Dental Implants

Dental implants have become the preferred method of replacing missing teeth for Palo Alto dentist Dr. Zahra Hakim. Along with restoring the ability to chew, dental implants can repair a damaged smile, end embarrassment and restore self-confidence.

The dental implant is made of alloy of titanium and is placed into the bone and allowed to heal. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit the majority of tooth replacement applications. Once healed, the implant serves as a foundation for replacing the missing tooth with a porcelain dental crown. Dental Implants are also used to retain lower dentures to the ridges so there is no movement when chewing.

Dental Implant Retained Dentures

If you have dentures that move and slip when you talk and eat, Dr. Hakim can remedy the problem with implant retained dentures. Dentures placed over dental implants will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth and there will no longer be a need for dental adhesives.

The Benefits of Dental Implant Retained Dentures

They Look More Natural – Dentures that are placed over dental implants look, feel, and function more like your natural teeth. The denture is securely anchored to the implant which allows you to smile and chew just as you would with your natural teeth.

There’s No Movement – When dentures are anchored to dental implants, they will not move, which is not the case with removable dentures. Removable dentures are fixed to the gums with adhesives that are not effective and will allow the dentures to slip which will affect your smile and ability to chew.

Improves Your Ability to Chew – With dental implant retained dentures, you’ll chew just like you would with your natural teeth.

Comfort & Accuracy

 

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Here at our Palo Alto dentist office, Dr. Hakim uses three-dimensional, high-resolution Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging to plan the dental implant process and place them with unparalleled accuracy.  This technology has become the standard of care in our office because it offers Dr. Hakim so much more information than traditional X-rays. The scan is fast and comfortable, and this form of imaging exposes you to less radiation than traditional CT scans.

Unlike an MRI, you are seated in an open area and the CT scanner moves around your head. The scan will be completed in under a minute yielding clear and accurate 3-D images which will be used for the diagnosis, planning and treatment of the implant procedure.