Photo by Peter Kasprzyk

Jerry Yang DDS

Many people have heard of dental implants and want to know how they work. For anyone who has lost one or more teeth and would prefer not to have a bridge or partial dentures, it’s natural to look for alternatives. It may be a good idea to ask your dentist if implants are the right choice for you.

When it comes to dental implants, they are desirable as they offer a more natural tooth replacement. An implant is simply an artificial tooth or teeth that is attached directly to the jawbone. This type of procedure is not appropriate for everyone though. In order to be a candidate, you must be in overall good health and have a fully developed jawbone that is free from any diseases. However, many deficiencies can be addressed and corrected with bone grafts. An implant dentist in Fremont CA can evaluate individuals and assess for gum disease or other problems.

What Do They Look Like?Unlike dentures that often appear unnatural to the naked eye, dental implants have a much more natural appearance. The implant by itself appears similar to a cylinder or screw. It works as the root of a missing tooth. The implant itself is made from titanium or another biocompatible material when attached to the jawbone and gum tissue.

What Is the Procedure?Jerry Yang, DDS will perform an assessment to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implant success. If you meet the criteria, then you’ll be scheduled to have the implant placed either at the dentist office under local anesthesia or possibly sedation. Depending on your individual needs, you may need either option.

While the process of getting an implant is straight-forward, it does take three phases to complete. This process will take about three months from start to finish.

1. Placing the implant. You’ll first have surgery to have the implant placed in your jaw. It will be covered with gum tissue where the implant will be integrated in your jawbone. This process takes about three to six months.
2. Attaching the post. The next step involves attaching a post to the implant. The gum tissue will then continue to grow around it. Depending on your dentist, you may have the implant and the post placed at the same time. Regardless of them being placed separately or together, both the implant and the post work together to serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth.
3. Crown attachment. This final step is where the dentist will attach a custom crown to the implant post.

How Long Will It Take?
Each procedure will take several hours from start to finish. Depending on your health and other factors, you may need to have more than one procedure performed.
If you decide to have implants placed and you meet the criteria, then you’ll want to be sure to follow the instructions given by your dentist. Their primary instructions are usually based on good oral hygiene. It’s generally recommended to brush twice daily and floss after the procedure to keep your new teeth clean and healthy.
Dental Implants Versus DenturesThere are many benefits when it comes to having implants placed when compared to dentures. You’ll have a more natural ability to eat and speak. You also won’t have to worry about removing the dentures and having them repaired. Implants will require you to see your dentist regularly in order to make sure they stay in good condition. You’ll also have to follow the recommended oral care guidelines given by Jerry Yang, DDS – a preferred implant dentist in Fremont CA.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
While you likely understand the benefits of implants, it’s also important to note that they’re not the right choice for everyone. Women who are pregnant, as well as people with chronic illnesses or immunosuppressed individuals, are not good candidates. Children should also not have implants as their jaws are still developing.

Contact Jerry Yang DDS at (510) 797-2611 or visit https://www.jerryyangdds.com/ to schedule an appointment.