As dental implants become an increasingly sought-after solution for missing teeth, many misconceptions about the procedure persist, preventing some from exploring this potentially life-changing treatment. Dr. David Shirinian, owner of Signature Smiles Dental Group in Pasadena, aims to dispel these myths and provide accurate information to help patients make informed decisions.
“Dental implants are titanium oxide … metal screws, you can call it. It replaces a single tooth or a multiunit location,” Dr. Shirinian explains. “So people have a misconception that an implant is just one thing, and it just covers the tooth. But dental implants consist of three components: the implant, the abutment, and the crown.”
Dr. Shirinian also addresses the notion that dental implants are only suitable for certain individuals.
“Realistically, anyone is a good candidate as long as they have enough bone structure, whether it’s the height or width of the bone area that is missing as long as they’re healthy,” he says.
“Obviously, chain smokers and people who aren’t really taking care of their body are bound to not really take care of their teeth as well, and their oral hygiene. So those are things you need to consider.”
When it comes to the life of dental implants, Dr. Shirinian notes that with proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades.
“The longevity? It can be anywhere from 15 to 25, maybe even 30 years. It just depends again on the patient’s health,” he says. “Ultimately, if the implant is nice and infused to the bone and connected well and the bone is healthy, the patient is healthy, not allowing the bone to deteriorate, the implants can go a lifetime.”
For those considering dental implants, Dr. Shirinian emphasizes the importance of finding a trustworthy and experienced dentist.
“The number one advice is find yourself a doctor that you trust that you feel comfortable with. Go to consultations. Don’t take other people’s advice,” he says “Ultimately find the doctor that you feel comfortable with that is not only knowledgeable but friendly and has a good demeanor — because you need both. You need both in the doctor, you need the knowledge, you need the experience, you need the skill, but you need the personable characteristic as well.”
By providing accurate information and expert guidance, Dr. Shirinian hopes to help patients make well-informed decisions about their oral health and achieve the confident, healthy smiles they deserve.
For more information, call Dr. David Shirinian of Signature Smiles Dental Group, 2335 E. Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena at (626) 381-9288 or visit their website https://signaturesmilespasadena.com/.
