Learn More About Your Dental Health Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, Smile Transformation Specialist

Award-winning Cosmetic Dentist Kourosh Maddahi provides important information about dental technology and your dental health.

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Dental Implants

Hollywood stars in Beverly Hills are not the only people that desire to have attractive and healthy teeth. Many local professionals in medicine, business, education and in government also want to keep their teeth in good condition by using Beverly Hills dental implants and other local dental services.

Most individuals realize that when they have lost a tooth from disease, tooth decay or from an accident their smile may not make the best impression. A specialized dentist such as a restorative dentist or a periodontist can provide permanent dental implants to help replace any missing teeth.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Most implants are made out of titanium and are shaped like a tiny screw that resembles the root of a real tooth. An implant is permanently inserted into the space where the real tooth used to be. It provides support for a new artificial tooth that is customized to fit the patient. Several implants may be used for a group of artificial teeth or bridgework. Almost all dental implants used today are known as root-form endosseous implants. The "root-form" phrase is from the fact that they are shaped like a real tooth root. The word "endosseous" represents the Greek word "end" which means "in" and "osseous" stands for the Greek word "bone". The terms root-form endosseous describe exactly what dental implants are and how they are used.

The Advantages Of Dental Implants

One of the most important advantages to having dental implants is that they do not pull or cause any pressure on the nearby teeth. This is especially critical with bridge work. The dental techniques for inserting implants have been refined over several decades to the point where there is very little stress put on a patient's gums or teeth in general.

Implants form a stable foundation and provide a natural appearance by filling in the space of the former tooth's root. They can often slow down the effects of aging within the jaw. Implants can also be much more comfortable than using a partial denture. In addition, implants can:

Prevent gum shrinkage
Produce little or no irritation
Help maintain clear speech

Often, implants can restore an individual's self-esteem and confidence.

The Dental Implant Process

The whole process can be completed in a couple of weeks. Thanks to technological advancements in dental x-rays, some dentists are using a 3D imaging system. This system lets the dentist see a 360 degree display of a patient's entire jaw. Implants procedures require a dentist to know the quality and length of the remaining bone around the empty tooth area. He also needs to know where the nerves are located. Previously, many x-rays were needed.

This required a patient to spend hours sitting in a dentist's chair. Now, everything that the dentist needs to x-ray for the implant procedure can be obtained in a matter of minutes. Like other implant treatments, dental implants are often chosen because the dental implant or screw is allowed enough time to fuse with the bone inside the gum's structure. This fusing process is called osseointegration. One of the signs of a successful osseointegration is when the patient feels as though their original tooth has come back.

After the titanium implant is inserted, a temporary cover is put over it until the implant has completely fused (osseointegration) with the patient's gum. The osseointegration process usually takes 3 to 6 months. When the osseointegration is complete, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the implanted screw. The temporary crown will allow that section of the gum to naturally form around it and provide the right fit for the permanent crown later on.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

Dr. Maddahi uses state-of-the-art equipment to expedite the dental implant procedure. The use of the advanced 3D Imaging equipment allows the dentist to complete the non-invasive surgery in minimal time while reducing the pain associated and increasing recovery time. Past procedures required months of preparation, invasive surgery and a long recovery period. The procedure may now be completed in one day. All of the preliminary work will be completed prior to the patient coming in for surgery.

The 3D Imaging System

The 3D Imaging System photographs the entire jaw and joint. The procedure is accomplished in minutes. In the past, numerous x-rays must be taken of the area to determine the length of the implant, the quality of the implant, the location of the nerves, and the amount of bone available. The 3D Imaging System does not require x-rays to develop because the system is digital. The images are available within minutes.

The dentist can draw on the image to determine the best fit for the implant. In the laboratory, a surgical stent is made in the lab on the model. The doctor will determine precisely where to place the stent on the model so that no cuts are necessary to determine precise implant placement. This process enables faster recovery times and less pain afterwards.

Why have dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery replaces missing or damaged teeth. These artificial implants are made to function like real teeth. Dr. Maddahi is the implant dentist Beverly Hills patient's desire. Many patients receive this particular surgery when they have difficulty talking or eating because of missing teeth. Dental implants are better than bridges or dentures, because they may slip or damage existing teeth.

As described above, a metal cylinder or stent is placed in the gum. Then, an abutment is placed on top of it. The artificial tooth is attached to the abutment.

Risks of dental implant surgery

Infection near the site of the implant

Nerve damage or numbness in the teeth

Injury to other teeth or blood vessels.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants may either be removable or fixed.

Removable

A removable implant can be removed daily for cleaning and other reasons. Implants are more secure than traditional dentures because they snap into place.