Dental Implants - Less Invasive than Ever
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
Aside from restoring your chewing capability and enhancing your smile, one of the greatest benefits of having a dental implant is that it replaces both your missing tooth and the root. A dental implant can be broken down into three basic components:
• Dental Implant Fixture – This part of the tooth implant resembles a tiny screw. The dental implant post is made of titanium so it can integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During the dental implant procedure, the dental implant fixture is first surgically placed, and then the patient is allowed several months to heal so the implant is stable before the dental implant crown is attached.
• Abutment –The abutment is a small metal post that connects the dental implant crown to the dental implant fixture.
• Tooth Restoration – The tooth restoration is the dental implant crown that attaches to the post. The restoration is usually made of porcelain and is formed to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. Patients that are missing multiple teeth can choose to have an implant-supported dental bridge or denture instead of multiple dental implant crowns.
Diseases of Dental implants
Signs of peri-implant diseases are similar to symptoms of gum disease: red or tender gums around the implants or bleeding when brushing. Just like your natural teeth, dental implants require regular tooth brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and check-ups from a dental professional. Risk factors for developing peri-implant disease include a history of previous periodontal disease, smoking and diabetes. It is essential to routinely monitor dental implants as part of a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
The up side to dental implants is they function just like your natural tooth. The down side is, they are capable of becoming diseased just like a natural tooth. With a proper treatment, your dental implant can last a lifetime.
Knowledgeable and Experienced Dental Implant Dentistry
Dr. Michaelides has placed over 1700 dental implants and was the Director of the International Team for Implantology Fresno Study Club.
Dr. Michaelides was an Associate Professor at the U.S.C. School of Dentistry and taught graduate Periodontics and Dental Implants for over 20 years while practicing in Fresno. He has lectured extensively on the use of Computer Guided Implant Placement and treatment of Peri-Implant diseases. He has successfully treated complications and diseases of dental implants for numerous patients in Fresno over the last 30 years.Sedation
To ensure patient comfort during treatment, Dr. Michaelides offers oral conscious sedation dentistry. This form of sedation dentistry involves taking oral medications that sedate and relax the patient during treatment.
Affordability
Treatment of Dental implant disease is more affordable than you may realize. We are periodontal providers for most dental insurance plans including Delta, Met Life, Cigna, Blue Cross and many others. Care Credit financing is also available.
Put implant dentistry expertise and technology to work for you and get your smile back by scheduling a dental implant consultation with our Fresno dental implant periodontist today. Contact us if you have any questions.