Dr. Shin Explains Why Dental Implants? These Are Everything You Need to Know Before You Say “Yes”
A dental implant is honestly one of the most incredible ways modern dentistry can give you back everything you have lost specifically the look, the feel and the full function of your natural tooth. Tooth loss can happen for many reasons. It could be decay, gum disease, injury or even genetics but the effect is always bigger than just the gap in your smile. Your missing teeth can have an effect to how you chew or eat your food, to how clearly you speak and even to how you look as bone loss in the jaw can change your facial structure over time.
Here's what dental implants makes them so different, dentures just sit on top of your gums and bridges have to lean on your neighboring teeth for support. But when Dr. Shin places a dental implant, it goes directly into your jawbone just like your original tooth root did. It is like we are giving your mouth back exactly what nature intended and that's what makes us so excited about this treatment!
This will make it incredibly strong and stable allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence. For many patients, dental implants feel so natural that they forget which tooth was replaced. That’s why dentists often recommend a dental implant as the “gold standard” for tooth replacement as it does more than fill a space. It protects your long-term oral health.
Here's what dental implants makes them so different, dentures just sit on top of your gums and bridges have to lean on your neighboring teeth for support. But when Dr. Shin places a dental implant, it goes directly into your jawbone just like your original tooth root did. It is like we are giving your mouth back exactly what nature intended and that's what makes us so excited about this treatment!
This will make it incredibly strong and stable allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence. For many patients, dental implants feel so natural that they forget which tooth was replaced. That’s why dentists often recommend a dental implant as the “gold standard” for tooth replacement as it does more than fill a space. It protects your long-term oral health.
Key Takeaways
- Lose a tooth, lose bone. Implants stop jaw shrinkage fast.
- Implants last 20+ years. Ditch repeat denture costs.
- Eat, talk, smile. Implants feel 100% natural.
- No grinding healthy teeth. Implants stand alone.
- Same-day smile? Many qualify. Book your consult now.
What Exactly Is a Dental Implant? Let's Break It Down Together!
You know, when we mention “Dental Implant” to our patients, I can almost see the wheels turning. Most folks immediately picture that beautiful tooth-shaped crown they will see in the mirror and that makes total sense! But here's the fascinating part: what you're imagining is actually just the tip of the iceberg.
A dental implant is really like nature's perfect design but reimagined. Think about it as our natural tooth isn't just the white part you see when you smile. There is an entire root system hidden beneath your gums, anchored deep in your jawbone and doing all the heavy lifting. We have essentially figured out how to recreate that entire system, piece by piece.
Part One: The Foundation. Your Implant Fixture.
This is where the magic starts! The implant fixture is a small titanium post that Dr. Shin carefully places right into your jawbone just like where your natural tooth root used to be. Now, why titanium? Here's what's amazing, your body actually welcomes titanium like an old friend. It's completely biocompatible which means no rejection, no fighting. Over the next few months will your bone literally grows around and fuses with this titanium post in a process we call osseointegration. It's like your body is saying, “Oh, this belongs here!”
Part Two: The Bridge. Your Abutment.
Once that titanium post has become one with your jawbone (pretty incredible, right?), we attach a small connector piece called an abutment. Picture it as the bridge between your new root and your new tooth. It extends just above your gumline and gives us the perfect platform to attach your final crown. It's precision engineering at its finest!
Part Three: The Star of the Show. Your Custom Crown.
And here's where Dr. Shin's artistic eye really shines! We craft a custom crown that so perfectly matched to your natural teeth. It will match the color, the shape, the size and even the way light reflects off it. In all honesty, even your dentist friends won't be able to tell which tooth is the implant.
The Beautiful Teamwork
When these three components work together, something amazing happens. You get back everything you lost which is the ability to bite into an apple, speak clearly and smile with confidence. It is not just about replacing a missing tooth, it is about restoring your quality of life.
That's what we mean when we say we're not just placing implants. We are giving you back your natural function and your confident smile!
A dental implant is really like nature's perfect design but reimagined. Think about it as our natural tooth isn't just the white part you see when you smile. There is an entire root system hidden beneath your gums, anchored deep in your jawbone and doing all the heavy lifting. We have essentially figured out how to recreate that entire system, piece by piece.
Part One: The Foundation. Your Implant Fixture.
This is where the magic starts! The implant fixture is a small titanium post that Dr. Shin carefully places right into your jawbone just like where your natural tooth root used to be. Now, why titanium? Here's what's amazing, your body actually welcomes titanium like an old friend. It's completely biocompatible which means no rejection, no fighting. Over the next few months will your bone literally grows around and fuses with this titanium post in a process we call osseointegration. It's like your body is saying, “Oh, this belongs here!”
Part Two: The Bridge. Your Abutment.
Once that titanium post has become one with your jawbone (pretty incredible, right?), we attach a small connector piece called an abutment. Picture it as the bridge between your new root and your new tooth. It extends just above your gumline and gives us the perfect platform to attach your final crown. It's precision engineering at its finest!
Part Three: The Star of the Show. Your Custom Crown.
And here's where Dr. Shin's artistic eye really shines! We craft a custom crown that so perfectly matched to your natural teeth. It will match the color, the shape, the size and even the way light reflects off it. In all honesty, even your dentist friends won't be able to tell which tooth is the implant.
The Beautiful Teamwork
When these three components work together, something amazing happens. You get back everything you lost which is the ability to bite into an apple, speak clearly and smile with confidence. It is not just about replacing a missing tooth, it is about restoring your quality of life.
That's what we mean when we say we're not just placing implants. We are giving you back your natural function and your confident smile!
Here's Why Dental Implants Are Truly a Game-Changer
Let's Talk About the Long Game
Here is something that might surprise you, while dentures typically need replacing every 5 to 8 years and bridges usually give you about 10 good years, a properly cared for dental implant can literally last decades and sometimes even your entire lifetime! We know the upfront investment might make you pause but when you break it down over the years, implants often end up being the most cost-effective choice. It's like buying a quality appliance that just keeps working versus replacing a cheaper one every few years.
The Hidden Benefit That Changes Everything
But here's what really makes Dr. Shin and me passionate about implants, it is what happens beneath the surface that most people never think about. Whenever you lose a tooth, your jawbone will start to think, “Well I guess I am not needed here anymore,” and it begins to shrink away! It is like the muscle that doesn't get used. Do you use it or lose it, right?
A dental implant is like giving your jawbone its job back! The titanium post stimulates your bone just like what your natural tooth root did which keeps it strong and healthy. So what does this mean? Your face maintains its natural shape and structure over time. Without that stimulation, people can develop that “sunken” look as their jawbone deteriorates but with implants, you avoid all of that.
Protecting Your Healthy Teeth
And here's another thing we love about implants, they are independent! Unlike a bridge, which requires us to grind down your perfectly healthy neighboring teeth to create supports, an implant stands proudly on its own. Why would we want to compromise two healthy teeth just to replace one missing tooth? With an implant, we replace exactly what you lost which is one tooth for one tooth and leave everything else is untouched.
It is really about preserving not just your smile but your overall oral health for years to come. That's what we call smart dentistry!
But here's what really makes Dr. Shin and me passionate about implants, it is what happens beneath the surface that most people never think about. Whenever you lose a tooth, your jawbone will start to think, “Well I guess I am not needed here anymore,” and it begins to shrink away! It is like the muscle that doesn't get used. Do you use it or lose it, right?
A dental implant is like giving your jawbone its job back! The titanium post stimulates your bone just like what your natural tooth root did which keeps it strong and healthy. So what does this mean? Your face maintains its natural shape and structure over time. Without that stimulation, people can develop that “sunken” look as their jawbone deteriorates but with implants, you avoid all of that.
Protecting Your Healthy Teeth
And here's another thing we love about implants, they are independent! Unlike a bridge, which requires us to grind down your perfectly healthy neighboring teeth to create supports, an implant stands proudly on its own. Why would we want to compromise two healthy teeth just to replace one missing tooth? With an implant, we replace exactly what you lost which is one tooth for one tooth and leave everything else is untouched.
It is really about preserving not just your smile but your overall oral health for years to come. That's what we call smart dentistry!
“Dr. Shin and the entire staff are wonderful. He has a light touch, is very thorough and is a perfectionist . I’m very happy with all of the work he and his team have done. Teeth look and feel natural. Highly recommend Dr. Shin!”
– Randi B.
Can a Dental Implant Be Done in One Day?
“Can I Really Get My Implant Done in One Day?”
Oh, this is definitely one of our most popular questions! And honestly, we totally understand why because the idea of walking in with a missing tooth and leaving that same day with a brand new one sounds pretty amazing, right?
The short answer is sometimes, yes! In certain situations, Dr. Shin can place your implant fixture right after extracting a tooth and even attach a temporary crown the same day. We call this “immediate implant placement” or sometimes patients hear it referred to as “teeth in a day.” When the stars align meaning your jawbone is healthy and strong and the extraction site is in great shape, it can be an incredible option.
Oh, this is definitely one of our most popular questions! And honestly, we totally understand why because the idea of walking in with a missing tooth and leaving that same day with a brand new one sounds pretty amazing, right?
The short answer is sometimes, yes! In certain situations, Dr. Shin can place your implant fixture right after extracting a tooth and even attach a temporary crown the same day. We call this “immediate implant placement” or sometimes patients hear it referred to as “teeth in a day.” When the stars align meaning your jawbone is healthy and strong and the extraction site is in great shape, it can be an incredible option.
But Here's What We Really Want You to Know
While that same-day approach sounds fantastic (and trust us, we love being able to offer it when it's right!), for most of our patients, the safest and most predictable path to long-term success is taking it step by step. Think of it this way, we are not just placing an implant, we are creating something that's going to be with you for decades.
After Dr. Shin places that titanium post in your jawbone, something pretty remarkable happens over the next three to six months. Your bone literally grows around and fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. It is like nature's way of saying, “Okay this belongs here now.” This creates an incredibly strong, stable foundation that is stronger than what many people had with their original tooth!
Why We Sometimes Recommend the “Slow and Steady” Approach
During the healing period, we make sure your implant becomes rock-solid before we ask it to do all the hard work of chewing and biting. Rushing this process is a bit like trying to hang a heavy picture on a wall before the paint is dry. This might work but why take the risk when waiting a little longer virtually guarantees success?
At Prostho Endo, Dr. Shin carefully evaluates every single case. If you are a perfect candidate for a same-day treatment, we will definitely let you know! But if we recommend the traditional timeline, it's because we want to give you the very best chance of having an implant that will last for life.
After all, we would rather have you wait a few months for something amazing than rush into something that might not give you the long-term success you deserve
While that same-day approach sounds fantastic (and trust us, we love being able to offer it when it's right!), for most of our patients, the safest and most predictable path to long-term success is taking it step by step. Think of it this way, we are not just placing an implant, we are creating something that's going to be with you for decades.
After Dr. Shin places that titanium post in your jawbone, something pretty remarkable happens over the next three to six months. Your bone literally grows around and fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. It is like nature's way of saying, “Okay this belongs here now.” This creates an incredibly strong, stable foundation that is stronger than what many people had with their original tooth!
Why We Sometimes Recommend the “Slow and Steady” Approach
During the healing period, we make sure your implant becomes rock-solid before we ask it to do all the hard work of chewing and biting. Rushing this process is a bit like trying to hang a heavy picture on a wall before the paint is dry. This might work but why take the risk when waiting a little longer virtually guarantees success?
At Prostho Endo, Dr. Shin carefully evaluates every single case. If you are a perfect candidate for a same-day treatment, we will definitely let you know! But if we recommend the traditional timeline, it's because we want to give you the very best chance of having an implant that will last for life.
After all, we would rather have you wait a few months for something amazing than rush into something that might not give you the long-term success you deserve
Step-by-Step: Getting a Dental Implant & Crown
Step 1: Consultation & 3D Imaging For Personalization of your Treatment Plan!
We can't wait to know about what brought you here at Prostho Endo and what you are hoping to achieve with your smile. Dr. Shin will sit down with you. No rush, no pressure and he will really listen to your concerns and goals. We'll walk through your dental history together and then it's time for the fun part which is using our incredible 3D imaging technology!
Think of our CBCT scan as getting a GPS map of your mouth. We can see everything! From your jawbone density, where your nerves are to how your teeth are positioned. We get all the details we need to create a plan that is perfectly tailored just for you. It is pretty amazing what technology can show us these days! By the end of this visit, we'll have mapped out your entire treatment journey together.
We can't wait to know about what brought you here at Prostho Endo and what you are hoping to achieve with your smile. Dr. Shin will sit down with you. No rush, no pressure and he will really listen to your concerns and goals. We'll walk through your dental history together and then it's time for the fun part which is using our incredible 3D imaging technology!
Think of our CBCT scan as getting a GPS map of your mouth. We can see everything! From your jawbone density, where your nerves are to how your teeth are positioned. We get all the details we need to create a plan that is perfectly tailored just for you. It is pretty amazing what technology can show us these days! By the end of this visit, we'll have mapped out your entire treatment journey together.
Step 2: The Big Day. This is the day for the Implant Placement that creates a rock solid foundation in your bone! (CDT Code: D6010)
Here's where we place your new titanium “tooth root” into your jawbone. I know it sounds intimidating but honestly most of our patients tell us afterwards, “That's it? That was so much easier than I expected!”
We make sure you're completely comfortable whether that's with our gentle local anesthesia or if you prefer to just relax and maybe catch up on Netflix, we can provide sedation to make the whole experience stress-free. Dr. Shin places each implant with precision and the whole process is usually quicker than you'd think.
Now comes the waiting part. We let your body do its job of fusing the implant with your bone over the next few months. It is like nature's way of creating the strongest possible foundation or base for your new tooth.
Step 3: Abutment Placement. This connects everything! (CDT Code: D6056)
Once your implant has become one with your jawbone (pretty cool, right?), we attach what we call an abutment. Think of it as the connector piece between your implant and your future crown. It's a quick appointment, and sometimes we can even place this at the same time as your implant to streamline everything for you.
Step 4: Your New Smile is Born! (CDT Code: D6058 or others)
This is honestly our favorite part. Watching your face light up when you see your new tooth! We craft a custom crown that's so perfectly matched to your other teeth that even you might forget which one is the implant.
Dr. Shin puts his artistic eye to work here making sure the color, shape and size blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Once it's secured to your abutment, you will be amazed! It looks, feels and works just like the tooth you were born with. You can eat your favorite foods, speak clearly and smile with complete confidence.
The whole journey is really about getting you back to feeling like yourself again. Maybe even better than before!
Here's where we place your new titanium “tooth root” into your jawbone. I know it sounds intimidating but honestly most of our patients tell us afterwards, “That's it? That was so much easier than I expected!”
We make sure you're completely comfortable whether that's with our gentle local anesthesia or if you prefer to just relax and maybe catch up on Netflix, we can provide sedation to make the whole experience stress-free. Dr. Shin places each implant with precision and the whole process is usually quicker than you'd think.
Now comes the waiting part. We let your body do its job of fusing the implant with your bone over the next few months. It is like nature's way of creating the strongest possible foundation or base for your new tooth.
Step 3: Abutment Placement. This connects everything! (CDT Code: D6056)
Once your implant has become one with your jawbone (pretty cool, right?), we attach what we call an abutment. Think of it as the connector piece between your implant and your future crown. It's a quick appointment, and sometimes we can even place this at the same time as your implant to streamline everything for you.
Step 4: Your New Smile is Born! (CDT Code: D6058 or others)
This is honestly our favorite part. Watching your face light up when you see your new tooth! We craft a custom crown that's so perfectly matched to your other teeth that even you might forget which one is the implant.
Dr. Shin puts his artistic eye to work here making sure the color, shape and size blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Once it's secured to your abutment, you will be amazed! It looks, feels and works just like the tooth you were born with. You can eat your favorite foods, speak clearly and smile with complete confidence.
The whole journey is really about getting you back to feeling like yourself again. Maybe even better than before!
“I was referred to Dr. Shin by my sister, who recently graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School. My case was highly esthetic and challenging, but Dr. Shin managed to perfect . And I absolutely love my new smile! He is professional, knowledgeable, kind, and a true perfectionist all the qualities you’d want in a prosthodontist. I would highly recommend him.”
– Yasmin M.
Let's Clear Up a Big Misconception: “Wait, So the Implant Isn't the Whole Tooth?”
This might be the question we hear most often in our office, and honestly, we totally get the confusion! When most people say “dental implant,” they are picturing the entire replacement tooth and that makes perfect sense but here is where it gets a little technical (don't worry, we will keep it simple!).
In the world of dentistry, when we say “dental implant,” we are actually talking about just one piece of the puzzle and that is the titanium post that goes into your jawbone. Think of it like building a house of your own. The implant is your foundation, the abutment is like the connector that holds everything together and the crown is your beautiful finished roof which is the part everyone sees when you smile.
Here's why this matters for you: when you look at your treatment plan and see three different line items, please don't think we are trying to nickel and dime you! Insurance companies require us to bill each component separately because they each have their own specific codes. It is kind of like how when you buy a car. The engine, transmission and body are all separate parts that come together to make the whole vehicle work.
Each piece has its own important job:
In the world of dentistry, when we say “dental implant,” we are actually talking about just one piece of the puzzle and that is the titanium post that goes into your jawbone. Think of it like building a house of your own. The implant is your foundation, the abutment is like the connector that holds everything together and the crown is your beautiful finished roof which is the part everyone sees when you smile.
Here's why this matters for you: when you look at your treatment plan and see three different line items, please don't think we are trying to nickel and dime you! Insurance companies require us to bill each component separately because they each have their own specific codes. It is kind of like how when you buy a car. The engine, transmission and body are all separate parts that come together to make the whole vehicle work.
Each piece has its own important job:
- The implant creates that rock-solid foundation in your bone
- The abutment connects everything and shapes your gum line beautifully
- The crown gives you back your chewing power and that confident smile
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental implants cost and will my insurance cover treatment?
Does getting a dental implant hurt? What's the recovery like?
Am I a good candidate for dental implants? What if I have been told I don't have enough bone?
Final Thoughts. Here's What We Really Want You to Know!
At the end of the day, what you are getting is the closest thing modern dentistry has to giving you back your natural tooth. And honestly? In so many ways, it might even be better than what you had before! Your new dental implant will help keep your jawbone strong and healthy, protect your other surrounding teeth from shifting and give you back the confidence to eat all your favorite foods without the worry. Yes, it is a process with multiple steps but each one step is designed to give you the most successful and long-lasting result possible.
Whether we can complete your entire treatment in one day with our “smile in a day” approach or whether it takes a few months to let everything heal perfectly, we are with you every step of the way!
And here's our promise: when it's all done, you are going to have a smile that lasts for decades and feels so natural that you will forget you ever had a problem tooth in the first place.
This is what “Making Smiles, Changing Lives” is all about. Giving you back not just a tooth, but your confidence and quality of life.
Whether we can complete your entire treatment in one day with our “smile in a day” approach or whether it takes a few months to let everything heal perfectly, we are with you every step of the way!
And here's our promise: when it's all done, you are going to have a smile that lasts for decades and feels so natural that you will forget you ever had a problem tooth in the first place.
This is what “Making Smiles, Changing Lives” is all about. Giving you back not just a tooth, but your confidence and quality of life.
