what are dental implants?
For premium, longer-lasting restorations for a missing tooth or teeth, general dentists Dr. Nam Kim and Dr. Minho Chang are pleased to offer Hiossen dental implants in Frisco, TX. When you need a dental implant or a full set of implant-supported dentures, you can rely on the premium quality of our implants and skill of our dentists to get the results you deserve. To replace a missing tooth, one of the best options available today is a dental implant. Did you know that a dental implant acts as the root of a regular tooth and stimulates your jawbone from the pressure exerted when you chew? This keeps the jaw healthy and strong and your bite alignment intact. To get the process started, our team will take digital x-rays and 3D digital impressions so that your dentist, Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang, can create for you a personalized surgical plan from day one.
Dental implants are metal posts surgically placed in your gums and jawbone to simulate the natural tooth root. One or more posts can be attached to a denture, crown, or bridge for a restoration that looks beautiful and can be treated just like your natural teeth. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implants at Luminous Dental Studio. Talk to Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang in Frisco, TX about your concerns and decide if dental implants are a good choice for you.
what is the Periotest M?
With the press of a button and tap on your implant abutment, Dr. Chang and Dr. Kim can test the stability of your implant wirelessly with the Periotest M. We will test your implant after the initial placement, during your follow-up appointments while recovering, and when it is deemed necessary by your dentist. The results will go into your electronic dental record so that we can track with the Periotest M how well your implant is doing or catch an issue before it becomes a serious problem.
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am i a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be interested in dental implants if you are tired of loose restorations or removable dentures. To have an implant placed, you will need to have healthy gums and an adequate amount of jawbone for the foundation of the implant. Candidates for a dental implant will need to have excellent oral hygiene and be consistent with appointments to visit the dentist. You may need a dental implant for a single tooth, a bridge, or denture. If Dr. Chang or Dr. Kim determines that you do not have enough bone in your jaw for this type of restoration, you may need to first have a bone graft to build up the area before a dental implant can be placed.
We provide a completely custom-made abutment and do not use premade stock abutments like many others. You will get an implant abutment that is custom made just for you using Smartfit™ technology. This custom implant part comes directly from our premium quality implant manufacturer, not third-party companies. Once it is ordered, it is custom-designed for you and is milled in the U.S.A. using CAD/CAM technology, which will give amazing accuracy and superior fit.
how does a dental implant work?
Depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the overall process can take a few weeks or months to achieve completion. Before the dental implant is placed, you may need to have damaged teeth extracted, gum grafts, or bone grafts. On the day of implant placement, your treatment area will be numbed with local anesthesia. We also have nitrous oxide sedation, which can be added to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will make an incision (an access point) in the gumline to make a pathway to the jawbone. Then, an opening will be made into the bone so that Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang can create an anchor point for the Hiossen implant, which needs to be stable to support the new restoration. A titanium post will be inserted into the jawbone, and you will be sutured closed. You may have more than one post created in the same visit, depending on the type of restoration you need.
In the next few months, your gums will heal and your jawbone will grow around the new post. You will have a follow-up appointment to determine when you should have an abutment (restoration) attached to the surgical post in your jaw. When your jaw is healed and healthy enough for the restoration, our team will take an updated 3D digital impression. We will not use premade stock abutments. Our restorations are customized for you and made with Smartfit™ technology by our implant manufacturer in the United States with the CAD/CAM technology for precision and an amazing fit. When we have the final piece to your new implant, Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will place it on your implant, secure it, and adjust it as needed so that it looks and feels like it belongs there, especially if it is placed within surrounding teeth.
how long is recovery after getting a dental implant?
You may have some temporary swelling in your gums and face, as well as bruising, discomfort, and some minor bleeding following your dental implant surgery. Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will let you know what's to be expected and when to contact our office if you need to in between appointments. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Once your implants have healed and your custom restoration has been attached, you should follow a good home oral care routine, like brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. You should continue to schedule bi-annual exams and cleanings at Luminous Dental Studio so we can assess your oral health. Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will let you know if your implants or restorations need to be adjusted or replaced by using the Periotest M handheld implant stability technology at each visit.
Dental Implants FAQ
Is getting dental implants painful?
The dental implant procedure does require minor surgery to have the implant placed; however, Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. We also offer nitrous oxide sedation to ensure you are relaxed during the procedure. During the recovery process, some soreness and discomfort is normal as the gums heal, but this is typically easily controllable with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and other remedies. Dr. Chang or Dr. Kim will give you extensive instructions on how to care for your implants as you heal.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, they are. Although even the most minor surgeries carry some element of risk, dental implant surgery is very safe and effective, having as high as a 98% success rate.
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants are permanent. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, the crown, bridge, or dentures attached to the implants can last 15 years or longer before needing an adjustment or replacement.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Healthy gums are an important factor in being an ideal candidate for dental implants, but it doesn't mean you can't get dental implants if your gum health isn't the best. Dr. Kim and Dr. Chang can perform gum and bone grafts to help improve the strength of your jaw and gums so that they will be strong enough to support an implant.
get the permanent smile you want
Dental implants can be a great choice if you want a natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth that's easy to maintain and lasts for a long time. Even better, we can offer you implant-supported dentures that feel and look like natural teeth — no slipping out like traditional dentures. Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang can walk you through the process, including surgery to place the implants and your options for the restorations. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, make an appointment for a consultation at Luminous Dental Studio in Frisco, TX.