DENTAL IMPLANTS AS THE “GOLD STANDARD”
Dental implants have been used successfully for smile restoration for the last 50 years. This is the most conservative and longest-lasting treatment for replacing a missing tooth. Implants are also useful for supporting dentures and bridges to correct more extensive tooth loss.
There is a lot of truth to the claim that a dental implant is the gold standard to smile makeover. For one, it is no accident that it is one of the most popular treatment options for missing teeth.
Missing teeth can affect more than the beauty of your smile; they may also limit oral function. As a result, chewing and speaking may be impaired. Over time, even your self-confidence could be damaged. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that can provide abundant benefits. Whether you’re missing one, several, or all of your teeth, this option is designed to achieve superior results by mimicking the look and feel of your natural teeth.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
If you have lost, or are congenitally missing one or more teeth, we recommend speaking with Dr. Tehranian about getting the dental implants. There is no upper age limit for this treatment. The most important factor in success rates for implants is bone density.
Patients who have very advanced gum disease may not have enough bone left to hold an implant. They may need one or more bone grafting procedures before they can get tooth implants. Smokers have more complications during healing than non-smokers, so if you smoke, you need to stop before you undergo this treatment.
WHY CHOOSE TOOTH IMPLANTS?
By choosing dental implants, you can enhance your smile in several ways. Our practice utilizes some of the most advanced techniques, materials, and technologies available to help ensure exceptional results and an unparalleled experience. In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implant benefits typically include:
- Enhanced comfort
- No special or additional maintenance—simply brush and floss as usual
- Reduced wear to the gums
- Preservation of jawbone density and strength
- Improved bite alignment and function
- Aesthetically appealing results
Dental implants can reduce your risk for future dental complications, such as additional tooth loss or facial bone loss. Furthermore, your implants won’t slip or slide in your mouth, a common concern associated with impermanent or removable tooth replacement options.
Long-lasting
A dental implant post is surgically placed in your jaw and allowed to integrate with surrounding bone and tissue. During this process, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental structure. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings and exams, the implant may last a lifetime.
High Success Rate
In the 50-plus years that dental implants have been in use, they have been demonstrated to have a 95 percent success rate. And today, with state-of-the-art technology like 3-D cone beam imaging, implant procedures are even more predictable with improved long-term outcomes. Natural, beautiful appearance the dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth, and crowns can be made with all-ceramic materials
Improved Dental Health
As soon as a tooth is lost, the balance in your entire dental structure is disturbed. The created gap allows for the remaining teeth (especially the ones nearest to the gap) to tilt and shift as a result of even the most normal regular chewing.
This could lead to further oral problems down the line, especially if the distorted structure of the teeth interferes with the patient’s chewing abilities. It isn’t uncommon to see someone lose multiple teeth over the years as a result of this and more often than not, the bone loss occurs in the same row, side by side.
Improved Bone Health
The root of a tooth shares a relationship with your jaw bone in which the presence of one stimulates the healthy maintenance of the other. When a tooth is lost, however, bone degeneration starts and bone in the jaw starts to shrink around where the old tooth used to be.
Bone loss threatens the stability of neighboring teeth, causes shifting, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. But the presence of an implant post in the jaw functions as an artificial root, stimulating bone from degenerating and making a dental implant a healthier solution than a bridge or denture, which only sits on top of the jaw and provides no stimulation.
DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCEDURE
Each dental implant is comprised of two parts: a titanium post and a porcelain dental crown. The post will be surgically implanted into your jawbone as a stable foundation for the natural-looking crown, which serves as the visible part of the tooth. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tehranian will discuss your desired outcome and examine your areas of concern to determine the best technique for your singular needs and goals.
Adequate bone density is necessary for successful dental implantation, and she will inform you if this method or another treatment option will be best based on your evaluation.
1. Consultation
This includes a comprehensive dental exam, medical history, x-rays, and a CT scan. This information is used to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants as well as what size and shape of implant to use.
2. Preparation of the surgical site
If you have a tooth root in place, this is removed. The gum is opened slightly to expose the jawbone.
3.implant Placement
A tiny hole is drilled in your jawbone and the titanium implant is screwed or fitted in place. for this procedure only topical and local anaesthetic be will required.
4.Healing Period
This phase lasts 3-6 months. During this time, your jawbone heals around the implant.
5.Cosmetic Abutment Connection
A small metal post is attached to the implant and your gum is allowed to heal again.
6. Final Cosmetic Restoration fitted
A Custom made ceramic crown that looks like your natural teeth is fitted on to the abutment.
Not A Single Day Procedure; like all great things in life, dental implants restorations require some sacrifices on your part as the patient. For one thing, it is a process that takes several months to heal, and restore. It is not a procedure that can all be done in a single day.
With careful planning and preparation, the procedure is now as routine and straightforward as many of the other procedures on offer today. In fact, most implant patients are pleasantly surprised at the ease with which the treatment is carried out. For patients who may still be a little apprehensive, we offer sedation techniques to help relax them throughout the procedure.
Prior to starting your treatment, we complete a comprehensive assessment of your mouth, teeth, and gums enabling us to provide you with a plan for your treatment needs. Our goal is to restore your mouth to a healthy and stable state.
We use the latest in dental CT scanning technology to provide us with a 3-Dimensional image of your mouth. This allows us to accurately plan your treatment for optimum results.
Prior to treatment start, we will discuss all the options available to you and provide written confirmation of this along with an accurate assessment of the fees for your investment.
Just Like Natural Teeth
Just like your natural teeth have roots that keep them securely anchored in place, implant teeth form a solid attachment to the jawbone. Once an implant has completely healed and is topped with a custom-made crown, your new replacement tooth will look and feel completely natural. You will never have any problems eating all the foods you love nor will you run into any issues when cleaning your teeth. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence knowing your implant won’t slip or shift out of place like removable dentures often do.
A Permanent Solution
Because dental implants become a part of your jawbone, they provide you with a permanent solution to tooth loss. Other tooth replacement options like dentures and bridgework often need to be replaced or remade over time which costs money. On the other hand, dental implants rarely need to be replaced or remade, making them the best long-term value for restoring your smile.
Bone Loss Prevention
Because dental implants fuse with the jawbone, the bone in your jaw will always receive the stimulation it needs from the artificial tooth roots to maintain the density of your jawbone. This will help you avoid jaw bone shrinkage which naturally occurs when there are no tooth roots present. Instead of developing a sunken facial appearance that can make you look older than you are, your facial structure will remain the same with dental implants. No other tooth replacement option helps prevent bone loss.