I usually HATE going to the dentist, more so than any other doctor. I really like the office staff, hygienist, and dentist at Los Gatos Restorative.
--Susan E., Actual Patient
Dental Implants — Expert Implant Dentistry in Los Gatos, near Campbell
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything following the restoration of their teeth with dental implants, knowing that their teeth appear normal since their natural contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can once again smile with confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. Small posts that emerge from the implants and protrude through the gums provide stable anchors for the replacement teeth. Very importantly, dental implants help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For many patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone by Dr. HagShenas. For the first four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. One should be able to wear temporary bridges or dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.
At LGR&CD, the surgical placement of dental implants is conducted by Dr. HagShenas.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. HagShenas will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth or bridges are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. HagShenas may be able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of four months of healing time before artificial teeth are placed on top of them. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures necessary. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. Every patient and situation is unique. This is why Dr. HagShenas must evaluate a patient for treatment planning prior to the placement of dental implants.
What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth, where each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanently placed, and is removable only by the dentist.
Dr. HagShenas performs the in-office implant surgery in an operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant may be necessary for some patients, but most procedures are performed in our office.
Why Dental Implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you will see how they can enhance the quality of your life. When you lose one or several teeth, whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years, chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to a renewed self confidence and peace of mind.
A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation about 40 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.
Why Should You Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial prosthesis” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable or embarrassing.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
If you have any missing teeth, you are a candidate! When you are considering dental implants, your oral condition must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your jawbone is not ideal for dental implants, ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, and oral conscious sedation. However, some patients may elect general anesthesia.
Do Dental Implants Need Special Care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments at our office.
Teeth-In-An-Hour™
TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™ is a revolutionary concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth on dental implants in one single procedure that lasts about an hour. This technology was recently developed by a leading dental implant company, Nobel Biocare. In this procedure, the fabrication of a final prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. The computer-guided implant surgery is done in an arthroscopic fashion without requiring any flap reflection. This procedure benefits the patient in that there is less post-operative discomfort, less swelling, and less bruising. Patients can often resume their normal activities the next day!
The process starts when a CT scan is taken of the patient's jawbone. This CT scan allows for the generation of a three-dimensional model of the jawbone that can then be used in a virtual reality software to plan the implant placement prior to the surgery, without the presence of the patient. The real benefits for patients are more accurate implant placement, and less chair time at the surgery office.
Major and Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies, or gets shrunken. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In the past, patients with situations like this were not candidates for dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone in most situations where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives Dr. HagShenas a chance to restore functionality with optimal aesthetic appearance.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. While most grafting can be done with bone obtained from a tissue bank, it can also be obtained by taking it from your own jaw. Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This procedure is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Sinus Lift Procedure
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheek bones and are right on top of your upper teeth. Sinuses resemble empty rooms with nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
There is a solution and it’s called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. Dr. HagShenas enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be located. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option other than wearing loose dentures.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to securely stabilize the implant, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination For Evaluation of wisdom Teeth
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. HagShenas can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia or laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen). All options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., potential sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, patients are asked to bite down on the gauze placed in their mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, and a follow-up appointment in one week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office.
