Dental Implants San Diego County
Dentistry rancho bernardo missing tooth replacement in escondido, poway and rancho penasquitos
Millions of Americans suffer from missing teeth. Removable prosthetics can treat some of the symptoms that result from losing one or more teeth, but these fixes never truly address the underlying problem. A missing tooth should be replaced with something that closely resembles natural tooth structure, providing maximum comfort and function which is a dental implant and offered to Poway, Rancho Bernardo and Escondido patients of Dr. Salami.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the strongest and longest-lasting tooth restoration solution. They are also the only solution that replaces the entire tooth, from root to crown, which promotes jawbone growth and optimizes oral health. Dental implants are composed of three parts:
The implant post – A titanium screw that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone; it mimics the function of the natural tooth’s root.
The dental prosthetic – the visible part that looks and functions just like a tooth; it is custom-made and custom-colored to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The abutment – A small connector piece that secures the prosthetic tooth to the implant post for maximum durability.
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They eliminate the embarrassment and social complications associated with other tooth replacement options. Dental implants are also easy to care for, as they require the same oral hygiene routine as your natural teeth. When it comes to restoring smiles, self-confidence, and quality of life, dental implants are the best tooth replacement option available.
Dental implants process
The dental implant process differs from one person to the next depending on the scope of their treatment plan. In general, however, the process is as follows:
Assessment – Dr. Salami evaluates the patient’s mouth, teeth, and jaws to determine whether they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Preparatory procedures (if necessary) – In some cases, the dentist will determine that the patient is not quite ready and will need to undergo other procedures before the implants can be inserted. Potential preparatory procedures may be simple, such as tooth extraction, or more complex, such as bone grafting.
Dental implant surgery – An incision is made in the gum, and a hole is drilled so the implant can be inserted deep into the jawbone. A temporary crown is placed on top of the implant post so the patient can begin to enjoy the benefits of a full smile while they wait through the healing process.
Healing – Over the next several months (six or more), the implants go through a process called osseointegration, where the tissues of the jaw fuse to the implant, stabilizing it as they would a natural tooth root.
Permanent crown placement – Once the osseointegration process is complete, the patient is brought back to the office for placement of the abutment and the permanent crown.
Although the dental implant process does take some time to complete, a lifetime of smiling, eating, and speaking freely is worth the wait.
How successful are dental implants?
The success rate for dental implants is as high as 98%, and there’s a good reason for that. Dental implants are as close to natural teeth as you can get. Because they replace the whole tooth, root to crown, they help to support complete oral health. By replacing the tooth root, dental implants support jaw health, which in turn supports the health of the remaining teeth. It’s important to remember that proper oral hygiene is an important part of the success of dental implants. With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
The best candidate for dental implants:
- Is in good oral health
- Is generally healthy
- Has a fully developed jaw
- Has sufficient jawbone to support dental implants
- Has healthy gum tissue
- Is a non-smoker
- Is able and willing to practice proper oral hygiene
The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salami.
How Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement Work
Designed with a tooth’s basic structure in mind, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. An implant consists of two portions?the artificial tooth root, which is implant post, and the restoration, which is the replacement tooth. The root portion is fabricated from biocompatible titanium, and once Dr. Salami places the post in your jaw, it is incorporated by the surrounding bone to provide an ultra-secure foundation for the resulting restoration. Porcelain is usually used for the crown portion of the implant, and its translucency is similar to that of a natural tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants vary in shape and size, so they can better accommodate your jaw structure. Benefits of Dental Implants and Tooth Restoration
- Dental implants function and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.
- Dental implants can be restored to look like natural teeth so that you can smile with confidence.
- Dental implants help maintain the bone structure of the jaw and face, preventing premature aging associated with tooth and bone loss.
- Dental implants support various prosthetics, so whether you’re missing one tooth or many, your restoration can rest firmly and permanently on a solid foundation of dental implants.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime, with proper care.
If you’re living with the daily struggle that missing teeth present, call our office today for your dental implant consultation with Dr. Pegah Salami. She can evaluate your mouth, provide you with the best options for replacement teeth, and answer your questions. Don’t put off living a full life with a full smile. Let our dental group give you peace of mind with dental implants. We serve Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Poway, Escondido CA and the surrounding areas patients. Contact our office for further information.
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