We get this question a lot.  Dental implants are a man-made root used to as an option to replace missing teeth.  When we refer to dental implants, there are multiple parts involved that connect to each other.  The implant fixture itself is the titanium screw that is placed into the bone where the tooth root used to be.  An abutment (or connector) is what we use to connect whatever is going on top of the implant to the actual implant fixture that is in the bone.  There are many ways we can restore or replace your missing teeth.  For example:  Implant Crowns, Implant Bridges, Implant Overdentures, Implant Full Arch Bridges.

This is a great question to ask your dentist.  One of our methods for evaluating your specific case is by an in person appointment.  Taking a 3D CBCT scan of you helps us measure the volume of bone that is present at the missing tooth site.  If there is enough bone, a lot of times the implant fixture can be placed immediately.  If you are numb, you generally don't feel anything.  If you have anxiety for undergoing this type of procedure, we have sedation options to help you manage your dental anxiety to get you through the process.  Dr. Nguyen is our Oral Surgeon who is double boarded in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Dental Anesthesia.

If there is not enough bone, sometimes a bone graft may have to be done to give Dr. Nguyen enough space to place the implant fixture.  There are many types of bone grafting available.

In some cases, we are able to place a temporary restoration where the missing tooth should be until the implant fixture has healed and integrated with the surrounding bone.  In other cases, we may have to wait a few months for this healing process to be completed before placing a replacement of the teeth.  These situations are determined on a case by case basis.

Thank you for taking the time to read up on Dental Implants.  Be sure to visit other pages on our website to see picture and video examples of other restorative/replacement options for your teeth.

Thank you for trusting us with your care!

-Dr. Vanaeyah Tran, Dr. Jackson Nguyen, & the Nurture Dental Health team