Dental Implants – Gentle Dental
Artificial tooth roots are inserted into the jaw to hold replacement teeth. Dental implants replace one or more missing or unrepairable natural teeth. An implant includes a titanium screw that is fused with the jawbone, an abutment connector, and a custom crown that looks and operates like a natural tooth.
We at Gentle Dental restore single teeth and reconstruct complete dental arches with implants, which support chewing, speaking, and facial aesthetics. Patients tend to gain confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling without abnormalities. Implants never decay and may last decades if taken care of.
Who Should Get Dental Implants?
When it comes to adults who may have overall good health and can get a tooth extracted, getting a dental implant is usually the way to go. Good candidates usually have:
- Lost teeth due to damage or injury (including falls): Implants can replace teeth damaged by cavities, trauma, or advanced decay.
- Patients with periodontal disease (post-treatment for the disease): Implants can replace teeth lost to periodontal disease if the periodontal disease is under control.
- Healthy bones and gums: You must have adequate jawbone to support the implant. Sometimes bone grafting is done to assist in building bone.
- Nonsmoker or can quit: Smoking may also affect healing, and patients should agree to good oral hygiene and to stop smoking.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Gentle Dental has a unified procedure that involves planning, surgical placement, and restoration. Some of the major stages of treatment are:
- Consultation & planning
Your implant process starts with a thorough examination. The dental professionals examine your medical history, gums, and teeth, and take diagnostic images (digital X-rays or scans). They talk about treatment choices, address queries, and verify suitability.
- Surgical placement
An implant is normally placed in a single visit. The dentist numbs the site during surgery and removes any compromised tooth if necessary. A titanium post is implanted into the jawbone, then an abutment and sometimes a temporary healing cap or provisional crown are added. Most procedures are accomplished in one day.
- Healing and integration
Over a few weeks to a few months, the implant will attach to the bone (osseointegration), and the gums will heal. Patients have the benefit of a quick return to normal with minimal pain. Most patients do not complain of chronic pain, and re-evaluation visits confirm adequate healing.
- Final restoration
After healing, a permanent abutment is screwed onto the implant and an individual crown is cemented over the abutment. Your new crown is cast and colored to match your natural tooth. Once in place, an implant functions like a natural tooth, allowing for natural biting and chewing and seamlessly integrating into your smile.
Technology and Unique Features
The practice keeps current on the latest equipment and imaging to maximize accuracy and safety. Key components:
- Digital imaging: The practice employs digital X-rays and (where necessary) 3D cone-beam CT scans for advanced imaging. This enables accurate implant planning and bone and nerve locations.
- Advanced planning: Computer-aided planning may be employed to make implant placement plans before surgery. It provides the possible advantages of improved fit of implants and easy treatment.
- Restorative integration: The Implant is placed, and the final crown, bridge, or denture is made all under one roof. This full-service model ensures that the restorative dentist and the general dentist work closely together so the crown fits well and looks like the surrounding teeth.
Our Dental Team
The clinical staff possesses advanced degrees and credentials as dentists and focuses on conservative, contemporary care:
- Joo Yeon Choi, D.M.D., received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Boston College and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She has been practicing all aspects of restorative and prosthodontic dentistry (crowns, bridges, filings, dentures, and implant restorations).
- Sanghwan "Ryan" Lee, D.D.S., graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo and his D.D.S. from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Before attending dental school, Dr. Lee had done biotechnology research related to cell separation and biomarker discovery.
- Jin Joo Cha, D.M.D., earned her B.S. in Biology from Syracuse University and her D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She has expertise in general, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry.
- Min Su Kwak, D.D.S., graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in biology and then from the New York University College of Dentistry. She performs comprehensive esthetic and general dentistry and has a strong academic foundation in the biomedical sciences.
Insurance and Payment Options
Most major forms of dental insurance are accepted at Gentle Dental, and we will help you with implant insurance claims. The office will also verify your insurance benefits and inform you of any coverage for the implants. The components of the implants (which patients often discover after the fact are only partially covered) are not covered.
Gentle Dental offers flexible financing options if insurance does not cover the full cost. Patients who qualify can apply for third-party financing or payment plans to help cover the cost. Essentially, the practice collaborates with you to create a payment plan so that treatment can continue without excessive financial burdens.
Schedule a Consultation
If you believe dental implants could be for you, call Gentle Dental today to see how dental implants can restore your oral function and smile. Call either of our offices or visit our website to book an implant consultation in Topsham ME and in Biddeford ME is coming soon.
