Dennis Mihalka D.D.S. - Life Smile

They Won't Know If You Don't Tell!

Dental Implants

Who wouldn't want to look better, speak better, eat better...and smile more? Dental implants are now the treatment of choice for many people who need to replace missing teeth—over one million in the U.S. alone.

Dental implants have been available for about 35 years. Interestingly, implants are considered to be a more conservative intervention than traditional bridges or fixed partial dentures. Unlike restorative bridges that can make cleaning awkward, implants require only normal brushing and flossing to maintain oral health.

Because implants are anchored into the bone like the roots of your teeth instead of resting on the gum, they act like natural teeth to preserve and strengthen the underlying bone.

Because there is no bridge involved, there is no need to reduce or shape adjacent healthy teeth. There is no partial denture to affect comfort and fit.

An implant has two parts: an artificial root made of bio-compatible metal and, attached to it, a custom-made tooth. Most implants are made of titanium, an inert metal proven effective at integrating with living bone.

Often, on the same day, patients can leave the office with a useable temporary tooth secured by implants.

In one survey, patients who had their partial replaced by implants rated them 9 out of 10 (second only to natural teeth) and far above the 2 out of 10 for their removable prosthetics! If you're worrying about your age...don't! The oldest known implant patient is 88; the youngest 15.

With implants, your friends won't know why you're looking so good—but you'll be feeling so great, you just might want to tell them!

"Just Like New" - A Patient Testimonial

"It all began when my two front teeth broke off at the gumline during a hunting accident. After two root canal therapies I was able to function for the next 35 years with a bridge taking the place of those teeth.

Last year, however, an abscess led to Dr. Mihalka's discovery that the remaining bone and tooth base had deteriorated and would need to be removed. Two choices were presented: have a larger replacement bridge made, anchored by my remaining teeth, or try implants. After looking at the improvements in implant technology and the benefits, I decided implants were for me.

I must admit that, other than the extra time necessary for the bone replacement to heal and the flipper to keep my outgoing smile in place, everything went well. I received my permanent teeth and my smile is great, though I'll miss the questioning looks from the little kids when I would remove the flipper. Halloween will never be the same!"

Once you have "pockets"' the former healthy tissue cleanings of just the enamel become root cleanings into the pockets. This is more time-consuming, more demanding and requires greater skill. The frequency of these cleanings will be based on the response of the tissue to treatment and your home care."

Daryl Sutterfield, VP
SBA Business Development Officer
Umpqua Bank, Redding, CA

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World Service

Each of us is blessed with talents and capability to serve others...those in great need.

The following is a brief description of activities in which we have had the opportunity to participate...

World Service

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