A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. Natural teeth consist of the crown and the root. The crown is the visible section that is covered with white enamel. Supporting the crown is the tooth root which extends into the jawbone. The root is the part of the tooth that is effectively replaced by an implant.
Today’s implants are predominantly made of titanium, a metal that is bio-compatible and offers strength and durability as well as a unique property of fusing directly to bone – the process known asosseointegration. Other materials, such as zirconium, might be used to make implants in the future. But for now, these materials have not been perfected for general use.
Am I a candidate for implants?
Implant patients are of all ages and implants may be the right choice for anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay. They are especially practical for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. Your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.
Are there different kinds of implants?
There are many shapes, sizes and brands of implants available. Your AAID credentialed implant dentist will know which implant is the right one for you.
Do I have enough bone?
It is important for a patient to have enough bone to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone deficiency. Your dentist will assess this and advise you if additional bone material is needed.
Will this take a long time?
Treatment time can vary greatly depending on your needs. Each situation needs a separate evaluation; your AAID dentist will be able to give you an approximate timetable.
Whom should I consult for my implant treatment?
Your general dentist is your first resource for this service. The key is the implant dentist’s training, experience and credentials. AAID credentialed dentists Include general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists and oral surgeons who perform the surgical and/or restorative procedures.
Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don’t! Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health and to the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability when a tooth is lost, but unreplaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create subsequent problems.
As a patient, you face a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. Many practitioners, including general dentists, are well qualified to perform implants, based on their extensive experience and in-depth training.
Tarzana Endodontics
Dr. I. Richard Massoth & Dr. Lise Laflamme
5567 Reseda Blvd. Suite 100 Tarzana, CA 91356 Phone: (818) 319-4340