San Jose area dentist describes dental implants and possible restorations

San Jose area patients who are interested in replacing missing teeth in a permanent, long-term way are encouraged to ask the team at StarBrite Dental about the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are dental restorations that provide permanent tooth replacement. These versatile restorations can be used in many different ways to improve the function, beauty, and health of the smile. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala and her team invite patients to make an appointment to learn about the advantages of using dental implants.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is best described as a prosthetic that is placed into the bone of the jaw. It is made of titanium, a metal that is biocompatible with the body. The implant looks like a small post that is inserted into the gums and then restored over the top with different restorations. The implant is a life-long solution as long as patients take care of protecting their smile against periodontal disease and tooth decay.

What restorations are used over a dental implant?

The dental implant is a versatile restoration that is used in several different ways to replace one or more teeth. Some of the more common ways in which dental implants are restored include:

• Dental crowns – a dental crown, or dental “cap,” is a porcelain restoration that is made to bond over the top of a tooth to provide an extra layer of protection while maintaining a natural-looking smile. However, these restorations can also be designed for placement over the abutment of a dental implant to replace a single tooth. The dental implant is put in place, and the dental crown is placed over the top to finish the repair.
• Dental bridges – dental bridges are porcelain restorations that include false teeth called pontics bonded to dental crowns on each side. The restoration is intended to be bonded over the adjacent teeth around the gap to replace one or more teeth in a row. However, some patients do not have a tooth on one or both sides, which is when a dental implant can be placed. The dental bridge is then fitted over the abutment of one or both dental implants to hold the bridge where it is required.
• Dentures – patients missing all their teeth will want to speak to a professional about dentures. Full dentures replace all of the upper or lower teeth in the dental arch. However, traditional full dentures can be bothersome and may not stay in place even with denture adhesives. This is when our team may encourage patients to consider the advantages of using dental implants to secure the dentures in place along the gum line. Implant-supported, or implant-retained, dentures are rising in popularity and continue to be a desirable choice for patients who want to solidify the placement of their dentures for better function and improved self-confidence.

Request a visit today at StarBrite Dental

Dr. Munira Lokhandwala of Fremont, CA, is pleased to help patients with their dental needs and encourages patients to ask about long-term solutions for tooth loss such as dental implants. Her office can be reached at 510-795-7786 and is located at 38350 Fremont Boulevard, Suite #103.