Dental Implants?
Dental implants rejuvenate your smile by providing an attractive and permanent solution to missing teeth. Believe it or not, missing teeth go beyond cosmetic concerns and in addition to altering your facial structure and making you want to hide your smile, they can lead to bone loss and interfere with speaking and chewing. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gums in the jawbone. They simulate the function of the tooth’s root and provide a sturdy anchor for an artificial replacement tooth. Dr. Jung, our Houston cosmetic surgeon, can restore a confident, healthy smile and the full function of your teeth.
Dental implants
consist of three parts:
Replacement Teeth
If you’re replacing one tooth, a crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, will be attached to the post. It will look and function like your natural tooth. When replacing multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, a prosthetic, such as an overdenture or a full-arch fixed bridge, will be designed to anchor to the implant system.
Implant Post
This is the anchor for the replacement tooth that is inserted into the jawbone. It’s crafted from biocompatible titanium alloy material so your body will accept it.
Abutment
This piece is attached to the exposed part of the implant post to offer a seamless connection between the post and the crown, which will be created by a prosthodontist or restorative dentist.
Benefits
of Dental Implants
Permanent and comfortable way to replace missing teeth
Procedure doesn’t damage healthy teeth or bone
Implants look and function just like natural teeth and preserve oral health and facial appearance
Treatment
Considerations
In most cases, dental implant surgery is done in two rounds. First, Dr. Jung replaces the tooth’s root with the titanium dental implant by anchoring it into the jawbone under the gum line. You’ll wear a temporary replacement tooth or dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing, for about two to four months while the jawbone grows around the implant. Once it bonds with the titanium, you’ll have a strong base.
During the second phase, Dr. Jung will attach abutments to your implants. In the meantime, your restorative dentist will have designed your crowns or prosthetic piece. These will be cemented or screwed into place to cover the abutment and give you your smile back.
Pre + Post
Op Care
Prior to your dental implant surgery, Dr. Jung will give you instructions to follow to ensure the procedure is safe and effective. There is little downtime after dental implant surgery and most patients are back at work a day or two after the procedure. You may experience minor bleeding and bruising at the implant site and some swelling and mild soreness in the gums and face for two to three days after placement. This is completely normal and can be alleviated with the use of an ice pack for twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off for the first 24 hours after surgery. Dr. Jung may prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort. Be sure to take it as directed.
