Dr. Terri M. Nguyen
Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen
Dr. Laura T. Huynh
27
Sep
San Francisco, CA dentist explains the process of dental implants for smile restoration
Tooth loss can impact more than just the appearance of the smile. Tooth loss can also affect one’s ability to eat and speak, and it can cause bone loss in the jaw. Because of this, it is best that patients in the San Francisco, CA area work with a dentist who can provide tooth restoration solutions. Our dentist at West Portal Family Dentistry explains to patients the advantages of restorations such as dental implants, and she walks patients through the process of obtaining them from start to finish.
Understanding dental implants
When patients are advised on the benefits of dental implants, they are often anxious to learn if these restorations are right for them. Dental implants are titanium posts used by dentists as tooth root replacements. During oral surgery, they are strategically placed into the bone of the jaw. This stimulates a process of bone growth called osseointegration. The bone fuses to the dental implant to hold it firmly in place, ensuring it can support whatever restoration the patient needs. A dental implant, once osseointegration occurs, can stay in the smile forever with proper care and attention. This includes proper oral hygiene habits at home, as well as routine visits to the dentist for monitoring the implant. Dental implants are restored on top in several different ways. We may restore implants using a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a full denture. These versatile restorations are highly desirable for both dentists and patients!
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients : (415) 604-9292 | Exisiting Patients : (415) 661-7779 Request An Appointment
Why choose dental implants?
Dental implants are in high demand for many reasons. This restoration is:
- Long-lasting
- Easy to care for
- Natural-looking
- Stable and strong
- Durable
- Permanent
The process of obtaining dental implants
Not everyone is a viable candidate for dental implants. It is essential that patients understand the process of obtaining dental implants, so they can decide if it is right for them. Dental implants start with a consultation visit. During this time, Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh will assess the bone of the jaw to determine if it can successfully hold a dental implant. This is done with x-rays. Once patients have been deemed appropriate candidates, they can book their oral surgery appointments. During this visit, patients will receive proper sedation and anesthesia to ensure comfort before the dentist accesses the jawbone through the gum tissue. The implant is put into the bone of the jaw, and the gum tissue is sutured around the implant. A temporary restoration may be placed over the abutment of the dental implant for aesthetics and protection while the process of osseointegration occurs. This bone growth does not happen immediately – instead, it occurs over the course of several weeks. Patients return to the dental office for several follow-up visits during which the dentists will assess the progress of osseointegration and ensure that the surgical procedure was successful. After osseointegration has completed, the implant is ready for restoration. Restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures are often placed over dental implants once they are stabilized in the jaw. These restorations are made of biocompatible and natural-looking materials such as porcelain. This completes the process of dental implant placement and tooth restoration but is not the end of the attention needed. Patients are urged to take great care in brushing and flossing their teeth (and implants) after every meal, and to visit the dentist at least twice a year to check the health of the smile and the implant.
Find out more about dental implants with Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh
At West Portal Family Dentistry, our team of professionals provide restorative dentistry solutions such as dental implants to provide patients in and around San Francisco, CA with many ways to repair the smile. If you are interested in tooth replacement solutions available in our practice, we welcome you to book an appointment. Our team welcomes new patients at 26 West Portal Avenue, Suite #4. Call (415) 604-9292 for an appointment. Take the time to learn about the team of professionals ready and willing to care for and enhance your smile!
Share this Article
A graduate from UC San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Science degree, Dr. Terri M. Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is known for her caring and passionate nature towards her patients whilst having a wealth of knowledge and technical skill.
Dr. Nguyen continues to update herself with newer and tested treatment methods and technology to ensure that she is capable of delivering the best possible service to her clients. Her areas of specialty include root canal therapy, implant dentistry and cosmetic treatment. She is also a prestigious member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen grew up in Santa Clara. She studied dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).
As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.
Dr. Laura T. Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients of all ages. While she has over 15 years of experience in all areas of general practice, she especially enjoys pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for adults.
A UC Irvine graduate, Dr. Huynh obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur Dugoni Dental School at University of Pacific. She stays on top of the latest trends and technologies in dentistry by following continuing education courses annually. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Francisco Dental Society.