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. Purvak V. Parikh on Dental Implants
Dr. Purvak V. Parikh is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient’s tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient’s new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A. Dental implants are an alternative for:
• The patient who has loose dentures or cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn’t want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Implants have remained in patients’ mouths for 30 years or longer. Current Statistics show 96% success of Implants over 10 years. We recommend a preventive maintenance program to help insure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Most Dental Implants are made of titanium, an inert metal which has been proven to be effective at fusing with living bone, a process known as "Osseo integration".
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates - although many people may be told they are not. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a practitioner who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Most implants can be placed by a trained dentist in one or two office visits. Further visits will also be needed to fit the replacement teeth, which fasten to the implants. In addition, it is possible that some bone structure will have to be added to the patient’s jaw or that other adjustments may have to be made. Tested methodologies now exist that can effectively and safely add bone where needed. This process can delay the placement of the implant for a period of months. Most insertions can be performed under the same local anesthesia used for routine fillings. Medication so the patient can sleep during the procedure is available with oral conscious Sedation or IV sedation. Temporary teeth are usually placed until permanent replacement teeth are made so that patients can lead normal lives during the interim.
Q. How long does it take?
A. It takes up to 3-4 months for your new dental implant to fully heal or "osseointegrate". Once implant is Osseointegrated, a crown and a metal post or "abutment" that connects the crown to the implant will be created. The total time frame from placing the implant to restoring it with final crown into your mouth is usually 4-6 months.
Q. How to contact Dr. Parikh if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
125 Ascot Dr. Ste D
Roseville, CA – 95661
Phone: (760) 241-8090
E-mail: purvak_parikh@yahoo.com
Website: www.ascotfamilydental.com
