Welcome to Dr. Lieu’s Blog: All about Dental Implants
We want you to Take a Bite out of Life! We believe you need teeth to do that, and we love to help people get the smiles they want with dental implants.
Dental implants are changing the way people live, by giving them confidence in their smile and ability to speak and function. Implants give the attachments for teeth that look, feel, and function the same way as natural teeth. People who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat most anything. Natural looking smiles and teeth as well as a fuller, younger facial appearance are results of dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for your tooth’s root. The bone integrates with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Many patients who previously suffered from missing teeth, denture soreness, decreased chewing ability or loss of facial support are now taking advantage of dental implants to solve these problems. Watch the videos to see how implants can literally improve your smile, your ability to eat, and talk.
Patient 1: After
Patient 1: Before
If you are interested in dental implants and are not sure where to begin or are doing your research, you should stop in for a complementary dental implant consultation.
The initial phase of dental implants is to have a CBCT Xray, which shows us how much bone you have available for the implants to be placed. If you have enough bone and want to have dental implants placed we present at least a couple options custom to your needs, budget and desires. We treat the individual and do not believe the cookie cutter approach will work for everyone, as no two people are exactly alike. Some other dental implant providers charge big money for implants that are poorly designed or destined to fail.
In some cases, a temporary tooth may be placed on the implant on the same day as the implant is placed in coordination with your dentist. In most cases, implants require 3-6 months to integrate before a permanent prosthesis is attached. During this time, a temporary appliance, such as a stayplate or temporary denture may be worn. Any patient who has worn dentures previously can continue to do so. It generally takes anywhere from 3-6 months for the implants to become completely secure. Once the implants are fully integrated, we will either make a new crown and abutment, bridge or denture, or refer you back to your restorative dentist to have these made. Regardless of which option you qualify for, your new tooth or teeth will be strong and secure, and your dental health will be significantly improved.
