Tooth loss can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Dental implants can restore that confidence by enhancing your functionality and overall oral health. Choose the longest-lasting, most secure tooth replacement option and start smiling again.
A gap caused by a missing tooth can be both embarrassing and can compromise surrounding teeth and gums. For many years, the only way to restore a lost tooth was a dental bridge, which successfully filled the gap, but could not halt the natural deterioration of the jaw bone. Today, you can fully restore a missing tooth and improve oral health, function, and aesthetics with dental implants.
As a long-term replacement for missing teeth, dental implants are the ideal solution to tooth loss and the only option that provides you with a permanent, fully functioning, and aesthetically-pleasing new tooth. Dr. Ghina Morad will perform a comprehensive exam to determine if dental implants are the best solution for replacing your missing teeth and restoring your oral health. Schedule a consultation at the office of Dr. Ghina Morad today or stop by our office located at 2920 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94061.
A missing tooth puts surrounding teeth and gums at an increased risk for cavities, jaw bone deterioration, crowding teeth, and even gum disease. When a dental implant is placed in the empty socket of a missing tooth, the tooth root-like titanium post immediately begins to fuse to the jaw bone. Over time, the implant will help to stimulate the jaw bone and create a stable base onto which a dental crown can rest and be put in place.
Dr. Morad works closely with a trusted colleague to ensure your dental implants are placed accurately. When the dental implants are fully healed, typically within three to six months, we will begin the restoration process. To ensure your new crowns fit snugly and correctly, we will take an impression of your teeth to determine the exact dimensions needed. You will receive temporary crowns while your final dental implant restorations are created. Once your final crowns are ready, we will make adjustments and place them.
Dental implant have many benefits including:
A dental implant is made of two parts: a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium called the post, and the restoration, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. Posts are manufactured in a variety of pre-selected sizes to ensure each patient gets the right implant for their needs. In contrast, the restoration is completely custom-made. After your Redwood City dentist places your dental implant, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
There, a technician will create a long-lasting, durable dental implant restoration out of porcelain or another high-quality material. This restoration will be sent back to our office, and it will be attached to your dental implant, completing your implant procedure.
Dental implants typically last up to 30 years or more with proper placement and care. In fact, it’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
However, the dental implant restoration, such as a dental crown or set of overdentures, usually will not last this long. Your restoration is exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more, and may need to be replaced a few times over the years.
It is possible for dental implants to become infected. This is known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this is a very rare complication, and it typically only occurs if the implant is not cared for and kept clean after surgery.
You can avoid peri-implantitis by following your Redwood City dentist’s instructions while recovering, and by brushing and flossing regularly after your implant has healed.
Yes. Bone loss occurs when your jaw bone is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. Your tooth transmits this force through the root and into your jaw bone, which keeps your jaw bone healthy.
When you lose a tooth, this process stops, and the jaw bone tends to weaken. Since the post of the dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root, it restimulates your jaw bone by transmitting the force of chewing and biting once again.
Some types of dental implant systems can be done in one day. The restoration is usually temporary until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. This solution allows you to speak and eat normally, however, the restoration is temporary.
As your mouth heals, you’ll attend appointments at your doctor’s office where impressions will be taken. These impressions will guide the manufacturing of your restoration. This permanent restoration will be a more durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.