Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. For men and women in and around Cupertino, California, Tricia Mockler, DDS, is an excellent resource for dental implants and other restorative care. Online scheduling is available, or you are always welcome to call or stop by the office to set up your visit.
Dental Implants Q & A
Most people only think of the aesthetic aspects of missing teeth. While a lost tooth can definitely make you self-conscious about your smile, there are also serious dental health reasons to replace missing teeth.
When you bite down, your teeth join together to break apart food in an even manner. One or more missing teeth alters the composition of your bite, which places undue pressure on the remaining teeth.
Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of position, which can weaken the strength of your bite and eventually lead to additional tooth loss.
Your teeth are anchored directly into your bone tissue. Each time you bite down you stimulate that tissue, keeping it healthy and strong. When a tooth is missing, the underlying bone is not properly stimulated and can begin to wear away, which can loosen the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Because implants are anchored within your natural bone tissue, they look and act just like your natural teeth and can last a lifetime.
Implants consist of a metal post that acts as an artificial tooth root. The visible portion of the implant is a custom dental crown, and most implant options use a third part called an abutment to join the post and crown.
Careful planning is the most important element of a dental implant. Dr. Mockler uses the iTeroⓇ intraoral scanner system to gather digital imaging of your teeth and bone tissue.
Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a specialized form of X-ray that creates 3D imaging. This provides detailed information on the location of your teeth, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and bone — all from a single scan.
Dr. Mockler uses this information to plan the placement of your implant post. During the procedure she opens your gum tissue to access the underlying bone, drills a small pilot hole, then places the implant.
A period of healing follows, and your custom crown is crafted by Dr. Mockler’s partner lab. Once your bone tissue has fused to the implant material, you’ll return to have the crown positioned in place. This completes the process, and your new implant will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Compared to the cost of a dental bridge or dentures, dental implants may seem expensive. However, considering the durability and permanence of dental implants, the expense makes sense. Dental implants provide a lifetime of reliable use, and they won’t wear out or loosen as the years pass.
Learn more about dental implants during a personalized consultation. You can call to set up a visit, or try the easy online booking tool.