What are dental implants?
Dental implants are synthetic, biocompatible structures your dentist places within your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. The implants replace missing teeth and act as a foundation for new crowns, bridges, or dentures.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are numerous health and cosmetic benefits of dental implants if you have loose or missing teeth. Examples include:
- An aesthetically pleasing smile
- Less shifting of adjacent teeth
- Better chewing ability
- Clearer speech
- Restored facial volume
Phuong Le, DMD, and her dental team have the expertise necessary to provide quality dental implant care. She’s completed a mastership with the International Dental Implants Association.
What should I expect during treatment?
Dental implant placement is a process that requires multiple steps. You may require bone grafting prior to the procedure if your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support the implants. If this is the case for you, your dentist uses natural or synthetic bone graft materials to support new jawbone growth.
After healing or if you don’t require bone grafting, your dentist surgically places implants into your jawbone where they remain permanently. While the implants heal, bone grows around them to secure them in place. You might receive temporary crowns or dentures.
During the next step, your dental team takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth so that a dental lab can create custom crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Once the new teeth are ready, you’ll schedule another visit at Le Dentistry & Associates so your dentist can secure the new teeth in place. They might be fixed (permanently secured) or removable.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Before you receive dental implants, you’ll meet with a provider at Le Dentistry & Associates for a dental exam and X-rays, to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. The procedure might be a good match if you:
- Have a strong jawbone or are willing to receive a bone graft
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that’s fully grown
- Are in good health
- Have healthy surrounding gums and teeth
- Don’t smoke
- Have a strong immune system
- Commit to several months of treatment
- Have good oral hygiene habits
With proper care, dental implants are long-lasting and give you the symmetrical, beautiful, white smile of your dreams. To find out if dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with Le Dentistry & Associates by phone or online today.
