Dr. Michael Tsotsiashvili is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. A dental implant is a natural-looking substitute tooth that is surgically screwed or implanted in your jaw to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the most versatile treatment option that allows you to solve any problems involving missing teeth. Common examples of implant use include:
· Single tooth is missing – implant is placed instead of a bridge
· Several teeth are missing - implants are placed to support a bridge or crowns
· All teeth are missing - instead of dentures or to improve the fit of dentures
Implants are safe – they have been used for about 35 years, and patients can expect a 98% success rate.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. The benefits of dental implants are extensive:
· Cosmetic advantages:
Implants support the overall structure of your face, thus helping maintain youthful appearance, healthy gums and jaws. There is also no need to shape or reduce healthy teeth enamel from adjacent teeth.
· Functional advantages:
Because implants are anchored into the bone like the roots of your teeth, they act like real teeth. This results in a more natural and efficient chewing motion, and a relaxed ability to converse without slurred speech and clicking dentures. Implants also preserve and strengthen the underlying bone. This avoids the bone loss, which is otherwise inevitable with tooth loss.
· Bone loss prevention:
When we lose a tooth, we inevitably lose bone mass in the area where that tooth attached to the jaw. This happens because we are no longer applying chewing pressure to this area. This bone loss can spread and affect the overall shape of the face, the health of the gums, and the muscles and nerves in the area, causing pain, gum disease and even facial disfigurement. Bone loss may be hidden by bridges and dentures, but changes in the fit of one’s dentures are a symptom of what’s happening beneath the surface. Dental implants have been shown to prevent bone loss that occurred in the past as a result of missing teeth.
· Convenience:
Implants eliminate pain from ill-fitting dentures plus eliminate the need for denture adhesives. Dental implants require only normal brushing and flossing to maintain oral health.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Implants are designed to be permanent, and more than 90% last for twenty years or more. They also do not require any special maintenance beyond the same home care and regular dental visits as natural teeth.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. A dental implant has two parts: a root made of biocompatible metal, and a custom-made tooth crown, which is attached to it. Most implants are made of titanium, an inert metal proven effective at fusing with living bone. Keep in mind that there are many shapes, sizes and brands of implants available. After an evaluation of your case, the dentist will recommend which implant is the right option for you.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Age is not a factor for deciding who is the right candidate. Most people in good overall and oral health are excellent candidates for dental implants. The oldest known implant patient is 88 years old and the youngest 15. However, patients need to keep in mind that implants aren’t for everyone. A lot depends on a patient’s particular case and how healthy bones and gums are. Patients who have medical or other conditions that may interfere with the healing process of either their bones or soft tissues (e.g., connective tissue disorders, or bone infections) should carefully discuss with their dentists, the potential risks and benefits of using dental implants.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. A dental implant is a tiny threaded post made from titanium alloy, a strong, biocompatible metal. Through a small incision the implant (a metal anchor) is placed into the jaw. Over a period of about six months, the bone grows around the anchor to hold it in place. The anchor is then fitted with an artificial tooth that looks and feels just like the real thing. Over time your gums heal and grow naturally around the implant. Not only is the restored tooth stable and ready for use, the bone below the gum is regularly exercised, stopping bone erosion in its tracks.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Usually, four to six visits are required over two to six months. When you come in for a treatment consultation, the dentist sets up your individual schedule. Here is how implant placement works overall:
On the first visit, we surgically place your implant or implants into the jawbone. We can also attach temporary crowns so you can smile while you continue with your life. After a few months when the implant becomes securely anchored, we will permanently attach a custom-designed replacement tooth that will blend in perfectly with your own teeth.
Q. How to contact Dr. Tsotsiashvili if we have further questions?
A.
827 Broadway, Suite 320
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone (510) 832-3713
Fax (510) 451-8180
Email: info@oldoaklanddental.com
Website: http://www.oldoaklanddental.com
