An experienced dentist, Dr. Azadeh Khajavi has undergone extensive training in aesthetic and neuromuscular dentistry as well as orthodontics. However, Dr. Azadeh “Amy” Khajavi currently focuses much of her practice on implant dentistry to help patients achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing results after tooth loss. The dental implant process can take months, and successful osseointegration is a vital step.

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are used to replace tooth roots after tooth loss. Implants serve as a support system for tooth crowns and therefore must be firmly anchored in the bone. They are typically made of titanium because human bone it is biocompatible, which means that the bone easily fuses to its surface. This fusion is called osseointegration, and it generally takes three to six months before it is considered complete.

For traditional implants, the implant dentist places the titanium rod in the bone and then sutures the gum tissues over the rod while osseointegration takes place. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and avoiding tobacco products are essential to proper healing. Once the bone has fused with the implant, the gums are reopened, and an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The dentist then completes the final step in the process, which is attaching a custom porcelain crown to the abutment.