If you’re missing a tooth, we’re here to help you restore your smile and confidence with dental implants. Dental implants can replace the entire structure of a missing tooth, even down to the root. This solution supports a prosthetic tooth and helps you eat, speak, and smile naturally. At Dr. Lee’s practice, we’re dedicated to providing a caring and personalized experience every step of the way.
Why Restoring Missing Teeth is Important
Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to several health and functional issues. Here’s why addressing a missing tooth is crucial for your overall health and well-being:
- Preserve Oral Function: Restoring missing teeth helps maintain proper chewing and speaking functions, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite foods and communicate clearly.
- Prevent Bone Loss: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs when a tooth is missing.
- Maintain Facial Structure: By preventing bone loss, dental implants help maintain your natural facial structure, avoiding the sunken appearance that can develop over time.
- Promote Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to overall health. Addressing missing teeth can help reduce the risk of related health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Boost Confidence: A complete smile can significantly enhance your confidence and quality of life, allowing you to smile freely and interact comfortably.
Dental implants are a versatile solution that can stabilize dentures, crowns, and bridges, helping you maintain your oral health and prevent these issues.
Dental Implant Process:
1. DENTAL CONSULTATION:
Our first step is a comprehensive consultation where we’ll discuss your dental history, current oral health, and your goals for treatment. This includes taking x-rays to evaluate your jawbone and teeth. We’ll make impressions of your teeth to design a custom solution that fits your needs. If your jawbone lacks sufficient density, we’ll discuss options like bone grafting to strengthen it for implant placement.
2. BONE GRAFTING:
If your jawbone has deteriorated due to missing teeth, you might consider a bone graft to provide a stable foundation for the implant. This procedure involves bonding bone tissue from another part of your body or using synthetic material to the affected area of your jaw. Choosing this step can help ensure that the implant will have the support it needs to function effectively. We’ll discuss all options with you to help you make an informed decision about your care.
3. PLACEMENT SURGERY:
Once your jawbone is ready, we’ll schedule the implant placement surgery. You’ll be sedated for comfort during the procedure. The implant, a small titanium post, is placed into your jawbone. This serves as a replacement root for your new tooth. After the surgery, a temporary crown will be placed on the implant, allowing you to chew and speak while your mouth heals.
4. HEALING:
The healing process, called osseointegration, takes about three to six months. During this time, the implant will fuse with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth. You may experience some discomfort, but we’ll provide pain management options and support throughout this phase.
5. ABUTMENT PLACING:
After the implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, we’ll attach an abutment to the implant. This piece connects the implant to your new crown. This step is crucial for ensuring the stability and functionality of your new tooth.
6. CROWN PLACEMENT:
The final step is placing your custom dental crown on the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in shape and color, restoring your smile’s appearance and function. You might experience slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts, but soon you’ll be able to enjoy your new, fully functional tooth.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene and regular visits will keep your new teeth in excellent condition.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS
Ideal candidates for dental implants are individuals who:
- Are in good overall health, which makes surgery and healing easier
- Need to replace one or more missing teeth
- Have adequate jawbone density to support the implant
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking during the healing process
- Have healthy gums and oral tissues
- Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
If your jawbone is insufficient, a bone graft can help provide the necessary support for the implant. We’ll work with you to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
GIVE YOURSELF TEETH THAT LAST WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS
Choosing dental implants is a significant step towards maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. We’re here to walk this journey with you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jenny Lee today to explore your options and find the best solution for your smile.