Implants
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body.
A dental implant generally consists of three phases:
Dental implants have many advantages over dentures. Dental implants are a part of you, so they are more comfortable than removable dentures. Dentures can slide in your mouth, which can make eating and speaking difficult. Dental implants are a part of you, so you can speak and eat with ease.
If you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don't want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, talk to Dr. Zhou to see if dental implants are an option for you. If you are in good general health, this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.
A dental implant generally consists of three phases:
- First, our dentist surgically places the implant post into the jawbone. The dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
- Next, the bone around the implant post heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.
- Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial teeth. For a single tooth implant, our dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants.
Dental implants have many advantages over dentures. Dental implants are a part of you, so they are more comfortable than removable dentures. Dentures can slide in your mouth, which can make eating and speaking difficult. Dental implants are a part of you, so you can speak and eat with ease.
If you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don't want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, talk to Dr. Zhou to see if dental implants are an option for you. If you are in good general health, this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.