Irvine Dentist Solutions | Implant FAQs

Implant FAQs

By Michael Choi, DMD

"Dr. Choi, how long has dental implant technology been available and what is the success rate?"

The technology has been around for decades. In fact, some patients have had dental implants for more than 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of dental implants have been inserted with more than a 90% success rate. All other metal implants in the body, (including hips and knees), are the result of the dental implant technology.

"If its just a back tooth that no one sees, will it make a difference whether it's fixed or not?"

The plain truth is that it will make a difference. At Smile By Design we know the loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. It's important to correct this to prevent problems for other areas of the mouth - because no one wants lose their front teeth.

What can be done? Dr. Choi's goal is to keep the patient happy, and that includes the need for every patient to understand every option at this point. One of the options we often discuss at Smile By Design is the dental implant solution. Replacing the tooth with a false root that is surgically placed, Dr, Choi can then carefully construct a dental crown to replace the missing tooth. Just some of the benefits of this advanced technique is that it prevents the other healthy teeth from shifting and thereby prevents further tooth loss.

"Dr. Choi, what can be done for a single missing tooth?"

In the case of a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be placed in the jawbone area of the missing tooth. The implant will serve as a replacement for a tooth root and an individual crown. The total apparatus is referred to as a single-tooth implant crown.

Once in place, the implant crown will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. They are cleaned and flossed just like natural teeth, and best of all, they do not require any special tools to clean around them, (while other solutions such as Bridges do.) Although dental implants will not decay, excellent oral hygiene is required to keep the implants beautiful, and the smile healthy.

"Are dental implants a good solution for me?"

Generally, Dr. Choi feels a good candidate for implants are those who have jawbone ridges that are in good shape and healthy oral tissues. When the implant device is inserted into the jaw, a chemical and mechanical bond is formed, with the result that the implant actually grows in to the jawbone. This is how advanced dentistry work with science, to give patients a long-lasting, healthy smile they can really feel good about.

Contact Dr. Choi today, for a consultation about your own concerns and questions.