Dental implants provide numerous patient benefits. That's why they are the treatment of choice for so many of Dr. John O'Grady's patients in the Danville, CA, area. If you've lost one or more teeth, or anticipate extractions, you should explore these amazing tooth replacements.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small metal screws surgically inserted into the jaw where natural teeth previously resided. Because implants are made from biocompatible titanium, your bone cells bond readily to them, thus creating replacement tooth roots. This bonding action is called osseointegration, and it begins almost immediately after implant surgery.
After some weeks to months, Dr. O'Grady revisits the implant sites and bonds on metal abutments and crowns made of high-grade porcelain. The new teeth are complete, functional and virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Can you get dental implants?
Odds-on you can if you have enough bone in your jaw and are in good overall health. Dr. O'Grady will give you a full qualifying exam and bone scan in his Danville office. Dental implants do require sufficient healthy bone in the alveolar ridge for successful osseointegration. Also, you should not smoke or clench and grind your teeth as these practices undermine implant support and the health of the bone and surrounding gums, says the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).
Benefits of dental implants
1. Dental implants resemble real teeth in every way--biting force, smile appearance, comfort.
2. Implants support full or partial dentures. In fact, implants avoid the many complaints wearers of traditional dentures experience: appliance slippage, messy adhesives, denture soaks, sore spots on the gums, difficulty eating all the foods you enjoy (corn on the cob, apples, steak).
3. Teeth adjoining dental implants do not have to be reduced in size to accommodate crowns or clasps. Therefore, your natural teeth remain strong.
4. Implant-retained bridges and dentures prevent the facial changes typically associated with dental extraction--that is, bone thinning, skin wrinkles and bite collapse.
It's your smile
Why not ensure its long-term integrity and appearance? You can with dental implants from Dr. John O'Grady in Danville, CA. To learn more about these marvelous replacement teeth, phone us for a personalized consultation: (925) 820-5585.