Dr. Saj Jivraj 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 biocompatible, man-made substitute to replace missing tooth roots; it is usually made of a space-age alloy of titanium. Implants come in various shapes and sizes to fit the situation. Most are cylinders placed into bone and allowed to heal undisturbed while bone heals around them, locking them in like an anchor. After a few months, the implants are used as a foundation for replacing the missing teeth. Dental implants restore lost chewing ability, improve appearance, and embarrassment, and give real self-confidence to patients who need them. They are a real breakthrough!
Here’s How it Works ...
The steps of the implant procedure itself are quite simple:
1. If there is a damaged tooth, it must be painlessly removed.
2. The "implant", a small threaded titanium post is planted into your actual jawbone. Another kind, one with a special base, can be attached on top of the jawbone, underneath your gum line. The thickness and type of bone at the implant’s location determine which style post should be used. Local anesthesia and my Sedation Dentistry makes this a VERY comfortable process.
3. Your body immediately begins to "bond" the titanium post into place with bone or tissue. This is a very thorough process and may take from two to six months before the next step can begin. Your body does not reject these new materials, but ties them in with great strength as if they were a natural part of your own body. You may elect to wear a temporary denture during this binding process, if you choose.
4. Once the titanium implant is tightly in place, a wider post is now attached to the titanium implant and your new tooth is attached to this second post with one of the worlds most secure and space age adhesives. Bonding is virtually forever!
5. You have a new tooth. You are the only one who knows it’s man- made and implants are so comfortable you’ll soon forget which one it is.
Your body thinks it’s your own - so will you!
Dental implants are the most stable and economically far-sighted solution to the very real problem of missing teeth. This procedure is one that I have done repeatedly for satisfied patients over many years. My friendly staff also has in-depth training and great experience in this area and will be happy to answer any questions that may occur to you.
Do You Think You’ll Suffer With Dentures Forever? You Can’t Wear Dentures Another Day? You Can’t Smile and Chew Like You Used To?
Right here in Ventura County, we have a complete approach to replacing lost or failing teeth that really works. That’s why I am so deeply concerned when I see people who honestly want to smile confidently, chew confidently, look younger and be healthier; people who are bitterly disappointed with their old dentures, partials or failing teeth, who despair over earlier failed attempts to get their teeth straight. Dental Implants Restore Lost Chewing Ability, Improve Appearance, End Embarrassment, and Give You Real Self- Confidence. They are a real breakthrough.
Today dental implants are the professions’ preferred method of replacing missing teeth. Because of proven success, preservation of existing teeth, and no susceptibility to dental decay (cavities), dental implants are the answer to missing teeth.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Not only does a dental implant fill unsightly gaps in a smile, they are also important to deter bone loss which will occur when a tooth is lost. The titanium post fuses with the bone preventing it from dissolving.
Fixed bridges and removable dentures are not the perfect solution to missing teeth and often bring with them a number of other problems.
When teeth are lost, the bone which held the roots of the teeth starts to dissolve, and so removable dentures — which use this bone for support—may slip or cause sores on the gums because the dentures will not be as stable.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Once an implant passes the first year of service it can last a lifetime. The crown on top will need to be replaced every 10-12 years.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Implants are made of titanium, this is a very biocompatible material. It is the same material used for artificial hips and knees. There is long term scientific data to document the success of dental implants
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. 1) Anyone who wants to preserve their remaining teeth while replacing the missing ones.
2) Denture wearers frustrated and tired of the problems of full dentures and partial dentures ... sick of the goo..., the pain ... , the embarrassment of teeth that can literally fall out in their plate.
3) Those with bone loss that is causing loss of support for the face or causing ugly, disfiguring appearances to the face.
4) Those who have missing teeth or those about to lose teeth due to decay or fracture.
5) Accident victims who want to regain function and appearance.
6) Those who want leading edge technology and techniques.
7) Those who have just "had it" with their teeth.
8) Those whose teeth are otherwise perfect- except for just 1 or 2 missing teeth.
9) Those committed to a high level of dental health.
10) Those with a mouthful of problems that just seem to get worse and worse.
11) Those with dentures that "float around" displacing at the worst possible times (also known as Murphy’s Law of Denture Movement- it happens at the worst possible time).
12) Those considering missing tooth replacement of any kind.
13) Those that have significant gum disease.
14) Those disappointed with earlier attempts to fix their teeth.
15) Those considering major dental work.
16) Those with replacement bridges they really don’t like having.
17) Those who don’t want removable teeth at all.
18) Those who deserve the best dentistry has to offer for the problems of missing teeth.
19) Those who want to recapture their youthful appearance.
20) Those who don’t want to experiment with removable teeth.
21) Those who want common sense answers to their functional and appearance related problems.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Dental Implants are placed surgically. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia or sedation which makes it very comfortable. The process is very similar to having a wisdom tooth removed but much easier. A tiny cut is made into the gum and the implant is placed atraumatically. Usually one or two stitches are required.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Implants do take some time. But ask yourself this question: If my dental health is more important to my longevity than stopping smoking - just how important is my dental health?
According to one source, those with good dental health lived 6.6 years longer lives while those who stopped smoking increased their life by only 5.2 years
If you look at this as a careful judge your gavel comes down with a pounding affinitive -it is worth the time even if you don’t have it. Like everything else worth having, it takes some time.
Now with today’s technology, treatment is easier, more convenient and takes less time than ever before. Make the time for yourself -you are worth it.
Need I point out to you that your spouse, partner, children, or grandchildren are counting on you. Even if you are very busy making a living to provide for your loved ones, what would happen if you had a serious health problem from not getting and maintaining a healthy mouth? How much income do you lose then? How much income do you lose by not having an attractive smile? It is a lot more than you think!
Q. How to contact Dr. Jivraj if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
300 East Esplanade Drive, Suite 1600
Oxnard, CA 93036
Phone: 805-351-4933
Email: saj.jivraj@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cosmeticdentistryventura.com
