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Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having a removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dr. Robert Yu is specialty trained in the placement of dental implants and continually enhances his knowledge through continuing education courses, seminars and practicums.

His goal is to employ state-of-the-art techniques to create exceptional results with minimal discomfort. He coordinates closely with your restorative dentist to create a highly aesthetic and functional final result.

We currently use Nobel Biocare, Implant Direct, Straumann Pure, CeraRoot and Zeramex implant systems. We are consistently updating our implant systems with new dental advances. After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good health and oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.

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Ceramic/Zirconia Implants

Ceramic/Zirconia Implants

Ceramic implants are one piece, and titanium implants involve a titanium base and an added upper tooth restoration which will be secured once the titanium portion of the implant has become stable within the jaw structure.

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NAVIDENT System Implants

NAVIDENT System Implants

Navident allows the position and angle of the drill tip to be calibrated in three-dimensional space and an in-situ accuracy check to be carried out before drilling commences.

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Reasons for dental implants

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

Replacing a Single Tooth

A natural tooth is anchored into the bone by it’s root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge.”

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, the practitioner inserts a dental post (dental implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth. This post becomes solidly fixed into your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Sinus Grafting for Implants

The empty spaces above your upper jaw are called maxillary (upper jaw) sinuses. When teeth are removed or lost from this area, they often leave very little bone with which to anchor a new dental implant. In the past, this posed a problem for certain patients who wished to have a dental implant placed in this area.

With sinus grafts, we can restore the bone in these areas to adequately support an implant and thereby allow you to benefit from the natural feel and look of dental implants.

Bone Regeneration

A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, “Is there enough bone to support the implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more implants than just 10 years ago.

Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.

Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.

Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. Dental implants also eliminate the need for dental adhesives. This allows you to enjoy eating the foods you previously avoided . With dental implants, your partials or dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.

Advanced Dental Imaging

A key to dental implant safety and success is advanced radiography. Cone beam digital imaging allows us to take 3-Dimensional, high resolution scans of your facial anatomy. We can then view these images from different angles, take precise measurements, and easily share 3-D data with other doctors. A 3D image ensures that every possible precaution has been made to reduce the risk of involvement of the nerves in the lower jaw, and the sinuses and nose in the upper jaw.

Until recently, 3D images were only done in hospitals or medical facilities. Our office is one of the very few in the United States with the latest in 3D digital imaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dental implants are available?

Dental implants are typically made of titanium or ceramic, and Dr. Yu currently uses both in his practice. Both materials are a safe and proven effective replacement for the tooth root – the very foundation of a natural tooth. During your consultation Dr. Yu will discuss the best option for you and your specific replacement needs.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

The discomfort involved with receiving a dental implant is similar to that of having a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many have lasted for over 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years. After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good health and oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Please contact our office to schedule your consult today. 727-384-9122

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If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the personal care you deserve.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Periodontics office also speak fluent Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean.