Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that can replace one or more missing teeth. The implants themselves are small, titanium screws that are placed into the empty tooth socket. Eventually, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone as it heals, making it an ideal anchor for a dental prosthetic. Depending on the number of missing teeth, dental implants can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture. A crown only requires a single implant, while a bridge or denture requires multiple implants.
Did You Know?
Dental implants are considered to be the most aesthetic tooth-replacement option available. They also last longer than other tooth replacement options and are much stronger. They can also prevent jawbone deterioration. For all these reasons, dental implants are considered to be the “gold standard” of tooth replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth in need of replacement. You may also be a candidate for dental implants if you are in need of a tooth extraction due to one or more severely damaged or decayed teeth. However to have dental implants placed, you must have enough bone mass in your jaw to support the implant. Therefore, Dr. Mehdi Matin will need to perform dental x-rays and an oral exam to make sure that you are an ideal candidate. Schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Mehdi Matin of West Coast Oral Surgery today!
Why should I see an oral surgeon for dental implants?
While it is true that many general dentists can successfully place dental implants, oral surgeons simply have more training and experience in performing this type of oral surgery. It may be especially helpful to see an oral surgeon for dental implants instead of a dentist if you have a complicated case, since oral surgeons have more experience when it comes to various oral surgery techniques. In fact, Dr. Matin has performed over 600 full mouth reconstructions and has an office complete with a state of the art surgical suite, as well as state of the art technology, imaging, and surgical navigation.
What can I expect when having dental implants placed at West Coast Oral Surgery?
Dental implants are placed in two stages at West Coast Oral Surgery. During the first procedure, you will undergo minor oral surgery to have your implants placed. You will be anesthetized and sedated so that you do not feel any discomfort or anxiety during the procedure. Dr. Mehdi Matin will begin by making a small incision in the gums to reach the jawbone. The implant will then be screwed into the empty tooth socket. A small metal connector called an abutment will be screwed into the implant so that it sticks out from the gums. The gums will then be sutured up around the metal abutment. If more than one implant is being placed, then this process will be repeated.
Between the first and second stages, the implants will need to heal by fusing with the surrounding bone. This is known as osseointegration and it generally takes between 3-6 months. Dental implants are only considered to be successful if they osseointegrate, so this is an important and necessary step in the process. Only after the implant has osseointegrated, can Dr. Mehdi Matin place the permanent restoration.
What can I expect after having dental implants placed?
After having dental implants placed, you can expect some minor soreness, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Mehdi Matin will provide you with information on pain management, and may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. In most cases, any discomfort will fade within the first week or two following surgery. However, you will need to stay on a temporary soft foods diet until your implant fuses with the surrounding bone. It is important to adhere to a soft foods diet so that you do not cause the implant to shift while it is healing. Dr. Mehdi Matin will provide you with guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid.
