What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Artistic rendering of a dental implant with the titanium post in the jawbone on the left and the post topped with a dental crown on the right
LEFT: The titanium implant post fuses with the jawbone RIGHT: The implant is topped with a dental crown

If you need to improve or restore your smile, then dental implants may be a good choice. But what is the dental implant procedure? In this blog, we’ll explain what dental implants are, the benefits, and how they are placed.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an oral procedure that can improve your smile if you have a missing tooth or missing teeth. Specifically, dental implants are metal posts that support replacement teeth. The post is made from titanium, a strong, corrosion-resistant metal. The post is capped with a dental crown and the end result is a natural-looking smile. Implants can last for a very long time. Watch the videos under our Dental Implant FAQ for more information.

What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant procedure requires multiple trips to our office. First, you’ll make an appointment so that we can determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. We do this by determining if your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. If you are a good candidate, then you can schedule an appointment to place the dental implants. Dr. Ricky Tin will drill a hole into your jawbone so that the implant can be surgically placed. This might sound intimidating but Dr. Tin is experienced with the procedure and stays up-to-date with the latest dental technologies. His gentle care will make the procedure as painless as possible.

After this part of the dental implant procedure, your jaw will begin to heal and the bone will start to grow around and fuse with the implant. This creates a strong base for replacement teeth. Once the implant and bone have fused completely, we’ll place the replacement tooth on top of the implant. The crown will be specially made to match your natural teeth. Several implants can be done at the same time if necessary to complete your smile.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are great because they are permanent fixtures that won’t move around in your mouth when you’re talking or eating. They are also very long-lasting if you care for them correctly by brushing and flossing every day. Using fluoride toothpaste and eating a diet low in carbs and sugars can also help keep your implants in good shape. Dental implants look and feel more natural than other tooth replacement options. Another benefit is that they act like a tooth root, therefore they help maintain good jaw strength and density.

Dental Implants at Villa Vista Dental

If you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants, then give our team in Elk Grove a call to schedule a consultation. We can also discuss other options available to you to restore your smile such as veneers and dental crowns. We offer a number of payment options which gives you another thing to smile about.

Call us today to learn more about dental implants!