Dental Implants

Consider dental implants if you’ve lost some or all of your permanent teeth to trauma, poor oral hygiene, or extractions. At Sun City Dentistry in Sun City, California, general and cosmetic dentist Thai Dang, DDS, and his team specialize in placing and restoring dental implants. To see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call the office and make an appointment or book online.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small metal posts that your Sun City Dentistry provider inserts into your empty tooth sockets. Dental implants restore your chewing and biting abilities, reduce your risk of bone loss, and help keep your smile healthy. 

Why should I replace missing permanent teeth?

There are various reasons to replace missing permanent teeth with dental implants. Some of the reasons are practical, while others are cosmetic.

Bone loss begins immediately after you lose a tooth. Each tooth is surrounded by bone that supports the tooth. When you lose a tooth, that bone melts away. Bone loss is why many people who don’t wear dentures have a caved-in facial appearance.

Besides damaging your bone, tooth loss affects your oral hygiene. Your teeth provide a structure for your face. Losing one or more often results in bite problems and other issues. 

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

To get dental implants, you need substantial bone to support them and healthy gums. During the initial consultation, your Sun City Dentistry provider completes an oral exam and takes a series of digital X-rays to check the health of your alveolar bone and gums.

If you have low bone volume or gum disease, your provider will complete a bone graft or scaling and root planing first.

What does getting dental implants involve?

Your Sun City Dentistry provider first installs a small titanium implant in your jaw, replacing the root of your tooth. After placement, your bone heals and grows around the dental implant, fusing it in place.

When you return to Sun City Dentistry for your next visit, your provider places a support post, known as an abutment, onto the implant. Then, they cover the abutment with a dental crown or implant-anchored dentures. The restorations restore your smile to its near-original condition, improving your oral health.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Sun City Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office every six months for preventive teeth cleaning.

Find out more about regaining a natural-looking, lasting smile with dental implants. Call the oral surgery experts at Sun City Dentistry, or book a consultation online.