Dental Implants
Dental implants have become the number one solution for replacing missing teeth and for good reason. We can replace an individual tooth without anchoring to or involving adjacent teeth. This makes the replacement tooth easier to maintain and less of a risk to the health of the neighboring teeth The treatment is very successful and very predictable, if you are a good candidate for it.
What is it?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of biocompatible titanium. It is placed in the jawbone by a qualified dental specialist such as a Periodontist or an Oral Surgeon with local anesthetic and sometimes a mild sedative.
Once placed, the implant takes about 4-6 months to fully integrate or “become one” with the upper jawbone and approximately 3 months to integrate with the lower jaw. Once integrated, an implant dentist, experienced in the restoration of dental implants, fabricates a custom fit crown to attach to it. The final crown is very strong and will look and function like a natural tooth. Dr. Etemadi and Dr. Dennis are experienced restorative implant dentists and will help coordinate a plan to replace your missing tooth or teeth.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge connecting a false tooth to adjacent teeth is a viable option if you are not a candidate for dental implants.
The teeth on either side of the space are prepared similar to crown preparations and a tooth-colored single unit prosthetic is made to "bridge the gap". Special care must be taken to clean under the bridge to preserve the adjacent teeth.
If you are missing a front tooth we can arrange for a temporary tooth to be made until it is time to restore your implant. You do not have to go without teeth in your smile.