Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on dental implants and what an experienced dental implants surgeon in Rancho Palos Verdes has to say about how they work, who they can treat and the great variety of implant products available to patients in need of a new tooth or teeth. Previously, in Part 1, the implant surgeon explained what implants are, how they work and whom they can treat. Some key insights were:
* Dental implants function like tooth roots and support an aesthetic and functional replacement tooth or set of teeth.
* Most people can be considered candidates for dental implants.
* Age is typically never a factor when considering a patient's candidacy: bad general health and advanced jawbone deterioration are.
Let's continue with those questions!
Question: How long does it take to have an implant done?
Answer: "The actual procedure is typically done in a single surgical appointment of just one hour," says the Palos Verdes dental implants dentist. "If you're having multiple teeth or all of your teeth replaced, it might take a few hours, but essentially, you can get your new teeth done in just one day.
"What takes time is the treatment planning. We approach every patient's care with the utmost attention to detail, so we take the time to become very well acquainted with their case, their dental problems and with their maxillofacial structure. As a dental surgeon, I want to be able to visualize the precise locations of a patient's nerve canal, sinus cavity and other key physical features so that when it comes down to surgery, we're in and out and highly accurate, safe and successful."
Question: All right, so let's say I'm a prospective patient and I walk into your practice asking about dental implants. What happens next?
Answer: "During your initial consultation with us, we'll sit down with you and listen to your problems," says the dental implants in Rancho Palos Verdes. "We'll take a look at your teeth and take X-rays to examine the problem underneath the soft tissues. We'll also ask you to fill out a detailed medical history form so that we can provide you with the safest and most tailored care possible. If you're determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, we'll ask you to come back for one or more treatment planning sessions.
"All in all, the planning phase of your procedure may take a few weeks to a few months, but you should receive new teeth on the same day as your surgery. Timeframes are highly case dependent, so make sure you speak to your implant surgeon about this. Additionally, some patients require bone grafting before they can even be signed up for implant surgery. You'll need to go for a consultation to find out these parameters for certain."
Question: Once you've had a dental implant done, how long is it supposed to last?
Answer: "If you're basically in good health, if you look after your teeth and if you come in for your scheduled check-ups and cleanings, the dental implant should last you several decades. It can even last a lifetime! The attached tooth or dental prosthesis might require restoration after a decade or more or (rarely) less, but the implant should remain healthy and in place," says the Rancho Palos Verdes dental implant surgeon.
Stay Tuned for Part 3
To find out more about dental implants and the various treatments available to Palos Verdes residents, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.
Dr. Giri Palani is a general and dental implant dentist who has been serving Palos Verdes CA and the surrounding communities for many years now. He adopts a holistic approach to providing patients with the dental care they need in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy and beautiful.
Palos Verdes dental implant dentist, Dr. Palani has received advanced training from some of the world's most respected and prestigious medical facilities.
