Dental Implants
Dental Implants Services Beverly Hills
A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.
When you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, it can lead to non-alignment of your bite and even alter your face’s shape. Missing teeth can also make you self-conscious when you smile and might even reduce your self-confidence. A dependable option recommended by dentists in such a scenario is to get dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants refer to artificial tooth roots which are placed into your jawbone via a surgical procedure. After a few months of an implant, the bone surrounding it will grow and ensure that it is held in place securely. After attaching the implant, replacement teeth are attached to the implant so that there are no gaps in your smile.
Types of Dental Implants
There are a few types of dental implants. They are listed below
- Endosteal
Used most commonly by dentists, these are added to the bone. Made from safe materials, they look like small screws. They are inserted into your jawbone via a surgical procedure, and they take the place of tooth roots. One of these can be used to anchor not just one but several teeth at once.
- Subperiosteal
If your jawbone is not strong enough, you need these implants usually inserted under or above the gum. However, they are not drilled into your jawbone.
Why Should I Go for Dental Implants?
- They are Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are as good as your natural teeth as they don’t need any special attention and allow you to bite as you used to do before.
- They Last Long
If added correctly, dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike dental bridges, which usually last for 10 years.
- They are Non-Toxic
Dental implants are non-toxic. They are made from titanium and easily integrate with your jawbone.
- They Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants help prevent bone loss which might occur if there are no tooth roots or implants to keep the jawbone stimulated.
- They Help Avoid Many Problems
Dental implants can help prevent problems like gum disease, premature aging, and facial sagging.
- They Help Keep Your Bite Intact
If you have one or more missing teeth, the teeth next to it might shift towards the gap and harm the bite. Dental implants prevent that.
Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure is usually done over few months. Depending on how complicated the procedure is, you might need the help of an oral surgeon or a periodontist. Here are the steps which are usually followed in a dental implant procedure.
- Evaluation Stage
In this stage, a dentist will evaluate your oral health by having a look at your gums, teeth, and jawbone to decide whether your jawbone can take the pressure of maintaining an implant. If the jawbone is too thin, a bone graft or a similar procedure might be needed before the dental implant process begins. Also, if you have periodontal disease, you might need treatment for that too before going in for a dental implant. In the evaluation stage, the dentist will also decide how many dental implants you might need.
- Placement Stage
After evaluation, the dentist will decide whether you need local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation for the procedure.
If you are getting an endosteal implant, the oral surgeon will cut the gum to reach the jawbone beneath that. Then, they will drill holes into the bone, where they will add the implant post. As the permanent tooth can’t be added right away, you can ask the dentist to add a temporary and easy-to-remove denture to fill the gap for the time being.
If you have opted for a subperiosteal implant, the implant post will be added on or above the bone. So, no drilling will be needed.
- Osseointegration
After an implant is placed, about 3-6 months are needed to ensure that bone growth occurs around the screw. This process is known as osteointegration. You have to let it happen naturally, and no efforts are needed at this time.
- Placing an Abutment
After the osseointegration stage is complete, a dentist will add a mental extender known as an abutment to the implant. If gum tissue has grown over the implant, the dentist might need to make an incision to place the abutment.
- Adding the Tooth
When the healing is complete, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to ensure that your replacement tooth/teeth can fit smoothly. You will have the choice to choose a fixed tooth that cannot be removed on your own or a removable tooth that you can remove at home and clean daily.
- Post Procedure Precautions
If you recently had one or more dental implants, you should alert your dentist if you feel severe pain, bleeding, swelling, ongoing discomfort, or problems with biting.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- They are Affordable
As dental implants last a lifetime, they are very affordable compared to other restorations that need to be replaced every few years.
- You Can Eat Whatever You Want
If you have dental implants, you can eat whatever you want without any restrictions. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with dentures, as they might make the bite less effective.
- They Boost Your Confidence
When you get rid of gaps in your mouth, you can smile, talk, and laugh with more confidence, and you won’t feel self-conscious anymore.
- Minimal Care Needed
It would help if you treated dental implant(s) as natural tooth/teeth. Clean them regularly as not doing so can lead to oral health issues like gum diseases or infections.
- High Success Rate
The success rate of dental implants is quite high, at about 98 percent. So, people of all ages can go for it if they have a strong jawbone.
Trust Dr. Rudy to Get the Best Dental Implants
If you want to get the best dental implants that fit perfectly and are affordable, you can contact Dr. Rudy and his team. Dr. Rudy Saldamando and his team are extremely experienced, well-qualified, and dedicated to educating patients on oral health. We ensure that your dental implant procedure is painless and perfect. Call us now on 310-550-0800 for a free consultation.