Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Gurjit Randhawa on Dental Implants
Dr. Gurjit Randhawa is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth and even to support dentures.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. There are a number of reasons why one should consider a dental implant:
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement.
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Dental implants are the best replacements available for lost natural teeth. They are fixed in position and secured in jaw bone, so no loose parts. They stand free and independent unlike say a bridge where two adjacent teeth have to support it. So, brush and floss normally as you would your natural teeth. The dental implant is stable and comfortable.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Usually dental implants will last for life. They do however need periodic check ups with your dentist and healthy mouth to maximize their success rate.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Dental implants are made of titanium and coated with inert biocompatible material which helps it integrate with the surrounding bone.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Almost everybody. Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Even then a bone graft prior to placing an implant will suffice. Your dentist should be able to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Dental implant are literally like placing screws in the bone to replace the lost root of a natural tooth. Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The complete process of implant placement till its restoration with a crown(cap) can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
Q. How to contact Dr. Randhawa if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
2229 Santa Clara Avenue
Suite E
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-521-3300
Email:gurjitsr@hotmail.com
Website: www.510dentist.com
