Dental Implants in Fairfield
Providing Flawless Tooth Replacement Options
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that were first developed half a century ago by a Swedish scientist named Per-Ingvar Branemark. Implants arose from the patient’s need to secure loose-fitting dentures. Since the advent of the implant, engineering and enhancements have enabled dentists to expand the implant’s usefulness, including the replacement of missing or lost teeth.
Dental implants have become the ideal treatment in dentistry to replace missing teeth. Dental implants look, act, and function like regular teeth. A single dental implant consists of 3 components: the implant, an abutment, and a crown. A dental implant is actually a titanium post placed into the jaw to act as the root of a missing tooth. The abutment is the connection between the implant and the crown. The crown is the cover for the abutment, which looks exactly like a tooth. Sometimes, the abutment and crown are fused as one piece.
Is an Implant Useful if I am Missing a lot of Teeth?
Yes, as implants can be placed to hold dental bridges or anchor a removable denture or a non-removable denture. In short, they can replace any number of teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can improve one’s appearance, speech, and comfort. Eating and speaking will become much easier.
Learn MoreHow Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have a 98% success rate and can last many years—many have been shown to last for 30 years or more.
Are There Age Restrictions for Dental Implants?
The earliest an implant can be placed is between 18-21 years old. There is no age limit for dental implants. Certain medical conditions and medication use can be limiting factors, however.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Thankfully, getting dental implants is NOT painful! Over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol is all that is needed for the mild discomfort after an implant has been placed.
Will Dr. Ricardo Cuevas Place the Dental Implant?
Dr. Ricardo Cuevas places dental implants as well as restores them with the abutment and crown or the removable or non-removable dentures that will connect with them.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
The process of getting a dental implant placed to getting the final crown or prosthesis can take 2-3 months. The implant needs time to integrate with one’s jawbone. There are times when getting an implant prosthesis may take longer depending on a patient’s particular situation. If the implant involves a front tooth or teeth, Dr. Ricardo Cuevas will have to make a temporary tooth or teeth to be used in the interim until the final prosthesis is made.
So, say “good-bye” to your cracked teeth, missing teeth, or old, wobbly dentures that hurt. With dental implants, you can have the perfect smile you deserve and never feel ashamed or embarrassed by your teeth again.
Post Implant Care
Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. With proper home care and regular office visits, dental implants can last for decades.