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Dental implants are substitute teeth roots, resembling screws. These screws are usually made of titanium or its alloy. The implants are bonded to the living bone structure of the jaw. Prosthetic crowns fastened with machined screws are placed on top of the implant to replicate the missing teeth. Prosthetic options include single crowns (caps), bridgework or an implant retained overdenture. For decades, dentists have been offering patients the benefits of dental implants. Unlike traditional treatments of crowns, bridges, root canals and dentures, dental implants offer a permanent solution for your missing teeth. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants. Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants? Anyone missing one or more teeth finds that their life is compromised. They miss their smile, lack self-confidence, and miss the ability to eat apples or corn on the cob. Perhaps they have a denture that clicks and makes speech difficult or they are weary of dental adhesives. Because implants are anchored to the jawbone, there will no longer be bone loss which can cause remaining teeth to shift and loosen, and make a person appear much older as the jaw shrinks. Is Implant Surgery painful? Most patients relax with intravenous sedation during the procedure. In addition, a long-acting anesthetic is used which minimizes any postoperative discomfort and soreness. Over the counter medication is usually sufficient for pain management. Indeed, most patients find implant placement to have less pain than simple tooth extraction. Dr. Mazzetti and his staff will go over post-op instructions carefully and thoroughly prior to and the day of your surgery. The vast majority return to their normal routine the next day. What factors contribute to long-term success of Dental Implants? One of the critical factors in being a good candidate for implants and for long-term success is not smoking. Daily hygiene will contribute largely to a lasting result, in addition to quarterly visits to a professional hygienist. Of course the quality of the dentist who places the crowns is tantamount to success. Can I Afford Implants? Although Dental Implants may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods, it often turns out to be a much better financial investment since most implants will last a lifetime. Other treatment methods such as bridges and dentures require alterations, adjustments, and replacement. A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth where many tastebuds are located, and the average denture patient eats at 15-20% efficiency. Implants are natural looking and feeling, giving the sense that one has natural teeth again! The Smart Choice You need to replace a tooth. Your family dentist says you have several treatment options, including a fixed bridge or a dental implant. You’ve heard of dental implants, but you know very little about them. In all likelihood, three questions will pop into your mind:
Since the placement of dental implants involves a surgical procedure, some postoperative discomfort may be involved; but thanks to the training and expertise of Dr. Mazzetti, the discomfort is usually minimal. You can be sure every effort will be made to minimize your anxiety and discomfort. While the initial cost of implants is slightly more than alternatives, their longevity, functionality and durability make them a good investment. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. In the long run, they are the better investment in your overall health, appearance and well-being since they also preserve the integrity of facial structures. When one or more teeth are missing, you may experience bone loss that could, over time, affect denture fit, requiring additional expense, frequent adjustment and/or replacement. Add the ongoing cost of denture adhesives, special cleaning solutions and equipment, and the cost of conventional dentures climbs even higher. The actual cost of implant treatment is based on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the type of implant recommended and whether additional procedures are necessary to achieve the proper aesthetic and functional results. The only way to accurately estimate the cost of dental implants is to make an appointment with Dr. mazzetti for an examination and consultation. Quality of Life Cost certainly plays a role in the selection of dental implants, but it is insignificant when you consider the quality of life enjoyed by patients with dental implants as compared to the lifestyle endured by those with dentures. Dentures often make a person feel and look older, cause embarrassment in social situations when they slip and click, and restrict the everyday pleasure of eating comfortably. Dental implants, however, look and function like natural teeth, and provide a better sense of self-assurance and self-image. With secure and natural appearing dental implants, you don’t have to think about your teeth between regular dental check-ups. Dental Implants ~ The Next Best Thing to Nature’s Originals “Implant patients are a happy group because they’re getting something that makes a major difference in their quality of life.” If you’ve managed to preserve all of your natural teeth, congratulations. Do all you can to keep them healthy and intact. But if you’re among the millions of Americans missing at least one tooth, dental implants, the standard of care for tooth replacement, may be an excellent solution for you. Dental implants as one of the most important advances in dentistry in the past 50 years. Dental implants may comfortably and permanently replace one tooth or several teeth. Because they are placed in the jaw, not on it or attached to other teeth, dental implants fuse safely and securely with existing bone. They provide stability, prevent bone loss and safeguard oral health. Dental Implants ~ One Tooth or a Mouthful Whether you need to replace a single missing tooth or a mouthful, dental implants are your best choice. The number of dental implants used depends on the number of missing teeth and the type of restoration(s) required.
Dental Implants For All Ages Whether you are young, middle-aged, or an older adult; whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or even all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for you. “With the exception of growing children, age is not a determining factor in the placement of dental implants,” comments Thomas W. Braun, DMD, PhD, dean, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. “I’ve placed implants in patients in their 80s.” “Older adult patients who have lost all their teeth, but who have adequate bone support, are ideal candidates,” notes Peter K. Moy, DMD, Director, Implant Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, UCLA, “because you can essentially make a life-changing event for them with the placement of an implant-supported bridge. You’re taking the patient from around 20-30% of what they were able to do with a denture up to 90% of what they had with their own teeth.” Young children are not good candidates for implants – not because of their age – but because of the growth stage of their jaw bone. However, there are exceptions, such as when implant placement is part of the child’s orthodontic treatment. Dr. Mazzetti can advise you. |
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Constance O. Mazzetti, D.D.S.
Robert J. Mazzetti, D.D.S.
Two Locations To Serve You
Palo Alto Office 2235 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 327-1530 | South San Francisco Office 1131 Mission Road So. San Francisco, CA 94080 (650) 588-1501 |
