Dental implants are a high-tech alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. Dental implants can act and look like natural teeth. And, because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth.

A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a dental crown, bridge or dentures. Dr. Nguyen surgically positions it into the jawbone where it replaces a natural tooth root. In a few months, the dental implant securely attaches to the bone (called “osseointegration”), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth. Dental implants are an important part of her practice as it allows patients with missing teeth to receive a beautiful, fully-functional smile again.

The most common indications for dental implant therapy are:

• Replacement of one or more missing teeth.

• Support of a non-removable “bridge” to replace multiple teeth.

• Support of removable full or partial dentures

• Patients who successfully pass a screening and evaluation can be considered as candidates for implant dentistry.

The primary limiting factor inherent in implant dentistry is the amount of bone available to receive and support the dental implant. If it’s determined that a patient does not have enough bone to support a dental implant restoration, bone grafting procedures may be considered. Heavy smoking and some medical conditions may preclude the use of implant dentistry.