Implants

Dental Implants

People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes teeth need to be replaced. If you've lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

What Is a Dental Implant?

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium — the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a material well suited to pairing with human bone. After the implant has integrated with the bone, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.

The final restoration may be fixed in place or designed to be removable, depending on your needs. Fixed implant restorations are stable and can look, feel, and function much like natural teeth.

Single and Multiple Implants

Implants are versatile. One missing tooth may be restored with one implant and one replacement tooth. If several teeth in a row are missing, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge instead of requiring an implant for every tooth.

For someone who has lost all of their teeth, a carefully planned number of implants may support a full bridge or help secure a full denture. Dr. Song will review the available approaches based on your bone, bite, and restorative goals.

Advantages Over Bridges and Dentures

Conventional bridges and dentures are not anchored directly to the jawbone and may feel less stable. Implants are fixed to the bone, so they can provide confident support for eating and smiling while feeling more like natural teeth.

• Stable supportImplants are anchored in bone and do not rely on adhesives.
• Natural functionThey can restore a stronger, more comfortable biting surface.
• Protects neighboring teethA single implant does not require adjacent teeth to support a bridge.
• Designed for longevityWith healthy tissue and proper care, implants may last for many years.

Planning and support

Our Implant Services

Some patients need additional care before or after implant placement. Dr. Song will coordinate the necessary steps and explain how each one supports a stable, maintainable result.

01

Sinus Lift Augmentation

After upper back teeth are lost, the sinus may enlarge into the space where supporting bone used to be. A sinus lift graft restores bone height in this area so an implant can be surrounded by solid bone.

02

Bone Grafting

Infection or long-term tooth loss can reduce the bone available for an implant. Bone grafting may be completed when a tooth is removed or as a separate procedure to prepare the site for later placement.

03

3D Treatment Planning

Specialized software allows the dental CT scan to be evaluated in three dimensions for bone quality, quantity, and location. This supports precise planning and coordination for the final restoration.

04

Implant Maintenance

Professional cleanings help keep the implant area free of plaque, tartar, and infection. The recommended cleaning interval will be tailored to the number of implants and your individual oral-health needs.