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. Ken Hovden on Dental Implants
Dr. Ken Hovden is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are root forms made of metal which are placed in the jaw bone (with minimal discomfort), allowed to heal and then a new tooth or teeth are built on them.
They can be used to replace one tooth, or multiple implants can be used to build an entire arch of teeth. If a patient has a denture, implants can be used to stabilize the denture or even replace the denture.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Implants are the best way to mimic nature in replacing a lost tooth or teeth. If a tooth is lost traditionally other teeth must be modified to build a bridge. With implants surrounding teeth are not effected. If a tooth is fractured off at the gum line often and implant can be placed at the time of extraction and an provisional tooth placed the same day. Implants can be restored to seemlessly match the adjacent teeth.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Implants can last a long time. Improvements to design have come a long way in the last 5 years. Even implants placed over 20 years ago, with older designs are still functioning today. Implant surgery has a 95%+ success rate.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Implants themselves- the part that goes in the bone - is made of titanium, a metal used for years in hip replacements. The part that transitions the implant into the mouth can be white and made of zirconium in the front of your mouth or titanium or gold in the back of the mouth. A traditional crown can then be placed on the implant.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth is a candidate for implants. Children and adolescents are not candidates as all growth must be completed before implants can be placed. Denture wearers are great candidates for implants to help stabilize their dentures and allow them to eat normal foods again. Procedures are available to increase the bone needed for implants if necessary.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. With my surgical protocol, special xrays are taken to determine the volume of bone and then software is used to virtually place the implant. From this, a surgical stent is made to help guide the surgical placement of the implant.
With this technique, large incisions are avoided and post operative sensitivity is kept to a minimum.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Implants can be restored as quickly as 3 months after they are placed in some instances. In areas where a bad tooth must first come out, it may take up to eight months before your replacement tooth is ready.
Q. How to contact Dr. Hovden if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
901 Campus Drive # 202
Daly City, CA 94015
Phone: 415-494-8298
Email:smartd@sonic.net , colleen@smartdentistry.net
Website: http://www.cosmeticimplantdentistryca.com/
