Dental implants are a way to get a strong and beautiful smile when you have missing teeth. Homa Shahriari, DDS at Mirror Cosmetic Dentistry, which has two locations in Northridge, California, often recommends dental implants for people who want a permanent yet natural-looking way to replace one or more teeth. Use the online booking page or call the Mirror Cosmetic Dentistry office now to schedule a visit to talk about dental implants with Dr. Shahriari.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
When you lose a tooth, both the root system and the crown are gone. Dental implants replace both of these components with a metal jawbone anchor and a metal prosthetic tooth that's then covered with a crown.
Dr. Shahriari determines whether dental implants are right for you by doing a comprehensive oral exam and taking X-rays. To have dental implants, you'll typically have to meet both of the following qualifications.
Your jawbone must hold the metal "root" system for the implant, so it's important that your jaw is strong, healthy, and has good density. Past illness such as jaw disease may mean a lack of bone. Dr. Shahriari may recommend bone augmentation procedures like a bone graft or a sinus lift to allow you to have dental implants if you don't have sufficient bone.
Your gums also play a role in implant support, so it's necessary for them to be strong and healthy. If you have receding or worn gums due to periodontal disease or other problems, Dr. Shahriari may recommend gum grafting to build the gums up enough to properly support dental implants.
Dr. Shahriari can discuss other options like dentures if you're not a candidate for implants.
The dental implant process has several steps, all of which Dr. Shahriari does onsite at Mirror Cosmetic Dentistry. The steps include:
The process typically happens over several months because you need sufficient healing time after each dental procedure.
One of the reasons dental implants are so popular is that they're permanent. The only part of the implant that will ever require replacement is the crown for the prosthetic tooth. On average, crowns last for at least 10 years — and they may last for decades if you take good care of them.
If you're looking for the next best thing to natural teeth, dental implants might just be perfect for you. Use online booking or call one of the practice’s two offices today to arrange your appointment.
