Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are one of the most effective replacements for your natural, permanent teeth. They’re small, metal studs usually made of titanium that connect to an oral prosthetic like a porcelain crown, fixed bridge, or implant-supported dentures.

Instead of relying on your other teeth for support, Dr. Balakrishnia places implants in your jawbone via small incisions in your gum line. After the procedure, you enter a three or four-month healing period. During this time, your jawbone grows around each implant, firmly anchoring them in place.

Do I qualify for dental implants?

Only an experienced dentist and implant specialist like Dr. Balakrishna can determine if you qualify for dental implants. Prior to moving forward with treatment, Dr. Balakrishna conducts a thorough oral exam. During this exam, she screens you for several factors, including diabetes, jawbone volume, and the healing capacity of your gums. 

If she detects any potential problems, she recommends appropriate treatment prior to placing implants. For example, if you have low bone volume, you might need a bone graft. If you have diabetes, Dr. Balakrishna might recommend healthy lifestyle changes to get your blood sugar levels in check.

What is the dental implant treatment process?

If you’re relatively healthy and have plenty of bone volume, you can move forward with the procedure. During an implant operation, Dr. Balakrishna places a series of small metal posts into small incisions in your gum line. 

Following a recovery period of several months, you return to Sunshine Dental and Dr. Balakrishna attaches an abutment to each implant. She also takes impressions of your remaining teeth and sends those impressions to a laboratory that manufactures your crowns, fixed bridge, or implant-supported dentures. 

Once the laboratory finishes your oral prosthetics, you return to Sunshine Dental for a final appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Balakrishna attaches your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported denture to your implants, restoring your smile to a healthy, attractive condition.

How do I maintain dental implants?

You can maintain dental implants by caring for them like your natural teeth. Dr. Balakrishna recommends brushing twice a day, flossing once each day, and visiting Sunshine Dental once every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

To prevent damage to your implants, you should also avoid bad habits like chewing on ice or biting your fingernails.

To schedule your appointment for dental implants at Sunshine Dental, call the office or book online today.