Dental Implant Q&A

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What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent type of dental restoration. The implant itself is a titanium post, much like a metal screw, that Dr. Suh places into your jawbone. The implant acts as a root and holds a new tooth, or crown, in place of your missing tooth. 

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The process of getting dental implants can be long and usually requires several visits. Before placing the implant, Dr. Suh removes any remaining part of the original tooth and its root. After placing the implant, you’re instructed to wait for several months as your jawbone integrates with the implant. 

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During the next stage, Dr. Suh performs another small surgery to place an attachment piece called an abutment into the implant. After a two-week healing period, your custom crown or set of dentures is attached to the abutment. 

 

What are my options for dental implants?

You have a couple of options for implant restoration at David Suh Dental, depending on the number of teeth you’re missing. The team creates your restorations using digital impressions of your teeth and jaw. You may need:

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Single implants

Single implants are individual implants that each support one new tooth. If you’re only missing one tooth or a few that are far away from each other in your mouth, you need single implants to hold your crowns in place.

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All-on-4 full mouth implants

If you’re missing a whole row of teeth, you can get four evenly-spaced dental implants to hold in a row of dentures. Too many implants can destabilize your jawbone, but All-on-4® keeps it sturdy while replacing all of your teeth.

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What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants offer many advantages over removable dentures, fixed bridges, and going without teeth entirely. You may prefer dental implants because they:

• Stay in place permanently

• Maintain your facial structure

• Help you speak clearly

• Allow you to chew solid foods

• Feel comfortable

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Taking care of your dental implants and their restorations is just like taking care of your natural teeth. Dr. Suh instructs you to brush and floss them regularly and continue attending your twice-yearly cleanings and exams. 

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To find out if you’re a candidate to restore your smile with dental implants, call David Suh Dental today!