While the mouth is often seen as one specific area, there are many different forms of tissue. These each have their own concerns both medically and in terms of appearance. Likewise, each requires specific surgical treatment specific to the condition. For patients, this can sometimes be confusing, as there are a myriad of different terms to try to understand, seemingly all at once.
Sometimes, the process of a surgical procedure is rather straightforward. Gum grafting requires the physical movement, often stretching healthy tissue in order to cover more area. This makes sense to people, but some of the more technologically new concepts may be a little tough to comprehend. So today, your Cerritos, CA dentist explains some of the ways technological advances have given us new tools to keep your smile looking and beautiful as it possibly can!
Implant Creativity
For people in need of tooth replacement, there are tried and true traditional methods such as a dental bridge. This is a prosthetic that hangs between two crowns which sit on top of otherwise healthy teeth. While this can be a great solution for some, there are issues that arise with it. It relies on the strength of the rest of your mouth, and if that isn’t sturdy, can cause even more damage. It also requires the removal of healthy enamel on the supporting crowns.
If you are looking for a tooth replacement solution that does not require this enamel trauma, a dental implant is a technological marvel. This includes a titanium post, which has a threading to keep it secure within your jaw bone. Through a process known as osseointegration, your immune system connects with this metal unlike any other material. Instead of attacking the foreign object, our bodies protect it as if it were our own natural bone material. This is incredibly helpful in creating a strong prosthetic!
Versatile Veneers
If your existing teeth are strong, but are undesirable in any way, porcelain veneers might be a great fit for you. This is a process where ceramic caps cover your existing enamel. These are very strong and are useful in creating a gorgeous smile in anyone!
These were initially designed in 1929, when a Los Angeles dentist used porcelain to craft a special effect prosthetic for a movie. While these were not useful long term at the time, the material left an effect. The process of etching allowed for the attachment of more permanent prosthetic of this type, and it has been getting better and better over the last forty years.
Today, new advances in 3D printing and CAD (computer-aided design) are bringing more fantastic prosthetics to market, and speak today with a trained oral health care professional about your options!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
