What is a Single Dental Implant?

What is a Single Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is a state of the art procedure which replaces a missing, or nonrestorable tooth with a titanium "screw" and porcelain crown. 

Why should I get a Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is the best choice for many of our patients because a few reasons. 

1. A Dental Implant does not need to involve other teeth, which may involve removing healthy tooth structure 
2. Dental Implants have a very high success rate 
3. Dental Implants is the best option to mimic mother nature
4. Implants are bio-compatible with the human body

Is a Dental Implant the only part I need?

    No, the dental implant is only the component that resembles the tooth root.  Once the surgery is done, the bone will hug the implant very tight.  After, the patient will need an abutment and a crown.  Many times, when there is not enough structure to hold the implant steadily, a bone graft will be needed.

What is a bone graft?

    A bone graft are particles which resemble bone and stimulate the formation of new bone around the surgical site where it is placed.  

What is an abutment?

    An abutment is the connection between the implant and crown. 

What is a crown? 

    The crown is the tooth that will be placed on top of the abutment. 

How long does an implant take to heal?

    An implant usually take 3-6 months to be fully integrated in the bone.  

For more information on Dental Implants, please go to www.aviondental.com

Robert M. Kim DDS

4665 Chino Hills Pkwy #D

Chino Hills, CA 91709

(909)597-3445

http://www.aviondental.com/  

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What is a Night Guard?

Have you ever had a dream where someone is chasing you down the street and you are trying your best to stay alive?  Have you ever had a stressful dream where you were almost hit by a car or forgot to do your homework? Well, I have and I know that others have had similar dreams where stress is the bi-product of our subconscious.

During these stressful nocturnal moments, your jaws are clenching and your teeth are grinding to the point where if you were awake you would be in absolute pain!

My point is that many of us clench and grind our teeth at night without even knowing it.  Our brains, naturally, go through a natural neuromuscular process which tells our jaws to bite down from time to time during our sleep.  Although it is a natural process, it can be detrimental to our teeth and muscles of our head and neck.

So how does it affect our teeth?

Grinding and clenching can be detrimental to our teeth.  First of all, our enamel is our first defense for our teeth.  Grinding will erode the enamel and expose the dentin, which is the second layer of protection.  This can lead to sensitivity, shorter teeth, and even fractured teeth.  So check out your teeth in the mirror, most of the time if you bite "end to end" you can your teeth fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.  You can see exactly how you are grinding your teeth when you're least conscious. 

How does clenching affect our jaws and muscles?

Imagine taking a barbell weight, curling it, and holding it for hours long.  I'm pretty sure you would be in extreme pain and fatigue for the next few days!  The same thing happens with our jaws.  We have different muscles like the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles which all function in the movement of the jaw.  After clenching all night, your muscles tighten and go through a muscle spasm.  Our jaws are not meant to be "bodybuilders," but in our stressful society many of us have jaws that can load as much pressure as Ronnie Coleman can curl (he is world class bodybuilder for those who have never heard of him)!  This in turn leads to tension headaches, migraines, and an uneven bite, and lower quality of life.

How do I prevent this?

Night guards and other sleep appliances are used to keep your teeth from contacting at night.  Instead of grinding on your teeth, you would grind on the acrylic.  Other devices such as the NTI are better for headaches.  Devices like the NTI will shut down some of the muscles in the jaw area to decrease the muscle spasms.

Where can I get this?
The best way to get a custom sleep appliance is through you local dentist.  He will make sure that accurate models of your teeth are made so you can comfortably sleep without causing the trauma to your teeth and jaws.


Robert Kim DDS
 www.aviondental.com

Gums Hurt?

My Gums Hurt!

Did you know that periodontal disease affects approximate 80% of Americans?  

What is Periodontal Disease?  

        Periodontal disease is when the gums become infected with bad bacteria and overtakes the good bacteria.  

What are some symptoms of Periodontal Disease? 

        Some symptoms may include, pain in the gums, bleeding gums, bad breathe, and recession of the gums.    If you have any of these symptoms and have not seen a dentist in a while, please go see one.  

What can I do to prevent this?

       Prevention is very easy but takes a lot of motivation and diligence.  Basically, brushing twice a day and flossing twice a day is the foundation of success.  Visiting your dentist every 3-6 months, depending on what your dentist says, will monitor the healing and also maintain your gums for you with a cleaning.  Creating good habits will prevent problems later.  Remember it takes about 21 days to create a habit, so start now!

Will Listerine or other rinses help my gum infection?

      Listerine is a powerful rinse.  Unfortunately for people with periodontal disease, the areas of concern are much deeper than the rinses usually reach.  Your dentist may prescribe other rinses which may be more effective for your periodontal disease, but the most important part is physically going into the area and giving it a good cleaning!

My gums are becoming lower!

     Your gums are pockets where your tooth sits.  When healthy, these pockets are very shallow and can be cleaned with your average SOFT toothbrush.  When infected, these pockets can be very deep making it a home for food and bacteria since your tooth brush can not efficiently clean these areas out.  This can cause several problems including bone loss which makes the gums follow the bone.  Overall this may lead to premature tooth loss.  

If you are experiencing any gum problems, my advice is for you to go see your dentist.  If you have any questions, go ahead and email me at drrobertkim@aviondental.com.  I will be glad to answer any questions that you have!

WWW.AVIONDENTAL.COM

Quality Dental Plan - It's Not Insurance, It's BETTER!

Did you know that we offer an in-house dental savings plan right here in our practice – for both new and existing patients?  We understand that traditional dental insurance premiums are expensive, and that insurance benefits are extremely limited on most plans.  The good news is that as a member of Quality Dental Plan, all of your preventive care (including cleanings, x-rays and exams) is 100% covered in our office – and you’ll also receive valuable member benefits on restorative care, like fillings, crowns, teeth straightening, and implants…even cosmetic dentistry!

We know that paying out of pocket can be expensive, so we’ve partnered with Quality Dental Plan to give our patients the kind of dental benefits they want and need. Now you can afford dentistry – and you can have the smile you’ve always wanted. Ask us today about Quality Dental Plan and how it can help make taking care of your smile affordable for you and your whole family! Call our office today at 909-597-3445 and start saving on quality dental care today.

See pictures from the Grand Opening!

Thank you everyone who participated in the Grand Opening Celebration for Avion Dental.  Congratulations to everyone who won their raffle prizes.  Here are some pictures from the Grand Opening.