For an appointment please call:(760) 837-1515

Make an AppointmentSE HABLA ESPAÑOL

Dental implants are a safe and effective replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. The implant is placed in your jawbone and integrates with your natural bone. This implant then forms a stable, sturdy base for your new teeth.

What They Are
• Implant: The implant itself is a rod that is screwed into the jawbone.

• Abutment: This is the connection between the implant and the crown.

• Crown: A tooth shaped cap that is attached to the abutment. It is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line.

What They’re Made Of

• Titanium: Most implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.

• Zirconia: Often used for crowns and bridges and can be used as a metal-free option. Zirconia is biocompatible just like titanium.

Where They Go

• Endosteal Implants: Placed in the jawbone. These implants are typically shaped like small screws, cylinders or plates, and they are the most commonly used.

• Subperiosteal Implants: Placed under the gum, but on or above the jawbone. These implants are mostly for people with smaller jaws or shallow jawbones.

What Happens To Them
• Osseointegration: Creates strength and durability by fusing directly to the bone and is bio-compatible. Bone cells attach themselves directly to the titanium/zirconium surface, essentially locking the implant into the jaw bone. Osseointegrated implants can then be used to support prosthetic tooth replacements of various designs and functionality. Anything from a single tooth, to all teeth in the upper and lower jaws. The teeth/crowns are usually made to match the enamel color of the existing teeth to create a natural appearance.

• Bone augmentation: Some people do not have enough healthy bone to support dental implants, so bone must be built. Procedures can include bone-grafting which means adding bone to the jaw.

Talk to us today to discuss your options with an implant specialist!

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) recently found that individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus are two to five times more likely to develop head and neck cancers. The JNCI study found that the risk for hepatitis C patients of developing head and neck cancers more than doubled for oral cavity and oropharynx cancers, and increased nearly five times for larynx cancers. As well, patients that are hepatitis C virus-positive were also more likely to test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV).

The question remains, how does hepatitis C virus increase oral cancer risk?

The JNCI research found that patients infected with the hepatitis C virus had a higher odd ratio of having cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or larynx than those without hepatitis C virus infection. Enhanced replication of hepatitis C virus in oropharyngeal tissues may in fact contribute to chronic inflammation, ultimately prompting cancer development. Human papillomavirus is known to suppress local immune response, which may accelerate the production of hepatitis C virus in oropharyngeal cells. The JNCI notes that human papillomavirus and hepatitis C virus may play a“synergistic role” in the development of oropharyngeal cancers by stimulating loss or destruction of tumor suppressor proteinsp53 and retinoblastoma protein.

The JNCI notes that one of the study’s limitations is that it didn’t include individuals with hepatitis C virus who didn’t have oral cancer. All and all, it is important to take away from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute’s study that it is important to educate Hepatology (study of liver, gallbladder and pancreas health) and infectious disease specialists. These doctors who treat patients with hepatitis C virus need to understand that the hepatitis C virus not only drastically affect liver health, but it’s also a systemic infection that can drastically affect oral health.

Your oral health is important to us. If you suspect that your oral health is at risk, give us a call today and schedule an oral cancer screening!

Botox has become a household name, an injectable treatment that smooths out wrinkles. Juvederm is a little less known than Botox, but it has a similar anti-aging affect on the face. Juvederm is another injectable treatment that adds volume to the face, often called a “filler.” Botox and Juvederm can help you feel summertime ready! Here are a few reasons to opt for Botox and Juvederm treatments heading into summer:

Crows Feet:
Some patients prefer to have a treatment in the summer to reduce crow’s feet. Botox can be a great guard against the tendency to squint into the summer sun.

Ultraviolet Rays:
Summer’s rays can be hard on the skin, its ultraviolet rays taking a toll on the skin. These ultraviolet rays accelerate the aging process, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and increased pigmentation. Botox and Juvederm are great tools for combating against the summer sun.

No Skin Resurfacing:
Botox and Juvederm are great options for summer because there is no skin resurfacing with the treatment. Numerous skin treatments involve resurfacing or peeling of the skin, leaving the skin defenseless to sun damage. Sun exposure after skin resurfacing can also result in darkening of the skin. Botox and Juvederm are a great way to look rejuvenated without risking the sun damage that comes with skin resurfacing.

If you’re interested in exploring Botox and Juvederm this summer, call us today!