Dental Implants Calabasas

What Dental Implants Are

A dental implant is a small, screwlike post that surgically replaces a missing tooth. Dental labs model them to mimic the function and form of the original teeth. Apart from filling in the gaps in your teeth, dental implants enhance chewing and general oral health. After they have healed, implants function much like natural teeth.

A tooth implant comprises three primary parts:

• A threaded post: This is a human-made tooth root. The dentist implants it in the jawbone where the root of the missing tooth was through a surgical procedure.
• Abutment: This refers to a small connector post. The dentist attaches it to the threaded post, just slightly above the gums. It acts as the link between the artificial tooth and the implant post and forms the foundation for the new human-made tooth.
• Artificial tooth: This is the noticeable part of the dental implant. The dentist attaches this to the abutment. It is made from composite or porcelain material to resemble the appearance and color of the original teeth; thus, it blends effortlessly with adjacent teeth. Prevalent artificial teeth attached to dental implants are bridges, dentures, and crowns.

Tooth implants are evidence of dental technological advancements. They offer patients a means to restore their confidence and smiles. They have a huge success rate (about 95%); thus, they have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

Most tooth implants are made of titanium, but a few are ceramic. Both materials are biocompatible (friendly to mouth tissues) and safe.

Dentists perform a surgical procedure to place dental implants. The type of dental implant and the condition of the jawbone guide the procedure, which might involve several procedures.

Types of Dental Implants

Different types of dental implants accommodate various bone structures and dental needs. Understanding these types will assist you and your dentist in deciding the ideal option.

• Endosteal Implants: These are inserted directly into a patient’s jawbone, generally via oral surgery. These are the commonly used implants. They are often made from titanium material. This type is ideal for patients with a healthy jawbone.
• Subperiosteal implants: These are placed underneath the gum but onto or above the bone without penetrating the jawbone itself. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implant posts protrude via the top of the gum, allowing the placement of an artificial tooth over them. They are ideal when the patient lacks sufficient jawbone.
• Zygomatic implants: These are ultralong dental implants. They are used in the upper jaw, which attaches to the zygomatic bones. They are ideal for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
• Mini implants: These are narrower to support dentures or for narrow spaces. Their placement procedure is less invasive.

Candidates for Dental Implants

As mentioned, dentists place dental implants in the jawbone during a surgical procedure. The implants act as the roots of missing teeth. Since titanium or ceramic fuses with the jawbone, the dental implants will not make noise, slip, or lead to damage like dentures or fixed bridgework may. Plus, the materials cannot decay like natural teeth do. You may be the right candidate for dental implants if:

• Your jawbone has reached maximum growth.
• You have a single or several missing teeth.
• You have sufficient bone to support the restorations or can undergo bone grafting
• You have healthy mouth tissues
• You do not have a health condition that can impact bone healing
• You are unwilling or unable to put on dentures
• You do not smoke tobacco

You may not be a suitable candidate for dental implants if:

• If you have a significant heart condition,
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• You are a heavy smoker
• Your jawbone is not fully developed (this is mainly in younger patients)

The Tooth Implant Placement Process

Replacing your missing teeth with tooth implants entails several steps, from the first consultation to maintenance. Knowing the process will help you demystify it and prepare for what to anticipate.

Initial Consultation and Planning

First of all, planning to undergo tooth implant placement might involve several specialists, including:

• A periodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating teeth-supporting structures like bones and gums)
• An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a professional who specializes in face, jaw, and mouth conditions
• An ENT (ear, nose, & throat) specialist
• A prosthodontist (a dental professional who designs and fits human-made teeth)

The initial step of the tooth implant placement process is assessing your eligibility to establish whether you are an ideal candidate. The assessment entails the following:

• Medical history review: Inform your dentist about any health conditions you have and any medications you use. This includes prescription medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. The dentist will also consider gum health, jawbone density, and general health to ensure tooth implants are an ideal option.
• Full dental examination: The dentist may take 3D images and dental X-rays. Also, they may make models of your jaw and teeth.

If you are eligible, the dentist will develop a treatment plan just for you. The plan will consider the number of teeth that need replacement and the condition of your remaining teeth and jawbone.

The Surgery Itself

The surgical procedure to place implants is usually an outpatient procedure conducted in more than one stage, with recovery time between treatments. The initial stage entails the dentist:

• Removing the damaged tooth
• Preparing the jawbone, also known as grafting, when necessary
• Placing the dental implant

During the surgical procedure to install the tooth implant, the surgeon incises the gum to open and expose your jawbone. Then, they drill holes into the bone where they place the threaded post. Because the post acts as the tooth’s root, the surgeon will implant it deep into your jawbone.

At this stage, there will still be a gap at the site undergoing treatment. If necessary, the dentist can place a partial, temporary artificial tooth. You can remove the temporary restoration for cleaning and when you want to sleep.

The whole placement process may take several months, from beginning to end. Much of this period is spent recovering and awaiting the new bone to grow in the jaw. Particular steps are sometimes combined based on your case, the specific surgical procedure conducted, and the type of materials used.

To manage pain, anesthesia options before surgery might include:

• Local anesthesia (the dentist will number the part they will be working on)
• General anesthesia (you will be in a sleep-like state)
• Sedation, which will help you feel less anxious or calm

Speak with your dentist about what option is ideal for you. Based on the kind of anesthesia you will be under, you might have to limit what you drink or eat before the surgical procedure. If you will have general anesthesia or sedation, plan on having someone drive you home after the procedure. Also, expect that you will have to rest through the end of the day.

When a Bone Graft Is Necessary

If your bone is too soft or not thick enough, you might have to obtain a bone graft before the dentist places dental implants. That is because chewing exerts high pressure on the jawbone. If the jawbone cannot support the tooth implant, the placement surgery will likely fail. Bone grafting will create a solid foundation for the dental implant. Your dentist can use various bone graft materials to strengthen your bone.

It might take months for the grafted bone to develop sufficient new jawbone to anchor an implant. In certain cases, you require only a slight bone graft. In that case, your dentist can do the grafting simultaneously with the surgery to place the implant post. Your jawbone condition determines how your dentist will proceed.

Waiting for Jawbone Growth

After the surgeon has placed the threaded post in the bone, osseointegration begins. This is a process where the implant post fuses with the gums and jawbone to become a natural part of your mouth. During osseointegration, the bone grows into and merges with the implant post’s surface. This process provides a strong base for the new human-made tooth, just like tooth roots provide a strong base for your original teeth. Osseointegration can take months.

Abutment Placement

After osseointegration, you might need another surgical procedure to insert the abutment. This is the part where the artificial tooth will attach. Often, this surgery is outpatient. Surgeons use medication to numb the area they will work on. To insert the abutment, the surgeon will:

• Reopen the gum, exposing the implant post
• Attach the abutment onto the implant post
• Close the gum tissues around but not on top of the abutment

The surgeon can attach the abutment to the implant post when they implant it. In that case, you will not require an additional surgery step. However, since the abutment protrudes past the gum line, it will be visible whenever your mouth opens. It will remain like that until the surgeon places the artificial tooth. Some people do not like how that looks. Thus, they prefer an extra procedure to insert the abutment.

Once the surgeon installs the abutment, the gums must heal for at least fourteen days. Then, your prosthodontist or general dentist can attach the human-made tooth.

Healing and Aftercare

After each stage of the surgery, you might experience some discomfort, like:

• Minor bleeding
• Pain at the implant site
• Bruising of gums and skin
• Swelling of the face and gums

These discomforts often disappear within some days. You might need antibiotics or pain medication after the process. Your dental professional will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure flawless healing. The instructions will include guidelines on oral hygiene, diet, and any requisite follow-up visits.

Call your dental professional if soreness, swelling, or other problems worsen within days after the procedure. After every stage of the placement procedure, you might have to consume soft foods until the surgery site heals. Do not smoke since it can interfere with the healing process and the implant’s success. The surgeon will more likely utilize dissolving stitches. If yours do not dissolve themselves, your dental professional will remove them on one of your follow-up checkups.

The Success or Dental Implant Placement Procedure

Most tooth implants are successful once placed. However, the jawbone sometimes fails to fuse adequately to the implant post. Smoking, for example, might contribute to dental implant complications and failure. Should the bone fail to osseointegrate enough, the dentist will remove the implant post and clean up the bone. You can then repeat the placement procedure in approximately ninety days.

Durability of Dental Implants

Tooth implants are meant to last longer than other alternatives, such as dentures and bridges. With proper maintenance and care, they can last a lifetime. The artificial tooth part of the implant will need replacement at some point. Most bridges and crowns last about fifteen years. On the other hand, most dentures last at least 7 years, although this timeline varies. This makes them a cost-effective option in the long run. The first investment in tooth implants usually pays off since they do not require replacement as often as bridges or dentures.

You can enable your dental implants to last longer by:

• Avoiding damaging practices: Do not chew items like hard candy and ice. These can break your original or artificial teeth. Avoid tooth-staining caffeine and tobacco products. Obtain treatment if you grind your teeth.
• Seeing your dental professional regularly: Set up dental visits to ensure your dental implants are working properly and healthy. Follow your dental professional’s advice for professional cleanings.
• Keeping your gums and teeth clean: Like your original teeth, clean the dental implants and gum tissues. A specially made toothbrush, for example, an interdental toothbrush that slides between teeth, can assist in cleaning the crannies and nooks around gums, teeth, and implant posts.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Tooth implants do more than replace missing teeth. They offer several advantages that are more than aesthetics, affecting quality of life and general well-being. Here are some of the benefits of opting for tooth implants:

Preserves Surrounding Teeth

Conventional bridges necessitate grinding down the surrounding teeth to anchor the bridge. With tooth implants, the surgeon needs not to alter adjacent teeth. This approach maintains the health of your original teeth and averts future dental problems linked to the alteration of tooth structure.

Prevents Bone Loss

Among tooth implants’ most notable health benefits is their ability to avert bone deterioration. When you are missing a tooth, the part of the bone where the tooth was starts to waste away because of a lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic the stimulation of natural teeth, averting bone loss and encouraging bone growth.

Improved Eating Capabilities and Speech

With tooth replacement options such as dentures, they are likely to shift while eating or speaking, causing difficulty chewing or slurred speech. Implants are firmly anchored, enabling you to eat without worry and speak clearly. They restore your mouth’s full function, improving your ability to eat several foods.

Comfort and Natural Appearance

Tooth implants are modeled to function, look, and feel like original teeth. Dental labs customize the artificial teeth to mirror the shape and color of the surrounding teeth, fitting effortlessly into your smile. Since the dentist anchors them directly into the jawbone, these restorations provide stability and comfort unmatched by the other dental replacement options. This eliminates the insecurity and discomfort usually linked to dentures.

Risks of Dental Implant Placement

Like other surgeries, dental implant placement comes with health risks. However, the risks are few, often minor, and easily manageable when they arise. They include:

• Infection at or around the dental implant site
• Damage or injury to the surrounding structures, like blood vessels or other teeth
• Nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in your original teeth, lips, gums, or chin
• Sinus issues if the implants placed in the upper jaw poke into one of the sinus cavities.

Find a Cosmetic Surgery Near Me

Losing one or several teeth will affect how you eat or talk, and even more, it will affect your smile. However, you should not let that bring you down. With dental implants, you can regain oral function and beauty, enabling you to smile confidently. At Calabasas Smiles Advanced Smiles, we perform dental implant placement surgery to restore our patients’ smiles. We use advanced equipment and technology to ensure optimal results.