Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants serve as replacement tooth roots. They’re the sturdiest and longest lasting oral prosthetic. Implants don’t rely on your healthy, permanent teeth for support. Instead, Dr. Safaie surgically places a series of small metal posts into the spaces where your teeth used to sit. 

Following surgery, you return home to recover. Over time, your bone tissue grows around each implant, fusing them to your jaw. 

Once your gums heal, Dr. Safaie attaches an abutment to each implant. An abutment can connect to a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, restoring your smile to its healthy, near-original condition. 

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants present a wide range of benefits, including:

• Easier eating
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved speech
• Improved comfort
• Convenience

Dental implants also improve your oral hygiene. If you’re missing some or all of your permanent teeth, you’re also more likely to experience gum recession and bone decay. Your remaining teeth might also move out of place. 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Dr. Safaie can determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. That said, if you have healthy gums and plenty of bone volume, you probably qualify. If you have gum disease or low bone volume, Dr. Safaie might recommend a sinus lift or bone graft prior to moving forward.

During your consultation, you should also let Dr. Safaie know about any chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. These health problems won’t necessarily prevent you from getting implants, but they can increase your risk of complications. 

Does it take more than one appointment to get dental implants?

Getting dental implants usually takes several appointments and a period of 6-12 months. Though this might seem like a long time, it’s important to remember that with proper care, dental implants can last for decades.

At your first appointment, Dr. Safaie conducts an oral exam, asks you about your goals for treatment, and takes a series of oral X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots and jawbones. 

If everything appears healthy and you have plenty of bone volume, Dr. Safaie moves forward with treatment.

Prior to implant surgery, he administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and tooth roots. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Safaie places a series of small metal posts –– one for each missing tooth –– into small incisions in your gum tissue. Following surgery, you return home and recover for 3-4 months.

After your gums heal, you return to the office. At your second appointment, Dr. Safaie takes impressions of your existing teeth and sends them to a laboratory that manufactures your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures. 

A few weeks later, you return to the office for your final appointment. During this appointment, Dr. Safaie lines up your new prosthetic and attaches it to your implants. You leave the office with a healthy, attractive smile. 

To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, request an appointment at Total Dental Care PC today by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online scheduling tool.