A dental implant is a dental device surgically inserted to replace a missing tooth or serve as an anchor for a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, facial prosthesis, or dentures. The implant consists of a metal post made of titanium fixed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial root. In implant-supported bridges and dentures, the metal post works as a support to keep the denture or bridge in place. When replacing a single tooth, an implant abutment is placed on the implant, and it acts as a connector for a dental crown.

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Why Dental Implants?

Losing a tooth can be disastrous as it can affect the aesthetics of your smile and can cause other physical problems that may affect your health. It is ṭhus essential to replace missing teeth with dental implants to prevent health consequences such as:

  • Bone loss
  • Drifting of the teeth
  • Alteration in the bite due to the shifting of teeth
  • Jaw joint problems
  • Difficulty in chewing
  • Additional stress on the adjacent teeth

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants are the most preferred tooth replacement solution because of many reasons. The benefits of replacing missing teeth with dental implants include:

  • Support the integrity of bone structure even after tooth loss
  • Protect the health of adjacent teeth as there is no need for bridgework
  • Replace loose-fitting dentures
  • Distribute bite forces evenly.
  • Function like natural teeth
  • It helps improve facial appearance by enhancing bone health and preventing its deterioration.
  • Strong and long-lasting.
  • Restore oral functionality

What Is the Dental Implant Placement Process?

Planning stage:  A carefully thought-out treatment plan is formulated. We may need specialized imaging to visualize the bone condition and 3D viewing to ensure proper placement.

Implant placement:The dental implant will be placed in the ideal spot to form the implant’s gum tissue.

Healing:The bone around the dental implant will grow and integrate with the new implant.

Temporary restoration: If the dental implant is in an easily visible area, a temporary restoration is placed for aesthetic purposes till the site heals.

Abutment placement: When the site is healed, the dental implant abutment is placed to attach the dental implant to the porcelain crown.

Porcelain crown:The new porcelain crown custom made to exact specifications is bonded to the abutment.

At Wellness Centered Dentistry, Raymond Hsu, DDS, MAGD, LLSR, provides dental implants. To learn more, call us at (425) 882-1354 or use the online booking tool today to set up an appointment with Dr. Hsu.