Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jaw, this artificial root will hold the replacement tooth or bridge. Dental Implants are an option for patients that have missing teeth or tooth due to periodontal disease, injury or other reasons. Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are good long term options for restoring your smile.

There are two common types of dental implants that are placed in the jaw. There is Endosteal (in the bone) and Subperiosteal (on the bone). Endosteal is the most common used implants, they come in various forms like screws, or cylinders. Each implant holds a prosthetic tooth or teeth. Subperiosteal are placed on top of the jaw usually in metal framework post coming out through the gums to hold the prosthesis. This type of implant is placed on patients that are unable to wear conventional dentures due to minimal bone height.

The dental implant procedure is done in several appointments. It begins with your dentist surgically placing the dental implant into the jawbone. It takes a few months for the bone to accept the implant.This step is called Osseointegration which means combines with bone. Next a healing abutment is placed and the patient waits a few weeks after the healing abutment for the next step. The next step is placing the artificial tooth or teeth, this tooth will be based on the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. The replacement tooth is deisgned to blend in with your other teeth. This procedure takes a couple of months, meanwhile your dentist will give you a temporary crown , bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth/ teeth.

The advantages of dental implants are they improve your appearance, the implant replacement tooth feel and look like your own teeth. Dental Implants are very durable, they can last many years with good care they can last a lifetime. They are also very comfortable, they become part of you and feel like your natural teeth.

Dental Implants are not for everybody, and patients with uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or heavy smoking should be evaluated on an individual basis. Most patients are able to get dental implants, they just need to have enought bone to hold the implant and healthy gums. In Santa Ana Smiles on Bristol Dr. Danial Kalantari evalautes each patient by individual basis. If you would like to schedule a dental implant evaluation please contact your friendly office of Smiles on Bristol Dentistry. Contact Us