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Dentistry has come a long way over the years. We are now in a place where Dr. Joy Lunan can give her patients a third set of teeth! Replacing natural teeth with dental implants has become a popular and routine alternative to dentures or bridges. Here Dr. Lunan shares how the process works:

Dental implants are used to replace one single tooth or many teeth, depending on the needs of the individual. Implants can even support a full denture. Dental implants are placed into the jaw bone by a specialist called a periodontist. Most times implants are placed into the socket of a tooth that is being extracted. Sometimes a space needs to be surgically created for the implant if a tooth has been missing for a long time. 

Advantages of dental implants include improved chewing and speech ability. They restore a natural appearance permanently and are about 98% successful. 

It takes several sessions with a periodontist to install the dental implant. First, this doctor will extract the unhealthy tooth. Most times the implant can be placed at this time, directly into the socket of the now missing tooth. A Bone graft may be needed in some cases, but not always. The area will now be closed and allowed to heal for about 4 months. The area will be periodically checked to be sure it is healing correctly by the periodontist. When healing is complete your periodontist will reccomend that you now see Dr. Joy Lunan to restore the implant. Dr. Lunan will attach what is called an abutment into the implant and take an impression. This impression will get sent to a dental lab who will create a crown that fits perfectly onto the abutment. When the crown is made you will then see Dr. Lunan one final time to have the abutment placed again and to have the crown placed permanently onto it.  There you have it – a third set of teeth!

You may be wondering if dental implants are for you. If you are in good health and have healthy gums and bone levels, you may be a good candidate. Dr. Lunan, along with a specialist will do an assessment to determine if implants are the proper treatment for you. 

If you are interested in restoring your smile to its natural beauty don’t hesitate to call Dr. Lunan. 203-598-7920   www.middleburydentist.com

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