What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a replacement tooth option consisting of a titanium post, an abutment, and a crown. The titanium post is implanted in your jaw and acts like a tooth root. The crown is the visible part of the prosthetic and the abutment attaches the post to the crown.
The post is made of medical-grade titanium, which is uniquely biocompatible. This particular metal is used in many medical procedures, including joint replacements, because it can bond with your bone in a process called osseointegration.
Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing lost teeth because they are durable and natural-looking, and when you take care of your oral and dental health, they can last a lifetime.
Why should I choose dental implants?
Dental implants may be more expensive than dentures, but the benefits they provide make them worth the investment. Dental implants look and act just like natural teeth, you don’t need to take them out to clean them or soak them overnight, and once they’re in place, no one will be able to tell the difference between your implants and your natural teeth.
The titanium post acts just like a natural tooth root and stimulates healthy bone development in your jaw. This protects your dental health and ensures that your remaining teeth stay in place and have a strong, healthy foundation in your jaw.
Caring for dental implants is also very easy. You simply brush twice a day and floss daily, just like your natural teeth. While implants are resistant to staining and decay, you still need to attend routine checkups every six months so Dr. Chung can monitor your overall dental and oral health.
How are dental implants installed?
Dr. Chung typically installs dental implants over three visits, as long as your jaw is healthy enough to support the implants.
During the first visit, Dr. Chung implants the titanium posts in your jaw. Over the next several weeks, the posts bond with your jaw and settle into place.
At your second appointment, Dr. Chung fits the abutments and takes impressions and images of your gaps. These images and molds are used by a dental lab to custom manufacture the crowns that top your posts.
When your crowns are ready, you go back to Lansdowne Dental Arts and Dr. Chung fits the crowns on to the abutments. He checks your bite before permanently attaching the crowns and polishing them until they shine.
If you’re missing a tooth or teeth, call or make an appointment online today.
