Frequently Asked Questions About
Dental Implants
Natural Tooth Implants can make it possible for people to talk, smile and eat naturally, despite tooth loss or heavily broken-down teeth. Dental technology has progressed rapidly in the past decade, with many, many advances in the field of implants and implant-supported dentures.
Dr. Saj Jivraj is an internationlly-recognized authority on dental implants. He trains the top dentists graduating from USC Dental College in Southern California, and routinely lectures and teaches dentists across the United States and England in Implant Prodcedures. He established the Anacapa Dental Art Institute in Oxnard to provide world-class implant dentistry to Ventura County and the surrounding areas, including Santa Barbara, Ojai and Santa Paula.
The information below will answer some of the most common questions Dr. Jivraj receives about dental implants. You are always welcome to call our office for more information or to schedule a consutlation with Dr. Jivraj. Our office number is (805)351-4529.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a dental implant
A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth or to hold a set of dentures firmly in place. The implant is first placed into the jaw and given time for the bone to heal around it naturally. After that a piece called an "abutment" is put on top of the post and then a permanent crown to replace the missing tooth (or a set of dentures).
Who can provide dental implant treatment?
Not every dentist is trained to place dental implants. Some dentists take weekend courses to learn the procedures, but there are certain types of specialists who train extensively in oral surgery and are usually most qualified to place implants. You will usually sees these under the headings of a periodontist, an oral surgeon, or an implantologist. Once the implant has been placed, a restorative dentist, such as a Prosthodontist like Dr. Jivraj, will craft the tooth restoration or denture and get it properly put in place.
Can anyone receive Dental Implants?
While there is no age limit on who can receive an implant, the main factor that determines a good candidate is the quantity and quality of the bone in their jaw. There has to be enough bone material left to be able to hold the implant post. Even when you lose just one tooth, the jaw bone material can start to deteriorate. The purpose of the bone is to hold the teeth in place, so when that function is no longer being performed, you can get a sunken jaw and a drastically altered appearance. In some cases a procedure called Bone Grafting can be used to transfer bone material from one part of the jaw to another, making it possible to place an implant successfully.
How long do Dental Implants last?
Long-term success depends on a number of things. Properly placed implants and restorations can last for up to 20 or 30 years, but a lot of this has to do with the quality of the surgery and the tooth restoration. The first issue is of course the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone quality and the more there is available, the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the person placing the impalnts will be a factor. As with any dental procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the specialist performing the work. And finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will ahve a large role in determining how long the implant can last. If the design of the crowns or dentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a lower chance of long-term success. At the Anacapa Dental Art Institute, our focus is on providing the highest quality of work to increase the chances of long-term success.
Is there anything that could prevent me from being a good candidate for implants?
The main issue is medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these include uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Insufficient or poor bone quality can also be a factor. If you are unsure if you can get dental impalnts, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation to talk to a specialist.
How do I take care of an implant if I get one?
The success of your implants depends greatly on how well you maintain them. They will need to be professionally cleaned by a hygienist and examined by the dentist every three to four months. This hygienist and denitst need to be trained in the specific procedure of maintaining dental implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary, just as you would with any other teeth in your mouth.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not have any discomfort during the placement of the implants. You also take advantage of Sedation Dentistry which will allow the dentist to perform the procedure while you are unconscious to help curb any fear or anxiety connected with going to the dentist. Any mild discomfort you might experience after surgery can be controlled with simple medications.
When can I return to work after implant surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical circumstance arises. We provide our patients with detailed postoperative instructions.
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
Most prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school in a program accredited by the American Dental Association, based either at a hospital or a university.
The training includes review of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.
What dental procedures does a prosthodontist perform?
Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including: crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants.
In addition to restoring dental implants with restorations, many prosthodontists are trained to surgically place implants as well.
How is a Prosthodontist different from a "cosmetic dentist"?
The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include "cosmetic dentistry" as a specialty.
Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years.
Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.
What can I do to improve the health and appearance of my smile?
If your teeth become damaged, lost or simply worn over time, there are a number of options available to treat these problems. If teeth are lost, then Implants, Dentures or Bridges may be an option for you. If a tooth needs rebuilding, then Crowns, Inlays or Onlays could be the solution. For cosmetic changes, Tooth Whitening, Veneers and Bonding are amongst some of the treatments that you could consider.
New Patient Consultation
Call 805-351-4529 now to scheduled a consultation with Dr Jivraj and find out if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants. You can also request an appointment online.
