Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Implants are incredibly state-of-the-art technology for replacing missing teeth. They’re tiny, titanium screws that Dr. Nguyen surgically implants into your jawbone, where they function as replacement tooth roots.

Titanium is biocompatible, meaning your body doesn’t recognize it as a foreign substance, so your implant actually fuses to your jawbone as you heal from surgery. This makes your implant virtually identical to a natural tooth root, providing a strong and sturdy foundation for a restoration, like a crown, bridge, or dentures.

Why should I replace missing teeth?

Missing teeth are most obviously cosmetically unappealing, but they also cause a number of dental conditions, as well, such as: 

• Drifting and shifting of your natural teeth towards the empty space
• Uneven distribution of force in your bite, which can lead to TMJ disorder
• Change in the fit of your bite, which can prematurely wear down your natural teeth
• Bone loss in your jaw due to lack of stimulation 

By replacing your missing tooth root, implants prevent these conditions from developing and keep your smile beautiful and functional.

What are the benefits of implants?

Some of the benefits of dental implants include:

• Improved speaking and chewing
• Sturdy foundation for a restoration
• Durable, and can last a lifetime
• Convenient, and don’t require special care
• Comfortable and feel incredibly natural

Implants also have many advantages compared to other tooth-replacement options. Unlike bridges, implants don’t require you to reduce the enamel of your neighboring teeth in order to replace a missing tooth. 

And unlike dentures, implants provide stimulation to your jawbone, which prevents bone loss and keeps your facial muscles from sagging around your missing tooth.

What’s the process of getting implants?

The dental implant process at Ridge Commons Family Dentistry contains multiple steps. Dr. Nguyen first takes 3D imaging of your mouth to determine if you have enough healthy bone tissue to support an implant. If you don’t, she helps build up a stronger foundation in your jaw with a bone graft.

Next, Dr. Nguyen makes a small incision in your gum, drills a tiny hole in your jawbone, and inserts your implant. You spend the next few months healing as your implant fuses with your jaw. 

Once your implant fuses, Dr. Nguyen places your abutment, which is a post that connects to the implant and sticks up out of your gum. 

Once your abutment and implant are secure, Dr. Nguyen places your restoration. You leave the office with a brand new smile that you feel confident sharing with the world.

To learn more about how dental implants can improve your smile, schedule a free consultation at Ridge Commons Family Dentistry today by calling the office or booking online.