Dr. Zan believes that a patient should feel comfortable and safe when visiting a dental office. His gentle approach and vast knowledge will offer you the peace of mind you need while his passion for perfection will provide you with the dashing smile you have always dreamed of.
Dr. Zan has graduated from the College of Dentistry at the Ohio State University, has a college degree in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. He also has had extensive training in dental surgery procedures during his school years and, afterwards, in a process of continuous education and self-improvement. He is able to perform even the hardest implant surgeries, periodontal interventions and other oral surgeries.
Dr. Zan is a member of the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association and the prestigious Society of King County Dental Association. He lives in Bellevue with his wife, Vivian, and their children, Eric and Jayme, which he absolutely adores.
By working with Dr. Zan you are working with one of the most gifted dental specialists in America who possess a vast knowledge, a very gentle touch and the desire to help you achieve perfect oral health and the peace of mind you long for.
At Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in treating patients that are suffering from The Dental Implant Procedure. If you have been avoiding the dentist due to fear of what a procedure could be like or simply do not enjoy having dental work done, give us a call. In our Bellevue, Washington dental office, we can ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed regardless of what procedure is being performed. When you visit our office, Dr. Zan Xu will meet with you to discuss what treatments you need and create a plan for how to keep your mouth healthy while easing any fears that you have about dentistry or procedures in general. This way you will be informed and empowered to make decisions regarding dental care without experiencing any anxiety.
When you visit our dental office, we can discuss ways that you can prevent experiencing anxiety while receiving dental care. In addition to the medication that we can provide, you can try relaxing by drinking a glass of tea. There are several natural varieties that you can purchase at the health foods store that will relax and calm you. At times, this can be enough to put you into a naturally relaxed state. Some patients also find that they benefit from meditation and acupuncture.
Sedation Dentistry Can Reduce Your Dental AnxietyIn our Bellevue dental office, we practice sedation dentistry that can be used to reduce and prevent dental anxiety. Here are some of the questions we are regularly asked about sedation.
Will I be asleep when sedated?Typically not. Sleep dentistry is usually reserved for oral surgery and lengthy procedures. Sedation dentistry will help you relax and can make you drowsy, so some patients do nod off, but you are technically not put to sleep.
How is sedation dentistry administered?The most common form of sedation is taking a pill an hour before the procedure begins. One pill can help you to feel entirely relaxed so that your dental anxiety is eliminated. Most procedures like teeth cleaning or fixing a simple cavity do not necessarily hurt so with sedation many people do not require additional medication. However, if you would like pain medication as well, we can give it to you after the sedation has taken effect.
Will I be able to move around like normal?Yes, with sedation dentistry you can continue to engage in conversation and respond to commands but your response times may be slightly delayed and your mind not as clear as normal. This is why we recommend that you either have someone drive you home or wait until it has worn off completely before driving.
Are there any side effects of sedation dentistry?Most of the time the sedation goes away within an hour of your procedure being complete. If you are more heavily sedated or put to sleep for oral surgery, it can take a couple of hours to feel normal but this is rare. In our Bellevue dental office, we use the least amount of sedation to help you to feel completely relaxed and comfortable so that it is effective without staying in your system for too long.
Can children benefit from sedation dentistry?Yes, typically children need sedation when having a lot of dental work completed so that they can hold still long enough for the work to be performed. This is a unique specialty and not offered at every dentist office.
DenturesDentures are a trusted solution for replacing missing teeth. At Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry our patients frequently ask Dr. Zan Xu about dentures to determine if they are a good solution for their particular needs. As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons to wearing dentures and whether or not they will work for you depends largely on your lifestyle and the goals that you have for your appearance and the functionality of your smile.
Temporary DenturesDr. Zan Xu will often provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace a missing tooth. Temporaries ensure that patients throughout the Bellevue area have a natural looking smile while waiting for dental implants or a dental bridge to be completed. This is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be taken in and out whenever you like. If you are looking for an immediate solution for replacing a missing tooth call 425-249-9186. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months and will need to be replaced.
Complete DentureWhen all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of dentures that you typically see in cartoons and movies. Technology has improved in recent years, making them more comfortable and natural looking than ever. Dr. Zan Xu can determine if this is the best way to replace your teeth or if an alternative solution would help you to achieve your goals. If you proceed with getting a complete set of dentures, your gums will be healed and ready in eight to 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed. When teeth are removed the bones and gums will start to shrink. By waiting for up to 12 weeks, you can be sure that your set of complete dentures will fit securely. Many patients throughout Washington prefer not to wait and get immediate dentures. This solution does not require a waiting period, but there will be adjustments later on after the gums and bone have settled into their permanent size.
Benefits of DenturesPatients throughout the 98004 area like how convenient dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, they can replace teeth in a non-invasive way. There is no surgical element to worry about, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately. This provides a quick and easy solution. If, however, you are looking for something that feels more natural, you should consider a cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Alternative OptionsPatients in Washington have been enjoying the benefits of a dentures alternative. There is a procedure that combines implant dentistry with dentures. Those that need complete dentures can benefit by having a secure way to hold their dentures in place. If you live in the Bellevue WA area, we will be happy to examine your gums and let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In this scenario, an impression is taken of your mouth in order to create a denture that will be secured in place using implants. Once created, metal posts will be implanted under your gums, and the dentures secured to it. This way patients get the benefits of how quickly dentures can be created and the convenience of the stability that can only come from using implant technology.
How do I care for my dentures?Every night you need to take your dentures out. We advise patients of Dr. Zan Xu to rinse them thoroughly then use a denture brush to remove any food particles before rinsing them again. You also need to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use an antiseptic mouthwash afterwards to kill any lingering bacteria and improve your breath. Your dentures should soak all night then be placed back in the mouth in the morning.