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. Peter S. Young on Dental Implants
Dr. Peter S. Young is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are probably the hottest topic in dentistry today. It actually has been around for over 40 years. Dental implants are basically a replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants consist of mainly three parts. They are 1) dental implant which is like the root of the tooth that is embedded in the jaw bone; 2) the abutment connects the implant to a restoration; 3) and finally the super-structure that can be a crown, a bridge or a denture. All three parts are necessary to complete the replacement of the missing teeth.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. There are many benefits of dental implants. Below are some of the main benefits:
1. Implants replace teeth without having to cut any teeth. The adjacent teeth of the space of a missing teeth are never touched.
2. It can reduce stress on the remaining teeth by stabilizing the teeth from drifting into the space.
3. It can provide better distribution of bite forces throughout the whole dentition.
4. It can be a better cosmetics alternative to bridge and dentures.
5. It also preserves bone from being lost over time.
6. It is life changing especially for denture patients. Implants secure the loose dentures so patients can chew better, talk better and laugh and smile with confidence.
Dental implants overall can give a people better quality of life.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Recent studies show a 90% success rate over a 20 years period with dental implants, and as high as 98% over a 10 years period.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Dental implants are made of medical grade titanium alloy. Manufactures for dental implants follow very strict guideline enforced by the FDA.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Almost everyone is a candidate for implants. However smokers, diabetes and medically compromised patients can have less favorable outcome. Consult you surgeon before treatment.
Q. How are dental implants placed? How long does it take?
A. A dental implant is inserted in the bone surgically. A site is correctly prepared to the desired implant size and the implant is screwed in slowly. Flapless surgeries are also done on selective cases. These procedures are performed with minimum discomfort and no stitches are involved. Patients only need in a day or two to recover. Many feel that it’s as easy as having a filling done. For many, implant placements are done under local anesthetics. The approximate time for surgery is 60 minutes for a single implant. After the implant is placed, a period of osseous-integration is needed. After a healing period of three months, the implant is exposed and a tooth is restored. In most cases, patients experience minimum pain and are happy that they have got it done. During a few days the gums heal up and nothing is felt after that.
Q. How to contact Dr. Young if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
301 West Huntington Drive, Suite 217
Arcadia, CA 91007
Phone: 626-445-2536
Email: psydds@yahoo.com, py@peteryoungdds.com
Website: www.smilesofarcadia.com
