Being older doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to protect and preserve your smile just like anyone else. For example, lost or extracted teeth do not mean dentures are your only choice. Fortunately, patients of all ages dealing with the loss of adult teeth can ask our team at StarBrite Dental in Fremont, California, about the advantages of dental implants and the process required to obtain them. Drs. Munira Lokhandwala and Maryum Tariq are dedicated to providing dental implants due to their many benefits.
What are dental implants?
Our team describes dental implants as tooth root replacements. These small titanium posts are ultimately placed into the jawbone during oral surgery and are used to secure a replacement crown, dental bridge, or denture in place. The implant is a strong and stable foundation for the artificial tooth, ensuring it looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
What are the steps involved in placing dental implants?
Both seniors and younger adults experience the same process when considering, placing, and restoring dental implants. These steps include:
- Consultation and assessment. First, schedule an upcoming consultation with your dental professional at StarBrite Dental! During this step, Drs. Lokhandwala and Tariq examine your mouth, take dental x-rays or scans, and discuss your goals. This is also a good time to ask any questions you might have.
- Create a treatment plan. Once the consultation is complete, your team at StarBrite Dental will create a customized treatment plan. This plan outlines every process step so you know exactly what to expect.
- Placement of the dental implant. During a minor oral surgical procedure, the titanium implant is placed into your jawbone to act as the “root” of your replacement tooth. It is performed under local anesthesia (or sedation if you prefer), so you are comfortable from start to finish.
- Healing and osseointegration. After the quality dental implant is placed, your jawbone needs time to heal and bond with the implant in osseointegration. This sounds fancy, but it means your implant becomes one with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for your new tooth. This stage can take a few months, so patience is key!
- Dental impressions. Once healing is complete, your dental team takes impressions of your teeth to design a precisely fitting crown, bridge, or denture. This ensures your replacement tooth looks natural and fits like a natural part of your smile.
- Final restoration placement. It’s time for the big reveal! Your custom restoration, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, is attached to the dental implant, ultimately completing the process. You now have a tooth (or teeth) that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing!
How can I contact StarBrite Dental to schedule an initial evaluation for dental implants?
Everyone deserves a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautiful! If you are seriously considering dental implants for your smile, call (510) 795-7786 to request an upcoming visit with our team, including Drs. Munira Lokhandwala and Maryum Tariq of StarBrite Dental! The office is at 38350 Fremont Boulevard, Suite #103, and is open to new patients.
