Dental Implants
Missing teeth? Tired of not being able to chew your favorite food? Dental implants are your solution! Here at Modern Smile Dentistry we work with labs that create amazing dental implants that look and function just like real teeth. We are your preferred family dentistry in Santa Maria, CA. Avoid going another day with missing teeth and give us a call today!
“We give you a reason to smile!”
Restore Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants, simply referred to as implants, are one of the ways to not only replace a missing or non-restorable tooth, but also can be an integral part of aiding in a full mouth rehabilitation process. Unline dental veneers, implants, are a form of metal material that becomes integrated into ones’ upper or lower jaw as a substitute for a tooth root. After the healing phase has been completed, this implant will act as an artificial root to support your new tooth.
Ever since the invention of implants, dental treatment has revolutionized and the limitations that posed previously are no longer a challenge today. Implants are a wonderful option when replacing one tooth (single unit) but can also be utilized to replace multiple teeth in a row (implant bridge).
Dental Implants Procedure
The process of getting dental implants is broken up in stages to ensure a proper fit and placement, as well as ensuring your body accepts the non-organic material. We make the process quick and painless so you can get back to your life. There are other dental offices in Santa Maria, CA that you could go to, however, here at Modern Smile Dentistry we can ensure you are going to get quality professional dental services that provide you quality professional results.
When are Dental Implants Recommended?
Dental implants are great when it comes to securing removable prosthesis such as partial and complete denture to allow for better comfort and function. Implants will provide support and stability to removable prosthesis. We recommend dental implants to prevent further teeth shifting from missing teeth, to replace one or multiple missing teeth, to replace teeth without affecting neighboring teeth, to restore chewing abilities, to retain bone integrity in areas with missing teeth, and to support and secure partial or complete dentures.
What Makes Up Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a metal, usually of titanium material, which integrate into your upper or lower jaw to mimic a natural tooth root. Once the implant has integrated, the crown (tooth) will be attached to the dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Currently, dental implants are deemed as the most ideal form of replacing a missing tooth. While they are a wonderful option to restore a missing tooth/teeth, they are not the only option. Give Modern Smile Dentistry a call to get more info.
Initial Consultation
A consultation will be needed before the treatment planning of a dental implant. Once consultation is complete and you are deemed a candidate for a dental implant, an appointment will be made for treatment.
The process of starting the implant treatment to the time of completion will take several months. This time is needed for the healing and integration of the implant. Time frames will vary case by case and patient by patient. Details will be discussed during the consultation appointment.
The property shape and shade of teeth will be discussed, as well as any subsequent treatment options to help improve the results of your implants like teeth whitening, which will ensure a great match with your organic teeth and your implants.
Implant Placement
Once the models, radiographs and impressions have been reviewed and studied, the patient will be prepared for the placement of the dental implant. The region will be properly numbed by Dr. Nima Mashhoon, to allow for maximum comfort for the patient throughout the duration of the treatment.
The implant will be surgically placed in the most ideal region to allow for longevity and proper function. The site will then be allowed to heal. If sutures are to be placed, the patient will need to return 2-3 weeks after the procedure was performed to remove the sutures and evaluate the healing.
Based on the bone, location, patient’s medical history amongst many other factors, the dental implant will need to heal for the next 3-6 months before placement of the crown (tooth). During the healing process, it is imperative to follow the post-operative instructions. During these steps, the implant may be exposed and the covering may be changed as well as the placement of a temporary tooth. This will be discussed during consultation.
Capturing the Implant Impression
Once it has been deemed that the implant has integrated, an impression will be captured for the fabrication. The healing cover of the implant will be removed to place a ‘post’ during the impression process. At this stage, dental anesthesia may or may not be needed. This will be patient specific.
Once the impression has been captured, it will be sent to the lab for fabrication with the appropriate shade (color) to match the neighboring teeth for optimum esthetics. When the tooth/teeth have arrived, they will either be be cemented or fastened into the implant, for retention purposes. This will be a case-by-case determination. Instructions will be given regarding the treatment and how to care for your implant.
Post Implant Care
While dental implants are highly durable and a wonderful replacement for missing teeth, it is imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene (brush, floss, mouthwash) to prolong the life of the dental implant. With time, wear and tear, may lead to replacement or re-cementation/re-tightening of the dental implant and or crown.
A custom lab fabricated nightguard will be highly recommended after the completion of the treatment. Moreover, while dental implants are a wonderful replacement to missing teeth, not every patient will be a candidate. Please consult your dentist for information.
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