If you’ve lost confidence because you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the solution to restore your smile. Dr. David Yoon at Springfield Dental Solutions specializes in cosmetic treatment with dental implants. Men and women in Springfield, Virginia, rely on Dr. Yoon for state-of-the-art dental implants. To learn more about how to restore your oral function, call today or book your appointment online.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a missing tooth. It looks and functions like a normal tooth. Dr. Yoon affixes the custom-made prosthetic to a metal post that he meticulously roots into your gum. It’s a permanent solution for damaged or missing teeth.
There are three main parts of a dental implant:
Made of titanium, the post is a thin screw that Dr. Yoon inserts into your jawbone. Your body’s natural healing process causes bone to grow around the post, securing it firmly and permanently in place.
Made of titanium, gold, or porcelain, the abutment attaches to the post with another screw. The abutment extends above your gum line and becomes the attachment for your new crown.
The restoration is a crown that looks exactly like your natural teeth. It’s made of porcelain and screws directly onto the abutment.
The entire dental implant procedure extends over several months. Here’s what you can expect at Springfield Dental Solutions:
Dr. Yoon takes X-rays and examines your mouth, teeth, and gums to see if you are a candidate for implant surgery. If you have good oral health and enough healthy bone in your jaw, you can move forward with treatment.
You may be asked to restrict eating and drinking on the morning of the procedure. There’s not much more for you to do to prepare other than get a good night’s sleep and relax.
With a local anesthetic or general anesthesia, Dr. Yoon makes sure you are comfortable. He then removes any remaining damaged tooth, prepares your jawbone, and places the implant. Usually, he places the abutment and a temporary crown on the same day.
You may be bruised and sore for a few days after the implant, but this quickly subsides. You wait several weeks for the bone to grow around the post and the gum to fully heal. When you return, Dr. Yoon places your new crown.
To determine if dental implants are right for you, consider their many benefits:
If you’re interested in dental implants, call the office or book your appointment with the online scheduler.