Missing teeth can be unattractive and may make you feel insecure about your smile. Fortunately, Dr. Suk Jun Yun can replace your lost teeth with dental implants.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold replacement teeth in place. They are one of the most effective and appealing options for replacing missing teeth.
The dental implant process can take several months or one appointment, depending on the type of implants you get.
Here’s what you can expect.
Consultation with Dr. Yun
First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yun to determine if you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure.
Ideal candidates have healthy gums, strong immune systems, and enough bone density to support implants. Smokers are not good candidates for dental implants because their bones heal more slowly than non-smokers.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be the “perfect candidate” for dental implants. For example, Dr. Yun may recommend mini dental implants if you don’t have enough bone density in your jaw to support traditional, full-sized implants.
While full-sized implants are between 3.4 and 5.8 mm in diameter, mini implants are between 1.8 and 3.0 mm in diameter.
Mini dental implants are about the diameter of a toothpick, which makes them perfect for replacing small teeth like incisors. They’re also great for patients who have naturally small teeth.
Dental Implant Procedure
Unlike other dentists, Dr. Yun will make a custom surgical guide to fit over your teeth. That way, he’s able to make as minimal an incision as possible. Instead of making a large incision down to the bone, Dr. Yun will drill a small hole where he’ll place your implant.
This decreases your pain, risk of infection, and recovery time after the dental implant procedure.
If you get mini implants:
It typically takes one appointment to place a mini implant and dental crown. The end of your mini dental implant will have a ball that snaps into the rubber O-ring underneath your crown. Together, the implant and crown will form a secure attachment.
If you get full-sized implants:
Once Dr. Yun places your full-sized dental implant, he’ll place a protective cover overtop while you heal. During the next several months, the implant will fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Dr. Yun will monitor your recovery to make sure everything goes smoothly. Remember to be patient as you recover from the dental implant procedure. Osseointegration is crucial for the success of your implant.
Once the is fully stable, our dentist will place the abutment and crown on top. This will give you the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Durable
- Makes it Easier to Eat
- Improved Speech
- Better Appearance
- Prevents Bone Loss
Durable
Although dental implants can be expensive, they’re extremely durable. Since they are connected directly to the jawbone, dental implants are strong and long lasting. When done right, they can last a lifetime.
Makes it Easier to Eat
Dentures can move around while you’re eating, while dental implants stay in place. Dental implants are embedded in your jawbone, giving you the ultimate stability while you eat your favorite foods.
Improved Speech
It takes some time to get used to speaking around . Patients who wear dentures may have to practice speaking out loud until they’re not slurring or mumbling their words. Since dental implants act like natural teeth, you won’t have to deal with this adjustment period.
Better Appearance
Even the best-fitting dentures can slip when you eat, smile, or laugh. Since dental implants look and function like natural teeth, you won’t have this problem. Not to mention, dental implants help keep your jawbone healthy so you can avoid bone loss and facial collapse.
Prevents Bone Loss
Teeth are supported by your other teeth, gums, and jawbone. Once you lose a tooth, your body sees no reason why it should hang onto your jawbone tissue. As a result, once you lose a tooth, your body will absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere.
Dental implants replace the tooth roots in your jaw, preventing this from happening so you can enjoy good oral health for years to come.
Request an Appointment With Dr. Yun
Want to know if you’re a candidate for dental implants? Our dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients and is looking forward to meeting you.
To request an appointment, call the NorthPointe Family Dental & Implant Center at northpointefamilydental@gmail.com.
This blog post has been updated.