25
Aug
FAQs about dental implants, an appealing solution to replace teeth for younger and older patients alike
The many periodontal services that we offer at Pasadena Periodontics are generally designed to preserve natural tissues. Whenever possible, Drs. Joel Henriod, Tyler Hendry, and Jane Law prevent tooth loss by restoring the health of the gums that support and protect the teeth. However, we also appreciate that accidents happen. Patients may be reacquainting themselves with dentistry after years of not visiting for checkups. Whatever the case, we are here to help young adults and more senior patients with dental implants. This form of tooth replacement is popular among patients across the age spectrum in Southern California and beyond due to how natural they look, feel, and function.
Is the implant the replacement tooth?
The implant is part of the replacement tooth. Unlike conventional bridges and dentures to replace teeth, implants account for the fact that teeth are a sum of parts. They are not a single unit. Bridges and dentures have traditionally only replaced the visible parts of the teeth. They do not account for the all-important roots that stabilize the teeth. The implant functions as the root. It is surgically positioned in the jawbone and secured there so that the implant supports utmost stability and the most natural and healthy function once attached to the prosthetic tooth.
What if I need to replace more than one tooth?
We have solutions for that! One implant may be inserted and secured to stabilize a single dental crown or replacement tooth. However, we may add another implant to support a dental bridge among those who are missing additional teeth. Our periodontists may even apply as few as four implants to retain an upper or lower denture among those individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth.
How are implants “secured” in the jawbone?
The implant is made from special materials, either titanium or Zirconia. While the former option is a metal and the latter is a high-performance ceramic, both materials are biocompatible. They are truly compatible with biological or natural tissues. Due to this feature, they can naturally and safely “fuse” or join with the surrounding bone in the jaw. When this process of osseointegration is complete, the implant can serve as a stable foundation for the replacement tooth that is later attached to it.
Before and After Actual Patient Results
How long do implants last before I need to replace them?
Implant-supported teeth are designed to last a lifetime. Unlike bridges or dentures, implant teeth keep the bone in the jaw nice and strong. That’s because these teeth are connected to the jawbone. So, this supportive tissue continues to get plenty of stimulation from the teeth every time you bite or grind down food, and otherwise “use” your teeth. For this reason, dentures held in place by implants continue to retain their great fit. The bone remains healthy and dense and does not sustain the often devastating effects of bone loss. The denture conforms well to the surrounding tissues because these retain their strength and shape. With that being said, patients must continue to be vigilant about maintaining checkups at their dentist’s office and consistently good brushing and flossing habits. While the teeth themselves may not decay like natural teeth, they may be threatened by peri-implantitis, or damage to the tissues surrounding the implant. This destructive inflammatory process can arise due to inadequate oral hygiene and the buildup of harmful bacterial plaque.
Why should I choose Pasadena Periodontics?
In part, our specialists complement their expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and managing periodontal problems with state-of-the-art technologies. For instance, we use Cone Beam CT scanner technology to plan precisely where to surgically place each implant. By using the expansive 3-D images rendered from this scanner, we can create surgical guides that support precision implant placement. Such exacting and advanced techniques help to minimize the risk of implant failures and complications, such as nerve damage.
We welcome answering your additional questions during a consultation at our office in Pasadena, CA. Call (626) 796-5386 today to schedule your visit. Tooth loss does not have to mar your look and outlook earlier in life. With our natural-looking solutions, you can reclaim your confidence, healthy function, and well-being.
