Implant Restorations Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a type of oral prosthetic that act as replacement tooth roots. During dental implant surgery, Dr. Nguyen places a series of small metal posts into the sockets where your teeth used to be. 

Following surgery, you return home to recover for 3-4 months. As your mouth heals, your bone grows around each implant, fusing them to your jaw. 

Dental implants are much more durable than traditional restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures. In fact, with proper care and regular checkups, implants can last a lifetime.

Why would I need a dental implant restoration?

There are several reasons you might benefit from an implant restoration. At Portrait Dental, Dr. Nguyen regularly restores implants damaged by:

• Sports-related injuries
• Automobile accidents
• Slip-and-fall injuries
• Work-related accidents
• Blows to the mouth

You might also need an implant restoration if you chip or crack an implant biting down on a piece of hard candy or a popcorn kernel. 

Aren’t dental implants supposed to last a lifetime?

Dental implants are sturdy and long-lasting, but they aren’t invincible. Just like your natural teeth, dental implants undergo significant wear-and-tear every time you chew or take a bite of food. 

If you take good care of your implants and avoid bad habits such as nail biting or chewing on ice, you can reduce your risk of needing an implant restoration, but accidents happen. Fortunately, even if you crack, chip, or damage an implant, Dr. Nguyen can repair it quickly. 

Is there any way to prevent the need for a dental implant restoration?

There’s no way to prevent the need for a dental implant restoration entirely. However, you can significantly reduce your risk by practicing good oral hygiene. 

If you play contact sports or participate in other physical activities like mountain biking or skateboarding, you should also wear a mouthguard. You might also want to wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you sleep. 

What type of dental implant restoration is right for me?

The type of restoration you’ll most benefit from depends on the type of prosthetics Dr. Nguyen placed on top of your implants. Dental implants can hold crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. 

Following a review of your medical history, an oral exam, and a discussion of your goals for treatment, Dr. Nguyen can make recommendations that align with your individual needs. 

If you’ve damaged one or more of your dental implants, request a dental restoration appointment at Portrait Dental today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.