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. Andrea R. Cervantes on Dental Implants
Dr. Andrea R. Cervantes 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 natural-looking replacements for missing teeth that also provide the same function as your natural tooth root.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. The effects of missing teeth can be detrimental to your long term oral and medical health. Replacing missing teeth can dramatically improve your smile and the shape of your face. If you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants are the way to go. They are the most natural looking way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and prevent deterioration of the bone that can take place with missing teeth. It’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible for the full function of chewing and for a healthy, happy smile.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. There is no guarantee that an implant procedure will be successful, but studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants. The success rate for upper jaw implants is slightly lower because the upper jaw (especially the posterior section) is less dense than the lower jaw, making successful implantation and osseointegration potentially more difficult to achieve. Lower posterior implantation has the highest success rate for all dental implants.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Most are made of titanium, an inert metal which has been proven to be effective at fusing with living bone, a process known as "osseointegration." The cylindrical or screw type implant, called "root form," is similar in shape to the root of a tooth with a surface area designed to promote good attachment to the bone. It is the most widely used design and generally placed where there is plentiful width and depth of jawbone. Where the jawbone is too narrow or short for immediate placement of root form implants the area may be enhanced with bone grafting to allow for their placement.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. To be a dental implant candidate, you need to be in good general health and missing some teeth. You need to be motivated to take care of them after you get them. So most likely, if you are missing teeth, you qualify.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. First, surgery is performed, which your dentist or a specialist inserts a titanium implant beneath your gum and into the bone. Next, an abutment may be attached to the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the crown (artificial tooth). Finally, the crown is attached.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Approximately 1 hour for a single implant.
Q. How to contact Dr. Andrea Cervantes if we have further questions?
A. There are many ways to communicate with our office. Please choose the method most convenient to you. Mailing Address Sheldon Grove Family Dental 8835 Sheldon Road, Suite 140 Elk Grove, CA 95624 Telephone Phone: (916) 681-8835 Fax: (916) 681-8845 Email Us- Please use this for general practice inquiries only - specific patient care questions must be addressed with your doctor during a consultation appointment. Click on the address below to send us an email. info@sheldongrovefamilydental.com
