ASK DR. ESRAWI
Q: WHAT ROLE DO DENTAL IMPLANTS PLAY IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY?
A: Dental implants are often a component of a more extensive aesthetic dental plan. Many people are missing a tooth or multiple teeth due to age, heredity, trauma or decay. Bridgework was once a popular solution
but involved trimming the adjacent teeth to fashion the bridge. In addition to compromising surrounding teeth, the continuous bone loss and gingival shrinkage were not particularly aesthetic. Today, we can replace a single tooth or perform a full-mouth reconstruction using implants that look AS NATURAL AS THE TEETH YOU WERE BORN WITH. At our practice, the surgery and temporary aesthetic crowns are done in ONE
VISIT. For full-mouth reconstructions or more comprehensive restorations involving multiple implants, we
initially perform the procedure on a computer to virtually assess what needs to be done using CAT scan and
3-D software. Then, we send the images to the implant manufacturer, where the surgical template, teeth and titanium framework are developed to PRECISE SPECIFICATIONS. Barring any medical contraindications, the soft tissue heals in about a week, and the bone matures over the course of three months to a year. The result? BEAUTIFUL, STRONG TEETH THAT COULD LAST A LIFETIME.