Roughly 2 in 3 Americans suffer from tooth loss every year. Losing a tooth can have long-term effects on your oral and overall health. Losing several teeth endangers the health of your jawbone and the alignment of your remaining teeth.
Without proper treatment, the missing teeth make caring for your remaining teeth harder.
Amir HagShenas, DDS, leads our team of compassionate professionals at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions in San Jose, California. Dr. HagShenas has over two decades of experience assisting people like you with their dental needs.
Choosing a highly experienced professional is the best option for your oral health when you’re missing teeth.
Dental implants are strong and attractive substitutes for most people who are missing their natural teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth, or several teeth, dental implants can give you a natural look that stands the test of time with your regular oral hygiene routine, including your semiannual cleanings.
Dental implants start with titanium posts that we screw into your gums. After we place a screw into a patient’s jaw, it typically takes about three months for the jawbone to grow around the screw and anchor it permanently.
After that, we attach an abutment to the titanium base, and then attach a new tooth (crown) to the abutment.
If you receive one dental implant, your procedure may only last for 90 or so minutes. If you need multiple teeth replaced, your appointment will be longer. If you’re missing several teeth, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge supported by dental implants.
We offer CEREC® same-day crowns at our practice. This means we can create your replacement tooth or teeth in-office, cutting out the waiting time. By carefully and strategically placing the titanium post, Dr. HagShenas is able to attach the abutment and your new tooth in one visit.
Dental implants protect your jaw from bone loss. The jawbone needs the stimulation of a natural tooth root or an implant. Without that stimulation, the jawbone loses roughly 25% of its volume in the first year.
Dental implants also keep the adjacent teeth stable. If you fail to replace a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth can shift toward the gap, affecting your bite and even causing headaches and pain.
About 3 million Americans have dental implants, a testament to their ease and safety. As with any surgery, though, there’s a chance of complications. Some possible complications include:
You might not be a candidate for dental implants due to a worn jawbone. Your jawbone has to be dense enough to hold the titanium pole securely. Dr. HagShenas may recommend bone grafting to reinforce your jaw and prepare it for your implant.
After your dental implant surgery, we give you care instructions and a prescription for pain medicine to ease your discomfort. Choose softer foods and get plenty of water and rest after you leave our office.
If you are missing teeth, learn more about dental implants. They can make your daily life, including caring for your overall health, much easier. If you’re ready to save your jaw, contact us today for a consultation by calling 408-377-5184.
