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Dental Implants
What is Implant Dentistry?
The goal of teeth replacement is to restore your tooth’s function as well as esthetics. Dental Implants are a great way to restore a beautiful smile by replacing missing teeth.
A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of 3 to 6 months. Dental implants act as a replacement root of a missing tooth. They are made of titanium, which due to its properties is not rejected by the body.
We can use dental implants to stabilize a dental bridge or partial denture, as well as full sets of dentures with our implant-supported dentures procedure, the “All on 4” technique.
The benefits of implant dentistry
One of the main benefits of implant dentistry over other tooth replacement options is that they prevent the sunken look that is associated with missing teeth. Because the implants are placed in the jawbone, they help retain the fullness and contours of the face by retaining the supporting bone, much like a natural tooth root.
In addition, dental implants look and function much more like natural teeth when compared with other types of replacement options. Unlike dental bridges, which depend on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants stand-alone without affecting other teeth.
Dental implants require no extra maintenance aside from regular brushing, flossing, and recall visits to see your hygienist.
How does implant dentistry work?
Step 1: Dental implant consultation
We will begin the tooth replacement process with an x-ray, and an implant consultation. Our Bristol dental, oral surgeon will examine your jaw and gums to determine if dental implants could be beneficial for you.
If your jawbone has an adequate foundation for the titanium posts that will be anchored to it, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. Age is not a barrier to implant dentistry; in fact, people of all ages are choosing dental implants for tooth replacement.
Step 2: Implant placement
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, the next procedure is the surgical placement of the titanium implant in the jawbone.
The use of local anesthesia makes the procedure comfortable for patients. If you’re a patient that needs more relaxation, we also offer general anesthesia.
Oftentimes, the site of the dental implant still has an existing damaged tooth present and the tooth will need to be extracted and a bone graft placed. In some instances, when enough bone is present, the damaged tooth can be extracted and followed by the implant placement at the same appointment.
Step 3: Healing period
Once the implants have been placed, the success of the implant depends on your body’s ability to heal. There is a 3 to 6 month waiting period for the implant to integrate with your jawbone, forming a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
Step 4: Place your restoration
The last step is to restore your smile with a restoration, which may include a:
- Dental crown
- Implant-supported bridge
- Implant-supported denture (full or partial)
Our goal is to make your restoration look, feel, and function like your natural teeth! No one should know you have dental implants.
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Our Locations:
Anaheim, CA
Buena Park, CA
La Mirada, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Paramount, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana, CA (Children’s)
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