Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that replace natural tooth roots. Dr. Afkham places them beneath your gums during an outpatient procedure. They later integrate with your jaw. 

Implants can restore one, several, or all of your teeth. They provide a supportive foundation for various dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, or implant-retained overdentures.

Because implants fuse with your bone, there’s no need for sticky adhesives. What’s more, they’re easy to clean and care for and function like your natural teeth. 

Can anyone get dental implants?

Dental implants are safe and have a proven track record, but they aren’t for everyone. That’s especially true if you have a weak jaw or gum disease. If Dr. Afkham detects either of these conditions, he might recommend a bone graft or periodontal treatment before moving forward with implant placement.

Let Dr. Afkham know if you have any health problems like heart disease or diabetes. These conditions won’t keep you from getting implants, but they may increase the risk of complications like an infection or implant failure.

What does getting dental implants involve?

Getting dental implants takes at least three appointments at Davis Smile Center, spaced over the course of six months to a year.

First appointment

To see if you benefit from implants, Dr. Afkham conducts an oral exam and takes digital X-rays. He uses the X-rays to assess your jaw and tooth roots and to detect signs of potentially serious issues not visible to the naked eye. If your mouth appears healthy, he administers a local anesthetic and places a series of implants beneath your gums.

The number of implants you receive depends on several factors, including the number of teeth you’re missing and the type of restoration you want. If you’re getting crowns, Dr. Afkham places a post for each missing tooth. If you’re getting overdentures, he places between four and eight implants. Following surgery, Dr. Afkham provides aftercare instructions. 

Second appointment

When the implant fusion process finishes, you return to the office. Dr. Afkham attaches a metal abutment to each implant and takes digital impressions with an intraoral scanner. He sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a custom restoration (or restorations).

Third appointment

When Dr. Afkham receives your restorations from the dental lab, you return for your final appointment. He once again administers a local anesthetic, lines up the restorations with your implants, and connects them. Afterward, Dr. Afkham polishes your teeth, makes adjustments as necessary, and provides aftercare instructions.

To see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, make an appointment at Davis Smile Center by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.