Dental implants
An implant is a small post placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. It is for adults who are missing one tooth or several, and who have enough healthy bone and gums, or can have them treated first.
Dr. Leung plans the case from a scan and places the implants. After healing, a single tooth is finished by Dr. Aksoy, a general dentist, and several teeth are finished by Dr. Leung.
What happens
Usually four to six visits over several months. Most of that time is healing.
- 01
Step 1: Consult and scan
An exam, a 3D scan and a talk about what you want. Dr. Leung shows you what the scan says about your bone and gums.
- 02
Step 2: A plan in writing
Where each implant would go, what the tooth or teeth will be, and an estimate for each stage. You take it home.
- 03
Step 3: Placing the implant
Dr. Leung numbs the area and places the implant. A single implant is usually one visit; several take longer.
- 04
Step 4: Healing
The implant and the jaw join over the following months. We check on it and tell you when it is ready.
- 05
Step 5: The final tooth
A new scan or impression, a check of your bite and the crown or bridge fitted. A check visit follows.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
We numb the area before surgery, and you can ask for a break at any time. Ask us about any other comfort option before the day.
Other choices
A bridge on the neighboring teeth, a removable partial denture, or leaving the space. Each has costs and trade-offs, and Dr. Leung goes through them with you.
If you wait
The neighboring teeth can drift, the opposite tooth can move, and the jaw bone around a missing tooth can shrink. Waiting is also a choice, and it is yours.
Risks and after-care
Risks include infection, an implant that does not join the bone, irritation of a nerve or the sinus, and parts that loosen or wear. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes raise some of them. Expect soreness and swelling for a few days, soft food at first, and regular check visits.
How it is billed
In stages, as each is done, with a written estimate first. Whether your plan pays toward any stage is the plan's decision.
How fees work
Questions about implants
Am I a candidate for an implant?
The scan and your health history decide. Enough healthy bone and gums, or treatment to get there, is the starting point. Dr. Leung tells you if implants are not a good fit.
How many visits will I need?
Usually four to six over several months, most of it healing. Your plan gives your own number.
Who places the implant and who makes the tooth?
Dr. Leung places it. Dr. Aksoy fits a single crown on it; Dr. Leung makes a bridge.
What if my body does not accept it?
An implant sometimes does not join the bone. We watch for it at the check visits, and if it happens we tell you what the options are.
Planned and placed by Dr. Leung
Provided by Dr. Shu Leung, prosthodontist. A crown on a single implant is fitted by a general dentist.