Q: I have diabetes. Is it a good idea to have implants? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

A: Dental implants can be a good option for diabetics who are missing teeth, but there are some things to consider. For example, diabetics are more susceptible to infection than non-diabetics. This is due to the condition impairing the body’s ability to fight infection. This explains the higher risk of gum disease, as well as the possibility of infection after surgery. Diabetics are at a higher risk of post-op infection since dental implants are implanted through oral surgery.

Aside from infection hazards, some diabetics with poorly controlled or monitored conditions may experience dental implant failure. Post-operative recovery may be sluggish or poor in such circumstances, implying that the implants do not integrate with the tissues of the mouth. Dental appliances cannot be supported by implants in such cases.

Do diabetics qualify for dental implants? In many cases, yes. Regardless of the obstacles that diabetes may provide, patients with diabetes can still obtain dental implants as long as their condition is monitored and kept under control.

Q: Can dental implants fix overbite?

A: An overbite is defined as an excessive overlap of upper front teeth in relation to lower front teeth. A slight overbite is normal. However, a severe overbite can cause chronic pain and temporary or permanent omandibular displacement (jaw joint displacement). A specific treatment plan for replacing missing teeth can sometimes correct a certain amount of overbite. Because they are fixed in the jawbone, bone orientation can be slightly modified to slightly improve your bite. Your dentist will be able to determine whether new permanent teeth will be able to correct your overbite and smile. If the overbite is severe enough, you should consider an alternative treatment such as braces or orthognathic surgery.

Q: What causes dental implant failure?

A: The following are the possible causes of dental implant failure.

  • Inaccurate impressions – When the impressions are incorrect, artificial teeth may not fit properly. A slight mismatch can result in a gap between the crown and the gum, jeopardizing the appearance and function of the teeth. Bacteria can then enter the gums and cause infection.
  • Peri-implantitis –  is a major cause of implant failure. Peri-implantitis can cause gum and bone damage around the implant, leading to bone loss or implant failure. While the problem is treatable, the implant is usually replaced. Diabetes patients, smokers, and those with poor dental hygiene are especially vulnerable to bacterial infection.
  • Poor oral hygiene – Failure to observe proper dental care and oral hygiene after receiving implants might increase the risk of dental complications, which may lead to treatment failure.
  • Failed osseointegration – The formation of a structural link between the bone and the titanium implant is referred to as osseointegration. It typically takes several weeks to several months. However, the implant may not completely fuse with the jawbone. This can cause the implant to loosen or even fall out. The main cause of this is a lack of bone to place the implant. Dental implants rely heavily on bone density and bone health. So, it’s essential that your dentist evaluate your bone health before the procedure. A bone graft or a sinus lift operation may be used to replace missing bone.
  • Nerve damage – When an implant is put too close to the nerves of the mouth, it can cause nerve damage. This is more likely in the case of inexperienced dentists who do not use treatment planning. A treatment plan assists the dentist in determining the best placement of the implant in relation to the important structures and nerves in the mouth.

Q: What are dental implants made of?

A: Thanks to advances in technology, dental implants can now be made from a variety of materials. These materials are resistant to fracturing and corrosion, ensuring that the implants will last a long time for the patient. Most dental implant systems today are made of titanium or zirconia. Other materials such as titanium alloys, gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, or ceramic materials are sometimes used.

Q: Can people over the age of 60 get dental implants?

A: Yes. Fortunately, dental implants are equally effective and long-lasting in older people. Dental implants frequently improve the lives of older people by improving their physical health and giving them more confidence. Dental implants can be used at any age.

Chronological age is suggested as one of the risk factors for success in dental implant treatment, but it is not a contraindication. In general, the reserved capacity of bone and soft tissue allows for long-term osseointegration. The specific nature of the disease process, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, and local bone quality and quantity at the implant site are more important for successful dental implant treatment than aging itself. 

Dr. Hani Jamah will carefully examine older patients to see if they are good candidates for dental implants.

Q: Can you get dental implants for your front teeth?

A: Yes. Implants are good options for replacing missing front teeth. Unlike a dental bridge, which requires adjacent teeth to be ground down for crowns, implants have no effect on your other teeth.

Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance?

A: It depends. Most dental insurance policies cover basic preventive care and some restorative treatments. They do, however, tend to cover the least expensive service that will address a specific oral health issue. Dental insurance, for example, is likely to cover a portion of the cost of dentures or bridges, but it is unlikely to cover dental implants.

It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy and find out whether dental implant is listed in the insurance information. The staff at Valley Dental Surgery & Implant Center can also coordinate with your insurance company to determine if your insurance policy covers dental implants and to what extent.

Q: Does a dental implant cause pain?

A: Dental implants can be broken down into two parts. The first stage is the surgery, and the second is recovery. Your dentist will surgically place dental implants. This necessitates cutting into the gums. However, before they begin, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic.

The dentist will make an incision to expose the jawbone once the area is completely numb. You will feel no discomfort, as the area is entirely anesthetized.

After making the area more accessible, a hole for the implant can be drilled. While drills may sound painful, your jawbone lacks nerves that allow it to feel pain. Pressure is the most likely source of discomfort. After that, the dental implant can be screwed into place. Your dentist will close the incision once he or she is satisfied with the placement. The patient will feel no pain while the local anesthetic is still in effect. Before beginning the procedure, your dentist may give pain medication to ensure that you have adequate pain relief when the anesthetic wears off.

Q: How long is the healing time for dental implants?

A: There is no set recovery time for all implant patients because each patient has a unique oral condition that influences the surgery and recovery. We can, however, look at general timelines.

It usually takes 5 to 7 days for all of the symptoms to go away after dental implant surgery, and the gums can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months to fully heal before artificial tooth can be placed.

While recovery time for this oral surgery procedure is generally short, it can vary depending on how well the procedure went, how well you take care of yourself afterward, and how your body reacts to the implant.

Q: How should you take care of your dental implants?

A: You must properly care for your dental implants once you have them. You must maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss daily and use non-alcoholic mouthwash.

Visiting your dentist for examinations every six months is also essential. In case you notice anything out of the ordinary, report it to your dentist right away so that it can be corrected.

Q: Who invented dental implants?

A: An orthopedic surgeon discovered the properties required for successful fusion in 1952. He hypothesized that this fusion could be used in other fields, such as dental implants, after discovering that a titanium cylinder fused together with the femur bone of a rabbit during a study on bone healing and regeneration. Per-Ingvar Branemark, an orthopedic surgeon, implanted the first titanium dental implant in a human volunteer in 1965.

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Valley Dental Surgery & Implant Center

OUR TEAM

Committed to Exceptional Dental Care

Dr. Hani Jamah, DDS

Dr. Hani Jamah is a top-rated and well-respected dental surgeon serving patients of all ages in Santa Rosa, California and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He has received over 23 years of extensive training throughout his career in addition to attending the Advanced Graduate Post Doctoral Prosthetic Residency program at USC School of Dentistry. He earned his Diplomat then his Mastership in dental implant and Its related surgeries from the International Dental Implant Association.

Dr. Jamah continuously keeps abreast of the latest advances and developments in the field of oral surgery, participating in numerous postgraduate education and special training courses in the field of wisdom teeth, sinus surgeries and bone surgeries. Combining Dr. Jamah’s skilled expertise and compassion as well as his genuine hospitality, patients feel very at ease. He goes to great lengths and passion to make all procedures gentle and comfortable.

Talk to Dr. Jamah

  • No Pressure 30 Minute Consultation

We lead through patient education. In your consultation, Dr. Jamah will get to know you and your needs. After, he will perform a comprehensive exam to more accurately determine a treatment plan you feel comfortable with.

  • Unsurpassed Implant Experience

In addition to being a fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dr. Jamah continues to train other dentists on Dental Implantology.

  • Cost Effective Treatment

We make sure we have a treatment plan for every budget. We pride ourselves on providing VERY affordable care that is guaranteed to be the highest quality.

  • We accept many PPO plans and are preferred providers and in-network with over 13 major insurances.
  • 6 – 12 month payment options available
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STRIVING TO MAKE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH AS AFFORDABLE AS IT IS COMFORTABLE.

At Hani Jamah we understand the importance of giving our patients different payment options to better suit their needs.

We accept many PPO plans and are preferred providers and in-network with over 13 major insurances.

Conveniently offer a Membership Plan

6 – 12 month payment options available.

Dr. Jamah uses Dentrix , a leading, state-of-the-art, dental implant treatment planning software. Dr. Jamah can virtually place the dental implants into a digital version of your mouth to determine the perfect implant placement. Ideal implant placement has great looking results that last a long long time. Best of all, it makes the implant placement process a short and straightforward process with the least amount of discomfort and fastest recovery times.

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Give our Santa Rosa Dental Surgery office a call at (707) 532-2441 or request a consultation below!

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