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. Sadhana Savani on Dental Implants
Dr. Sadhana Savani 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 have been used successfully for many years.
The implant itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. With the exception of your natural teeth, nothing looks more natural than an implant. One important benefit of implants is that they slow the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing tooth, thus preventing premature aging.
- Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
- Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
- More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
- Dental implants never develop decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
- No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!
- The adjacent teeth do not have to be cut down or altered like they do for a bridge.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. If the impant is going to fail, it will usually do so in the first 6 months or so. Once it has become integrated to the bone, usually the implant will last a lifetime. There is a co-relation with loading the implant too quickly and failure. This is the reason many experienced surgeons recommend the patient be in a temporary state and not get the permanent crown for several months. Recently there have been a lot of advertisements on TV for an implant and crown in one day. I would tell patients to beware of this as it’s not always in your best interest to do it this way. The surgeon can make that final decision on a case to case basis.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Titanium
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Most adults who are missing at least one tooth are candidates. The surgeon will make the final determination after looking at the bone and medical history of the patient.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. The gum is gently folded back and the implant is anchored into the bone. A healing cap is then put on the area. The patient will usually be in a temporary from 3-6 months while the implant heals. After this waiting period, the surgeon will generally see the patient again and make sure that the implant has integrated with the bone and is ready for the final crown. At this point the patient will return to our office for impressions for their crown. The last appointment is the cementing of the permanent crown.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The implant placement generally takes an hour or so and can be done with just local anesthetic. If the patient prefers, there is also an option to be put to sleep. For most patients, local anesthetic is enough as the implant placement is really easier than it sounds! I would say easier than getting a tooth extracted. The impressions for the crown a few months later will take about an hour as well. The last appointment to seat the crown will generally be shorter (about 30 min.)
Q. How to contact Dr. Savani if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
2220 E. Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740
Telephone: (626) 857-4702
Fax: (626) 857-4703
E-mail: ssavani@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sddg.net/
