Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When your teeth are healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and Dr. Bhaskar will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Read patient reviews for this procedure below…
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Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.

Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
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Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Bhaskar is able to place single stage implants. Where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of ten weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. Where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Bhaskar performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process. If you do not currently have a restorative dentist, Dr. Bhaskar is happy to refer you to a qualified dentist.
Call Monterey Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Phone Number 831-372-2882 with any questions or concerns.
Monterey Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review from Jana A
Such a fabulous experience. Dr Bhaskar pulled my wisdom tooth several years ago. So when I needed an implant I asked my dentist if he could refer me to Dr Baskar. I was super nervous of course, they made me feel so comfortable! The procedure was easy peasy. They really care about their patients!!
- Jana A
Patient Review from Marka B
We are lucky to have The Best Oral Surgeon Ever right here in Monterey! I've had several (many) implants placed and every single procedure has been painless and perfect. My case hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination; he's had to work hard to find solutions to some difficult spaces with very little to work with ... Thanks Dr Bhaskar, for making my "Smile"! Bhaskar's Stars are Six (6)
- Marka B
Patient Review from Sherryl S
I am a person that has a lot of anxiety going to any dental office. His receptionist is very warm and welcoming. The staff is very good at returning phone calls and answering all questions. Dr. Bhaskar called me after surgery which made me feel he is very caring. I would highly recommend this office for any type of oral surgery.
- Sherryl S
Patient Review from Walter W
Dr. Bhaskar honors his patients, staff, and himself through his insistence on quiet, efficient, effective, disciplined and competent performance of the jobs they're all there to do.
- Walter W
Patient Review from Kristi J
Dr. Bhaskar and his staff were incredibly professional, friendly and gentle. I worried for years about this procedure, knowing I would have to do it at some point in my future - what a waste of worry that was! The procedure was quick and painless and I was comfortable throughout it all. The healing process was a breeze and am so glad to be rid of that troublesome tooth once and for all! Thank you Dr. Bhaskar and staff. I will recommend you to others!
- Kristi J
Patient Review from Thomas K
Dr.Bhaskar placed 2 implants in June 2016. Everything went great, no pain, no swelling..... very easy. Loved the office, staff was great.
- Thomas K