Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything following the restoration of their teeth with dental implants, knowing that their teeth appear normal since their natural contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can once again smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. Small posts that emerge from the implants and protrude through the gums provide stable anchors for the replacement teeth. Very importantly, dental implants help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For many patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone by Dr. HagShenas. For the first four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. One should be able to wear temporary bridges or dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, the surgical placement of dental implants is conducted by Dr. HagShenas.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. HagShenas will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth or bridges are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. HagShenas may be able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of four months of healing time before artificial teeth are placed on top of them. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures necessary. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. Every patient and situation is unique. This is why Dr. HagShenas must evaluate a patient for treatment planning prior to the placement of dental implants.

What Types Of Prostheses Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth, where each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over-denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanently placed, and is removable only by the dentist.

Dr. HagShenas performs the in-office implant surgery in an operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant may be necessary for some patients, but most procedures are performed in our office.

Dental Implants Provide Permanent Tooth Restoration

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you will see how they can enhance the quality of your life. When you lose one or several teeth, whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years, chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to a renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation about 40 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Should You Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial prosthesis” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable or embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you have any missing teeth, you are a candidate! When you are considering dental implants, your oral condition must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your jawbone is not ideal for dental implants, ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, and oral conscious sedation. However, some patients may elect general anesthesia.

Do Dental Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments at our office.