If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, dental implants may be the best course of treatment to improve your quality of life and your appearance.
Dental implants primarily address structural concerns in the mouth due to missing, broken, or rotted teeth. Unlike porcelain veneers that fit over filed-down teeth, dental implants replace the entire tooth structure from the root up. Made with titanium that fuses to the jawbone, dental implants provide a secure foundation for your new teeth.
The need for dental implants goes beyond simple aesthetics; it’s fundamentally about preserving oral health.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone tissue begins to resorb, or deteriorate, because it no longer receives the necessary stimulation from the tooth root. This bone loss can eventually affect the stability of adjacent teeth and alter the facial structure, leading to a sunken appearance over time.
Implants are unique because the titanium post acts just like a natural tooth root, providing the essential stimulation to maintain jawbone density. This is a critical factor distinguishing them from other tooth replacement options, such as traditional bridges or dentures, which rest on the gums or adjacent teeth and do not address bone loss.
Candidates often include not just those with immediate missing teeth, but also those looking to prevent long-term facial and structural changes associated with tooth loss. Implants offer a permanent, stable, and self-sufficient solution that restores both function and form.
Also Read: Missing Teeth? Discover Why Dental Implants Are the Best Long-Term Solution
Missing teeth from injury or illness can cause a host of health issues, not to mention aesthetic problems. For teeth that are missing or beyond repair, durable dental implants can offer total rejuvenation for your smile. Here are the benefits of investing in dental implants for a healthier you:
First, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Dani B. At this appointment, he will perform an exam along with X-rays to assess your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan. You can also address any questions or issues together, including financing options and the timeline of treatment.
If you’re a candidate for dental implants and proceed with treatment, your next appointment will involve surgically placing the false titanium tooth roots into the jawbone. You’ll be given a local anesthetic to ease discomfort, but you will remain awake throughout the procedure. Afterwards, any swelling, discomfort, or pain can be managed with medication and proper aftercare.
Before Dr. Dani B. can then build bridges, crowns, and/or dentures onto the implant, the surgically placed metal must first fuse to your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and usually takes 6-8 weeks. Accordingly, your next dental implant appointment will take place in around six weeks after placement. In the meantime, you’ll be given temporary stand-ins to preserve function and aesthetics if necessary.
Once the osseointegration process is complete, Dr Dani B. will finish your new smile with surface-level work that may include dentures, crowns, and bridges. As long as you maintain them with regular brushing and flossing, dental implants will give you beautiful teeth and pristine oral health for the rest of your life.
The initial consultation often involves advanced 3D imaging, such as a CBCT (Cone-Beam Computed Tomography) scan, in addition to standard X-rays. This detailed scan allows Dr. Dani B. to precisely map the nerves, sinuses, and bone structure to determine the ideal placement for the implant posts, ensuring a safe and successful surgical procedure. For patients who have experienced significant bone loss, the treatment plan may also include a preliminary procedure, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, to build up the necessary bone volume to adequately support the implant.
During the placement surgery itself, the dental team is focused on achieving primary stability, meaning the implant is firmly anchored in the bone immediately after insertion. The post-operative healing phase is critical; it’s essential to strictly follow the aftercare instructions, which typically involve a soft diet, careful hygiene around the surgical site, and managing swelling with ice packs.
The 6-8 week timeframe for osseointegration is an estimate; the actual duration varies by individual healing rates and the location of the implant, but this patience ensures the implant is a rock-solid foundation for the final restoration.
If you check off any of the following, dental implants may be the solution for your smile:
While the general criteria are broad, determining your suitability for dental implants involves a detailed review of your overall health. Ideal candidates possess healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density, which is why the aforementioned 3D imaging is so vital.
Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain heart conditions, as well as a history of heavy smoking, may complicate the healing process and impact the long-term success of the implant,
though they don’t always rule it out entirely. Dr. Dani B. will conduct a comprehensive health assessment to ensure any such factors are managed appropriately before proceeding.
Furthermore, dental implants offer a transformative solution for those frustrated with the inconvenience and lack of confidence associated with removable dentures. Unlike dentures, implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods without fear of slippage, and they restore your speech clarity and natural smile with unparalleled stability. If you are seeking a long-term, durable replacement that mimics the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, the chances are excellent that dental implants are the right choice to permanently improve your oral health and quality of life.
To learn if dental implants are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dani B. We welcome many traveling patients, so if you aren’t local to Los Angeles, you can request an easy virtual consultation on FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp.
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Dani B. At this appointment, he will conduct a thorough exam and develop a personalized treatment plan.