Missing Teeth are no Longer a Problem with Same-Day Dental Implants

Missing teeth are a problem for millions of Americans.  The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost a permanent tooth due to gum disease, tooth decay, accidents or other dental issues.  And as we get older, the problem gets worse with 26% of 74-year-olds missing all of their permanent teeth. Traditionally, missing teeth means dentures, partials and bridges.  Each of these replacement dental devices has its drawbacks for example loose or painful dentures can make it difficult to eat and speak. New advances in dental implant technology has made the dental implant procedure easier and faster than ever, so now missing teeth doesn’t necessarily mean dentures or bridges. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, an expert implant dentist in Beverly Hills, utilizes the advanced Sirona GALILEOS Implant System to treat his patients who have missing teeth.  This innovative system allows Dr. Maddahi to provide same-day dental implants. The dental implant process used to take up to a year to complete between multiple dental appointments for x-rays and impressions, months of planning and lengthy recovery periods. The Sirona GALILEOS employs a three-dimensional imaging process that produces images of the patient’s entire jaw and joint area in just a few minutes during a preliminary planning appointment.  These images are essential in helping Dr. Maddahi and his team prepare for the dental implant procedure. Once the proper placement for the implant is determined using the generated images, Dr. Maddahi creates a surgical stent in his lab on a model of the patient’s jaw.  On the day of the implant procedure, the stent is placed over the teeth and gums serving as a guide and enabling the doctor to precisely place the implant in the jaw.  Accurate placement allows for much less post-op pain and bleeding as well as faster recovery and greater predictability.  Because all the preparation is done in advance, a temporary crown can be created and placed over the implant once the procedure is completed.  A permanent crown will be placed in about six months, once the dental implant has fused to the jaw bone. The advantage of dental implants is that they look and feel like natural teeth.  Patients can chew without the pain or gum irritation that dentures can cause.  For more information about dental implants or to schedule a complimentary smile evaluation, contact our office.