Dental Implants

We use many kinds of restorations at Ricardo Suarez DDS, but it’s undeniable that the ability to replace individual teeth with implants has revolutionized the dental field. There was a time when older patients were commonly fitted with dentures if they experienced periodontal decay and were treated for most of their lives as if their teeth would inevitably be extracted. But that’s no longer the case. While dentures may be the best solution for some patients, the advancement of endosteal implants means that dentists no longer have to remove healthy teeth to make room for a denture, sparing the patient’s jawbone and facial structure along with the teeth.

There’s much more to teeth than the crown, which is the part you see above the gum line. The root of the tooth is anchored in the jawbone, but it also provides the jawbone with stability. Think of how trees hold soil in place, and you’ll have an idea of what teeth do for the skull. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone dissolves, and for a tooth to be replaced there must be enough bone for the root to fuse to. Sometimes, when there isn’t enough bone structure left for an implant, Dr. Ricardo Suarez grafts new material onto the jawbone in a separate operation which takes place about nine months before the implant can be inserted.

The actual implant is a titanium screw or post, which Dr. Ricardo Suarez makes an incision into the gum to place. It will take several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, the patient will wear a temporary crown to fill the gap between the teeth and protect the surgical site. At the return visit, we will screw an abutment to the implant, and make a mold of the patient’s mouth which will be used to manufacture an artificial crown. The porcelain construction material complements the titanium base to make a very strong and aesthetically pleasing restoration.

Placing the crown is the probably the easiest part of the restoration for the patient. Usually, only local numbing is required. Implants have a very high success rate and can last for more than ten years with the same care used for natural teeth. Patients are able to regain the full use of their mouths, and best of all, the implants can help restore the bone structure around the mouth, as well.

For more information please visit us at www.wcovinadental.com or call us at 626-414-5995.

Restorative Dentistry

When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, it needs to be restored or it risks developing an infection. This is when restorative dentistry comes into play. The term “restorative dentistry” refers to the particular management of restoring the mouth to a functional, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing state. Additionally, it involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases. Whether you need dental crowns, dental bridges, implants, or fillings, Ricardo Suarez DDS will reinstate your confidence and repair your smile.

Teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or even missing from the mouth can qualify for restorative care. Before embarking on your restorative journey, you will need to schedule a consultation. During this visit, Dr. Ricardo Suarez will diagnose your oral health condition through X-rays and an oral exam. Most restorative treatment options are non-invasive and can be completed in one appointment, however, more complex dental treatment may require multiple.

Ricardo Suarez DDS and staff offer fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants to assess your restorative needs. The goal of these treatment methods is to preserve as many teeth as possible while promoting superior dental health. When deciding on a strategy for restorative dentistry, it is important to consider both physical and financial factors, as well as your health and your budget, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to discuss your restorative treatment options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.wcovinadental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Ricardo Suarez DDS in West Covina, CA, call 626-414-5995.

Invisalign

Ricardo Suarez DDS makes an Invisalign smile possible for everyone. Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces recommended for both adults and teens who want to straighten their smile. An Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth.

To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination.  The Invisalign treatment is appropriate for almost anyone, and a dentist can determine if Invisalign will be effective in achieving the smile you want. Impressions of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan.

Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, depending on your individual treatment plan. To get the best results, they should be worn at least 20 hours a day. You should remove the aligners to eat and to brush and floss. A typical treatment plan is completed in less than a year.

An Invisalign treatment can change your smile and your life. To learn about all the services provided by Ricardo Suarez DDS, visit www.wcovinadental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at the West Covina, CA practice, call 626-414-5995.