What are Dental Implants
Dental Implants are that latest avance in dentistry to replace missing teeh. If a tooth decays past the point where it can be saved and restored, sometimes the only option is to remove the tooth completely. A tooth implant serves as a synthetic "root" and consistes of a titanium post that is placed in your jaw, a second piece called an "abutment" that screws into the implant and provides a base for the new tooth, and finally a porcelain crown that goes in place at the end. The above video shows this procedure for a single tooth replacement.
Uses of Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used in several ways. The most common is to replace individual missing teeth. They can also be used to anchor a bridge that will replace multiple teeth, as well as to support dentures so that they are held firmly in place and won't slip or move around when you talk or chew.
One of the latest advances in teeth implants allows a dentist to place four implants and immediately secure a set of dentures in place, all in a single visit. This special procudure is called All-On-Four, and Dr. Jivraj is the first dentist in the area to offer this revolutionary process.
Implants are now considered the general standard of care in most places because they hold many, many advantages over older forms of treatment, such as bridges and removable dentures.
An implant that is properly placed will fuse to the bone and make itself a natural part of your jaw. Removable dentures will only allow you to put 5% or 10% of the amount of pressure on them that you might normally use when you eat. With an implant or implant-supported dentures, you can chew normally and enjoy foods that most denture wearers cannot eat. And with a documented success rate of over 97%, dental implants will last you for many, many years, far beyond the life span of a bridge or denture.
Why are Dental Implants the best treatment option?
For people with one or more missing teeth, there are several options available to you, including implants, bridges and dentures, plus combinations of those three elements.
There is not one perfect solution for everyone, but there are certain benefits that come from using teeth implants that you simply won't get with other alternatives. The below video shows a comparison between using a Bridge to replace a tooth or an implant. As you will see, using a single implant allows the dentist to prserve your natural teeth and give you a long-lasting tooth replacement:
Effects of Tooth Loss
One of the most important things to consider if you are thinking about getting implants, is the long and short-term effects of losing a tooth.
The bone material in your jaw is there primarily to support your teeth, and when even a single tooth falls out, the bone in that area weakens and recedes, leaving you with a pronounced change in appearance and function. Here you can see the effects of even a single lost tooth:
Over time the effects of tooth loss can deepen, causing a person to appear much older than they really are:
New Patient Consultation
Call 805-351-4933 now to get your New Patient exam and x-rays and to discuss your options with Dr Jivraj. Find out which restorative dental procedures would be best to enhance your appearance and restore your mouth to full health and function. You can also request an appointment online.
