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 Dental
Implants have proven to be the answer to many patients's
dental problems both functional and aesthetic. If you
are missing one or more teeth and would like to restore
your natural smile, eat and speak with comfort and confidence,
then dental implants may be a solution for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium rod that is gently placed
into the jawbone to act as an anchor to support one
or more crowns or a denture. Each implant can usually
be used to support up to two false teeth.
One major advantage of an implant is that it avoids
the need to drill down the teeth on either side of the
"gap" which would normally be necessary
in preparation of a conventional bridge.
Implants can also be used as anchors to improve the
stability and retention of bridges or loose dentures. Patients
find great improvements during speech and eating, increased
comfort and renewed confidence.
Who can have implants?
E Esther Lopez DDS will carry out a thorough examination
taking appropriate x-rays and models of your teeth,
to see if your case is suitable. It is dependent on
the state of the bone in the area of the planned implants.
Occasionally there is not enough bone or it is not healthy
enough, and it may not be possible to proceed with treatment.
What does the treatment involve?
Placing of the implants involves a simple operation
which is carried out in the dental surgery using a normal
local anaesthetic. The after effects are similar to
having a tooth extracted i.e. you may feel mild discomfort
and swelling due to the normal healing processes.
The implant must be allowed to bond (integrate) with
the bone. This can take from 3 to 6 months depending
on the individual case. During this time Dr. Lopez
will be able to make a temporary replacement for your
missing teeth.
Once healing and integration have occurred the permanent
replacement is made and fitted.
How successful is the treatment?
Implantology is a tried and tested treatment and 90%
of modern implants last for at least 20 years.
Being implanted into the bone, like natural teeth,
implants require thorough cleaning. Implants can fail
due to gum disease, just as teeth do.
Cleaning around the implants is no more difficult than
cleaning your natural teeth. We will strongly advise
all patients to see the dental hygienist on a regular
basis to maintain the healthy status of the implant
and the rest of the teeth and gums.
Both smoking and heavy alcohol consumption reduce the
chance of success. However if you avoid these two habits
and maintain good oral hygiene then you should not have
a problem.
Who will carry out the Implant
treatment?
Different specialties often work together in the planning and execution of implant treatment. Most often, dental implant posts are surgically placed by either an oral surgeon or a periodontist, depending on patient needs. Cosmetic dentists or Prosthodontists restore the implant with a crown. The surgical portion of the procedure is analogous to placing the foundation of a building. It replaces the root of a tooth. The restorative prosthetic portion replaces the crown of a tooth, the part that you see in your mouth.
Dr. E. Esther Lopez is very fortunate to be able to offer coordination the entire implant treatment in the multi-disciplinary setting of Pacific Dental Associates. Dr. Lopez will refer the case to either the Periodontist or Oral Surgeon in her practice for placement of the implant post(s). This is a great benefit to you, our patients, avoiding
the inconvenience of outside referrals. After a healing period, Esther will take mouth impressions and prepare an Implant Crown for placement on the post.
Your entire treatment can be
completely carried out in familiar surroundings, in the convenience
of your own dental practice.
Dr. Lopez is qualified to make prosthetic decisions based on all the available options, including dental implants. Esther was among the first dentists in San Francisco to provide dental implants, and a multidisciplinary approach to implants continues to be one of her specialties. She is familiar with the leading implant systems, and will use the most appropriate for you.
Are you looking for a dentist in San Francisco with the training and qualifications to perform dental implants? If so, call Dr. Lopez for a consultation. She will assess your suitability and
explain fully your treatment options, the stages of
treatment and estimated costs.
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