Oral health is more than just a pretty smile, and comprehensive care encompassing different practice areas can be challenging to find under one roof – a hallmark that distinguishes Southern California Family Dentistry.
With almost 30 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Hossein Jahangiri (“Dr. J”, as his patients know him) and his team of highly skilled dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants pride themselves on taking a patient-centered approach to providing exceptional general, cosmetic and restorative dental care for patients of all ages.
A member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Dr. J holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed his dental residency at the Medical College of Georgia. He took over an existing dental practice in 2006 that has now been serving the local community for over 50 years.
One of the aspects that truly sets this multi-specialty practice apart from many others in the industry is Dr. J’s commitment to utilizing the latest dental techniques, procedures and technologies and he is among only 5% of all dentists to carry the license needed to provide IV conscious sedation with his own laboratory on site to ensure 100% control over case outcomes.
In this, the second installment of an ongoing series, Dr. J addresses common questions and concerns regarding “teeth in a day procedures” and dental implants.
South County Magazine: I’ve seen ads everywhere for “Teeth in a Day.” What does the procedure entail?
Dr. J: “Teeth in a day” simply refers to a procedure which allows you to replace all or many missing teeth with a new set of teeth in a single day. If you are missing one or more teeth, after your initial consultation and the extraction of any teeth that need to be removed, initial moldings and fittings are made for your new teeth on the day of your surgical appointment so you leave with your new replacement fixed set of “teeth in a day” that are anchored to implants.
SCM: How do I know if I am a good candidate?
Dr. J: The only way to determine if you are a candidate for these types of procedures is to have a dental consultation with the proper diagnostic work up, including x-rays.
SCM: What are the benefits and/or risks involved?
Dr. J: The obvious benefit is never having to go without teeth and completing the procedures in less time (less visits). In many cases the placement of the implant at the same time as tooth extraction helps to preserve the surrounding bone by acting as a scaffolding that supports the bone. The primary disadvantage of the immediate teeth placement on top of implants is the slightly higher risk of implant failure. However, an experienced clinician can identify the risk factors beforehand (and even in the middle of the procedure if needed) to optimize the outcome. Sometimes this means delaying the permanent attachment of your new teeth to the implants, but you will still leave with your new teeth.
SCM: Is the process truly complete in a single visit as the advertising implies?
Dr. J: Regardless of whether or not your new teeth are attached to your implants immediately, “teeth in a day” or any implant procedure for that matter isn’t complete in a single day. The actual healing of these implants in the jaw bone takes weeks and sometimes months (depending on how fast the patient heals). So the final set of teeth will only be done after complete healing of the implants, the bone and the gums. This process can take a few visits until the proper shape, shade and form is finalized to ensure the best possible results.
SCM: Are dental implants safe?
Dr. J: Dental implants are extremely safe. They have been around for decades now and there have not been any issues with biocompatibility or rejections due to allergic reactions that I know of or that have been reported. There are always inherent risks with any surgical procedure but as far as safety goes, the only thing unsafe about implants is “inexperience!” The implant procedure is an invasive surgical procedure and must be placed by a trained and experienced dentist, the teeth must be engineered properly and the procedure must be supported with the proper diagnostic protocols and equipment. Otherwise it can be risky and potentially harmful.
SCM: What are the benefits?
Dr. J: Missing teeth can directly and indirectly contribute to many health problems. Patients with many missing teeth or no teeth, show poor dietary habits and nutritional intake, increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery diseases and osteoporosis. There’s also the obvious esthetic benefit of not being without teeth. However, having a healthy mouth and a full set of teeth is the greatest benefit that implants offer.
SCM: How long does it take for dental implants to heal?
Dr. J: The healing process typically takes about three to six months and primarily depends on the individual patient’s health and the quality of the bone that the implant is placed in.
SCM: How long do dental implants last?
Dr. J: This is one of the most asked questions at the time of implant consultations. And my answer is always the same: It can last as long as natural teeth.
What we do in implant dentistry is replace hopeless teeth, so if you take care of your implants the same way as your original teeth (that you lost), the results cannot be expected to be any better.
However, if implants are taken care of properly, they can last as long as (if not longer than) teeth.
SCM: What are the differences between traditional dental implants vs. teeth in a day?
Dr. J: In the case of the traditional implants, after the placement of the implant you have to wait two to four months (and sometimes longer) before you can attach the actual tooth onto the implant that’s embedded in the bone. In the case of teeth in a day, the patient leaves the same day with a temporary tooth or teeth, attached to the implants immediately. That is, if all conditions are ideal including the amount of bone the patient has as well as how compliant the patient is at following after-care instructions.
Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure such as “teeth in a day” or dental implants, you can trust that you are in the best of hands at Southern California Family Dentistry.
