such as biting and chewing food. If you have problems with your teeth visit our dental practice today and we can help you with the right treatment that is right for you. Our dental crowns in Missouri city can work wonderfully in protecting your weak tooth How can dental crowns help me? Do you have a severely decayed tooth? Do you have a missing tooth? If you answer yes to one of these questions, dental crowns may be the solution to your problem. Dental crowns are made of a special type of materials like porcelain or stainless steel which are strong. Some of these crowns are modeled to look very similar to a natural tooth. They provide the necessary support to the tooth which is damaged or has undergone dental treatment for tooth decay. They can help patients with the natural functions of the teeth and improve the appearance of the smile. Dentists use dental crowns under various circumstances which include covering the discolored tooth and supporting a bridge or implant. Dental Crowns – Treatment and Care The placement of a dental crown usually happens in two visits. Our dentist evaluates the condition of the tooth during the first visit. X-rays may be taken to understand the status of the tooth and tooth root. In cases where the gums are infected, the disease should be cured before starting with the process of placement of a dental crown. The placement of a dental crown requires some part of the enamel layer to be filed. This gives space for placing a dental crown. Our dentists use numbing agents to prepare the natural tooth. Once the tooth is prepared our dentist takes impressions of the tooth to get the dental crown prepared in the lab. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth until the next dental visit, where it is replaced with the permanent one. Caring for a dental crown is not very different from caring for the natural tooth. Our dentist explains to patients what they can and cannot do after the treatment. Proper oral hygiene ensures that the crown lasts longer. Dental crowns can last for as many as 15 years if proper care is taken.

  Link: Dental Crowns

• Invisalign

  Invisalign® is a revolutionary way to help you get even and straight teeth without no one ever noticing. Invisalign® aligners are made of strong, clear plastic that gradually guides your teeth into perfect alignment. Unlike metal braces, they have no wires or brackets on which your lips or gums can snag on to. During your first evaluation, our dentist will help you determine if Invisalign® is a good option for you. We'll then design a treatment plan and take impressions, from which Invisalign® will develop accurate, personalized teeth-straightening devices, called aligners. Aligners slide directly over your teeth and are replaced every two weeks as your teeth shift into place. Depending on your case, you will wear them full-time (except when eating or drinking) for 12 to 24 months—no longer than you would wear traditional metal braces—and see your dentist about every six weeks for check-ups.

  Link: Invisalign

• Bone Grafting

  Human jaw bones are healthy and strong because of the stimulation it receives from the natural teeth. When one or some of the teeth go missing from the mouth bone resorption (re-absorption, where jaw bone starts to shrink when there are no teeth in the mouth) occurs resulting in a reduction in thickness and size of the jaw bone. Bone resorption is capable of changing the facial structure of a person. The bone grafting process is necessary to prevent bone resorption, to keep the mouth healthy and to make space for dental implants to be placed in the jaw bone. The process of restoring the lost jaw bone or protecting the same from bone resorption should be done by a dental professional in the dental practice. Our dentists perform bone grafting in Missouri City. Our advanced procedures have helped many people regain the lost charm in their smiles. Bone Grafting – The Requirement and the Procedure Dental implants are one of the best tooth restoration methods in dentistry. The jaw bone has to be thick and lengthy enough to place an implant within it. Bone grafting is done when the patient does not have a healthy jaw bone. The process builds the jaw bone to make it suitable for the placement of the implant. It takes several months for the built bone to fuse with natural bone. Sedatives and local anesthetics will be required during the bone grafting process. Both off-the-shelf materials and your own bone can be used for the restoration of the lost jaw bone. The process involves the placement of these materials over the bone and the use of titanium screws for fixing them. The treatment may cause soreness and some discomfort in patients which may last for few days after which the gums perfectly feel normal. Bone grafting helps in maintaining the natural size of the jaw bone and allows for the placement of dental implants. The success rate of the procedure is high. Perfectly placed dental implants can enhance the benefits of the bone grafting process. In severe cases of ridge resorption bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width. Sinus Lift and Graft Procedure This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw. Nerve – repositioning The mandibular nerve may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants in the lower jaw. These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee. Several bone augmentation materials are available to stimulate and encourage bone growth in areas where it is lost as a result of pathological or physiological processes. Bone grafting materials can be derived from various sources Allograft materials derived from cadaver bone of the same species/li> Autogenous material derived from the recipient’s intra-oral or extra-oral site Alloplastic materials are exclusively derived from synthetic sources Xenografts derived from the inorganic portion of animal bone Bone Grafting will help to place larger diameter implants in ideal locations that are stable and serviceable for a long time. It also helps to establish normal volume and dimensions of bone for ideal esthetics, lip support, and phonetics.

  Link: Bone Grafting

• Dental Veneers

  Porcelain Veneers are artistically designed custom thin porcelain layers that are bonded on the teeth to create straight, healthy-looking teeth without the use of orthodontics. It is usually a 2 visit procedure. During the first visit, the dentist removes a small amount of the enamel & takes an impression, which is sent to our highly qualified technicians who design the Custom Veneers. It usually takes 7-10 days for the Veneers to be back. During this period the patient wears temporary Veneers that are custom crafted by the dentist. Call our office to find out if you are a candidate for this revolutionary procedure for enhancing your smile.

  Link: Dental Veneers

• Zoom Teeth Whitening

  As we age, our teeth lose the brilliant whiteness that implies good dental health and youth. The stains associated with tobacco, dark liquids, and other factors can leave us feeling less-than-confident about our smiles. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this dental problem: cosmetic teeth whitening. Our practice provides convenient, take-home teeth-whitening programs and in-office ZOOM! teeth whitening to our patients. In-Office Tooth Whitening ZOOM! Professional tooth whitening System The ZOOM! Whitening system is a scientifically advanced, teeth whitening procedure. It is a safe and effective procedure. Your teeth will become dramatically whiter in less than an hour! It is an ideal procedure for anyone looking for immediate results. Procedure The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The ZOOM! clinician then applies the proprietary ZOOM! whitening gel, which is designed to be used with a specially designed light. The ZOOM! light, and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. The complete procedure takes less than an hour. Following the preparation period, three cycles of 15 minutes each for a total of 45 minutes completes the procedure. Take-home Tooth Whitening These kits contain a customized tray that is made from custom molds of your teeth and whitening gel made of carbamide peroxide. The patient usually wears the trays and gel for approximately thirty minutes two times per day until their teeth have reached the desired shade.

  Link: Zoom Teeth Whitening

• Dentures / Partial Dentures

  Complete and Partial Dentures A complete denture is used when a few natural teeth are remaining. Our dentists start the process by eliminating any natural remaining teeth so that the dentures are fitted and aligned properly. Then a mold of the gums is taken and sends it to a dental lab where the customized dentures are constructed. Partial dentures are prepared in the same method as a complete set and are used when only a few teeth are missing. Immediate Dentures Immediate Dentures allows patients to have their Dentures on the same day when the teeth are removed. As the extraction heals & the bone remodels, the denture will require adjustments & relining to make it fit better. At the end of the year when the healing is completed, our dentist may advise you to get a new denture. Over Dentures If the roots of a patient are remaining then the teeth are strong, our dentist may suggest over-dentures. Overdentures fit on top of the remaining natural teeth in the mouth. With over-dentures, the remaining teeth are re-sculpted and covered with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over-dentures is that they do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because they cause less recession of the jawbone and gums. In addition, overdentures create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures. Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissue are not accustomed to being in contact with man-made relining material. Once placed, dentures should be worn continually for the first few days to reduce the amount of swelling that may occur in the mouth. This swelling typically subsides in two to three days. Until patients adjust to their new set of teeth, the dentures may feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating soft food may be necessary for the first few days. Reading aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that may occur from the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used to than upper dentures. The underlying jawbone may take several months to completely heal and become accustomed to the dentures. Once this occurs, the dentist removes the dentures and creates a permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is a soft material that cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues). The Life of your Dentures Although dentures typically last about five years, they can last longer with proper care and cleaning. Dentures should be cleaned daily with normal or specially-made denture toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advised to leave one or both dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe. In order to prevent dentures from warping, they should be left in water overnight. Over time, the lining of the dentures may change. In case of tissue/bone shrinking, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may come loose and need to be remade.

  Link: Dentures / Partial Dentures

• Dental Bonding / White Fillings

  In the past, cavities would get treated with unsightly metal fillings that are alloys from silver and mercury. These fillings, especially when close to the front of the mouth, are highly noticeable and unattractive. Sometimes, the fillings get so large that it can cause discoloration of the entire teeth. These filling procedures will weaken your teeth because of the large numbers of original teeth that get removed. Modern dentistry has frequently turned Tooth-colored or composite filling as a strong, safe, and natural-looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize soft white plastic materials that have been made hard with a blue light.

  Link: Dental Bonding / White Fillings

• Root Canal (Endodontics)

  It is a field of dentistry that treats the root canals system. When decay extends to the pulp or the nerve inside the tooth, the person almost always experiences spontaneous pain. The pain usually increases at night and is aggravated with cold & sweet foods. The Dentist reduces the pain and pressure by treating the root canal system.

  Link: Root Canal (Endodontics)

• Galik Trays

  Dr. Von Boeckmann's in-house Galik Trays are custom made clear aligners that will straighten teeth without the traditional look of braces. These clear trays fit over your teeth and are a great cost effective solution to crowded and crooked teeth. Please call our office to set up a complimentary consultation to discuss if Galik Trays are an option for your dental care needs.

  Link: Galik Trays

• Digital X-rays

  Traditionally, the dentist uses x-rays to find out what's going on below the surface, developing them in a dark room full of chemicals and examining the resulting films on a special light board. Digital radiography entirely outmodes that cumbersome process. Now, a tiny sensor placed in the mouth acts like a miniature VCR camera with an x-ray sensitive chip, exposing you to 50% to 90% less radiation exposure than with traditional x-ray techniques.

  Link: Digital X-rays

• TeethXpress

  Secure, natural-looking teeth in as little as one day! Is TeethXpress® right for you? If you are missing one or more teeth due to decay, injury or periodontal disease, you may be a candidate for the TeethXpress dental implant procedure. Restore your confidence with the TeethXpress dental implants procedure TeethXpress is a superior long-term solution to replace your missing teeth, giving you beautiful, natural-looking teeth that will allow you to function as if you had all of your natural teeth in a healthy condition! The TeethXpress solution uses dental implants to secure your new set of beautiful teeth, and like natural teeth, the dental implants will stimulate your jawbone when you chew your food. This will help to prevent jawbone loss and secure a new set of beautiful teeth so that you can eat, speak and live confidently without the fear of slipping dentures. TeethXpress fixes common problems denture patients experience Difficulty chewing certain foods Restricted taste of food and beverages Slurred speech and embarrassing clicks or smacking Slipping or moving of the denture Gum and mouth irritation Mouth infections Pain caused by poor-fitting dentures Are you a candidate forTeethXpress? Every patient is different. Only a trained clinician can choose the best treatment plan for you. Ask our office to explain the benefits and requirements to determine if the TeethXpress dental implant solution is right for you. Contact our office at 281-499-7645 to discover if this procedure is right for you. The TeethXpress solution! After you have met with our office, we will create a personalized treatment plan and schedule your TeethXpress procedure. During the procedure, your new set of teeth will be secured all on 4 to 6 dental implants. The TeethXpress procedure can typically be completed in one day and can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation if you prefer to sleep through this process. Why dentures are not a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth Natural teeth have roots that are held in place by the jawbone. It is the tooth roots that stimulate your jawbone each time you chew your food. Since there are no roots to support a denture, a denture cannot function like natural teeth. Each day you wear a denture, your jawbone shrinks a little more. Eventually, your denture will no longer fit and will need to be replaced due to the loss of jawbone. If you wear a denture, you may have noticed that it slips when you eat or talk and requires an increasing amount of denture adhesive just to keep it in place. Are you tired of your loose denture? Millions of people around the world are missing enough teeth to require the use of a denture. Many people struggle with loose or poor fitting dentures. If you have this problem, you already know the embarrassment of slipping dentures, not being able to eat the foods you love, and the problems and expense of messy denture

  Link: TeethXpress