When you suffer tooth loss, the resulting gap may take confidence from 100% to 0%. Apart from confidence-related issues, tooth loss affects oral and dental function, as well as the remaining teeth, leading to misalignments and premature wear. You want to fill the gap left by missing teeth as soon as possible, and dental implants, also called tooth implants, are an ideal option.
At The Encino Dentist, we offer expert 3D and digital implant dentistry services to replace missing teeth, whether you have one, several, or all teeth missing. Do not allow tooth loss to lower your confidence. Schedule a dental appointment with us to obtain a new smile with tooth implants.
Dental Implant Basics
Tooth implants are an advanced solution for restoring a smile by replacing one or more missing teeth. They are designed to mimic the functionality and appearance of natural tooth roots. These implants have three primary parts that provide a permanent and stable base for prosthetic teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, tooth implants are inserted right into the bone, providing singular durability and support.
The tooth implant parts are
- Titanium screw (implant). This part acts as the tooth root, supporting the artificial tooth. It is made of titanium. The dentist surgically places it into the bone where the natural tooth used to be. With time, this titanium screw fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, giving a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment. After the dental implant has fused with the bone, the dental professional attaches a small connecting piece, called an abutment, to the implant surface. This device connects the implant to the replacement tooth. It slightly protrudes above the gumline, giving a foundation onto which the artificial tooth can be affixed.
- The replacement tooth. This is the noticeable action of the implant. The replacement tooth could be a crown, bridge, or denture. Replacement teeth are crafted from materials that closely resemble natural teeth, including composite and porcelain. That said, they resemble the original teeth’s appearance, color, and function. The dentist attaches a replacement tooth to the abutment. Replacement teeth are colored and shaped to blend perfectly with the adjacent teeth, restoring both the function and aesthetics of the missing tooth.
Tooth implants are not a new concept. They have evolved over the years. The titanium implants used today have greater bone-bonding properties.
Benefits of Tooth Implants
Tooth implants do more than replace missing teeth. They have several advantages that surpass aesthetics, affecting general dental health. Here is how you can benefit if you choose a tooth implant:
Comfort and Natural Appearance
Tooth implants function, look, and feel like your original teeth. The replacement teeth are custom-made to resemble the shape and color of the adjacent teeth in your mouth, enabling them to blend perfectly with your smile. And since they are affixed directly to the jawbone, dental implants provide a sense of stability and comfort that is incomparable to other dental replacement options. Implants eliminate the insecurity and discomfort typically linked to dentures.
Improved Eating Abilities and Speech
With dentures, there is always the possibility that they will shift when you are eating or speaking, which could cause difficulty chewing or slurred speech. Tooth implants firmly sit in the jawbone, enabling you to eat any food without stress and speak clearly. They restore your mouth’s full function.
Bone Loss Prevention
The ability of tooth implants to prevent bone deterioration is among their most significant advantages. When you have a tooth missing, the jawbone at the space left unoccupied starts to degenerate due to not receiving stimulation. Implants generate stimulation similar to that of original teeth, enhancing jawbone growth and averting jawbone loss.
Preserving Surrounding Teeth
With traditional dental bridges, you must grind down the surrounding teeth to secure the bridge. Implants do not require the dental professional to alter adjacent teeth, thereby conserving the strength of your original teeth. That said, tooth implants not only help maintain your remaining teeth’s health, but they also avert dental problems that may arise in the future related to the alteration of the tooth structure.
They Are Durable
Tooth implants last a long time. With proper maintenance and care, they could even last a patient’s lifetime. This feature makes it an affordable solution long term. Often, investing in tooth implants pays off because these dental restorations do not require replacement as regularly as bridges or dentures.
Higher Success Rates Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options
Tooth implants have a higher success rate. In many cases, the success rate exceeds 95%. This rate of success is considerably higher compared to other dental restoration options, making tooth implants a quality and efficient option for long-lasting tooth replacement.
Dental implants are a vital investment for your appearance, oral health, and general well-being. This option improves your smile and oral health, ultimately leading to increased confidence. Thanks to technological advancements in dentistry, implants are more successful and accessible, becoming a preferred choice for patients seeking to restore or enhance their oral health.
The Procedure to Place Your Dental Implants
The process of restoring your dental health with implants occurs in several stages. Understanding the stages involved, from the initial dental consultation to implant maintenance, can help you prepare in advance for what you will expect when you go to the dentist. These steps are as follows:
Consultation and Creating a Treatment Plan
The first thing that happens when you go to a dentist for dental implants is that they will assess your eligibility. The assessment includes the dentist performing a dental examination and reviewing your health history, and taking dental X-ray or 3D images. The dentist will consider factors like general health, jawbone density, and gum health.
The dentist will utilize CT scans and other advanced imaging methods to develop a precise plan for the implant process. These images enable the dentist to determine the best location for placing the implants. They also help determine the healthiness of the bone and whether you will need any preparatory treatments, like bone grafting.
Once the dentist has conducted an assessment and imaging, they will discuss the disadvantages, advantages, costs, and appointments specific to your case with you, enabling you to make informed decisions. After the consultation, the dentist will give you a comprehensive summary of the consultation and clinical findings, as well as, if suitable, a proposed treatment plan. The plan will outline the timeline, number of appointments, and the costs at every stage.
The Placement Surgery
After the consultation, the next step is the surgical insertion of the dental implant. The surgery occurs in stages. In the first step, the dentist will place the titanium screw into the bone, then they will leave the surgical site to heal. Healing may take months, during which the implant merges with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once healing has taken place, the dentist will place the abutment on the implant screw. You will need at least two weeks for the gums to heal after abutment placement. Lastly, they will attach the customized replacement tooth to the abutment. If you only need a single replacement tooth, for example, a single crown, you will require at least two appointments. But if it is a more intricate procedure, such as an implant denture, you may need four to six appointments.
Generally, the tooth implant surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia. The anesthesia numbs the surgical site, ensuring you do not experience pain during the procedure. The dentist may also make sedation options available to assist in easing anxiety and enable you to be comfortable.
Recovering From Surgery and Aftercare
After the dentist completes all the stages of surgery, it is normal to feel some discomfort. You may also experience minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling. These usually subside shortly. Your dental professionals will provide comprehensive aftercare directions to ensure your healing process goes smoothly. They will provide you with dietary guidelines and oral hygiene instructions, as well as inform you of any necessary check-up visits.
Avoiding particular foods and practicing proper dental hygiene can promote healing and recovery. Also, if you smoke, be sure to quit since it can impact healing and the dental implant’s success.
Maintenance and Follow-Up
Like original teeth, tooth implants require routine care, including routine check-ups, flossing, and brushing. Regular dental visits will ensure the durability of your tooth implants and track your oral health. Dentists recommend professional dental exams and cleanings twice a year to prevent periodontitis and ensure the abutment, replacement tooth, and titanium screw stay in perfect condition.
The implant procedure is a dedication, necessitating patience and time. However, the results are a missing teeth replacement option that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and durable. By understanding all the steps involved in the placement process and following your dentist’s advice, the treatment can be highly successful, and you will end up with an enhanced smile and increased confidence.
Types of Tooth Implants
There are various types of dental implants to accommodate varying bone structures and dental needs. Understanding these types will help you determine which option best suits you.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of implants. Generally, these are made of titanium and have the shape of small screws. The dentist places them directly into the bone, and they act as a robust, stable foundation for artificial teeth. These dental restorations are ideal for individuals whose jawbone is healthy enough to support the titanium screw. Once the dentist has placed the implant and it has bonded with the jawbone, they will attach an abutment to anchor the replacement dental restoration.
Subperiosteal Implants
A subperiosteal dental implant is the opposite of an endosteal implant. Instead of the dentist inserting them into the bone, they place these implants beneath the gum, yet above or on the bone. They have a metal post that goes underneath the gum line, but above or underneath the bone. During the healing process of the gums, the frame fuses to the bone. The posts affixed to the metal frame protrude out of the gum line to support the artificial teeth. These are an option when you do not have sufficient healthy jawbone that can support a dental implant and do not wish to have bone augmentation to rebuild it.
Mini Implants
A mini implant is narrower than the other types. They are generally an option in instances where the space undergoing treatment is narrow, and therefore, a small dental implant is required to fit in that space. Also, these dental restorations can secure dentures, giving a firmer foundation for them to rest on. This improves the wearer’s functionality and comfort. The process to place these implants is less invasive. Sometimes, dentists complete the entire treatment in just one visit.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are a special type of implant. Unlike conventional dental implants, which the dentist anchors in the bone, these are ultra-long and are inserted into the upper jaw, attaching to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), giving a solid foundation for permanent teeth replacement. These dental restorations are suitable for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, so the patient does not need to undergo extensive jawbone grafting.
The innovative approach of zygomatic implants enables the dentist to load the prosthesis immediately, significantly reducing the treatment period and providing an ideal solution for individuals who, because of severe jawbone loss, cannot obtain traditional implants. Zygomatic tooth implants are an advancement in the field of implant dentistry. They restore hope and functionality to people with intricate dental needs.
All-on-4 Implants
Another type of implant is All-on-4. These implants provide a complete-arch restoration with just four implant posts as the base. The All-on-4 technique is ideal for individuals missing all their teeth in one or both arches and who do not wish to wear conventional dentures.
The All-on-4 procedure entails inserting titanium screws at a specific angle in the jaw area with enough healthy bone. That said, there is no need for jawbone grafting. Additionally, with this procedure, the dentist can immediately load prosthetic teeth. That means a patient can have temporary teeth affixed to the implant screws on the same day the screws were inserted. The temporary teeth can then be replaced with permanent ones at a later time.
Every type of tooth implant has unique advantages and is suitable for different patients’ needs and situations. When consulting with your dentist, they will evaluate your bone density, dental health, and particular requirements before recommending the kind of implant that best suits your needs. When you understand the available options, you can make informed decisions, which will lead to you achieving the best outcome possible in your journey to restore your smile.
Dental Implant Durability
While the titanium screw is designed to stay intact for a lifetime, replacement teeth (such as bridges, dentures, and crowns) made from quality materials generally last a minimum of fifteen years. But with proper care, these replacement teeth can even last for decades. Practicing proper oral hygiene can help keep the implants in excellent shape for a long time. Proper dental hygiene in this case includes:
- Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day
- Undergoing professional examinations and cleanings every 6 months
- Protecting your implants using a mouth guard if you play contact sports or grind or clench your teeth during the night
Dental Implant Candidacy
Not everybody is eligible for dental implant treatment. Specific key characteristics make a person an ideal candidate for tooth implants. These include the following:
- Good dental and general health. Patients who wish to receive tooth implants must be healthy enough to undergo the surgery. Also, they must have healthy surrounding teeth and gums. If you have gum disease, you will need to treat it first before starting the dental implant procedure.
- Adequate Jawbone. The primary requirement for tooth implants is sufficient bone support. Your jawbone must be dense and strong enough to anchor the implant. But if you do not have an adequate jawbone and still want to try implants, you may still have options. You can undergo jawbone grafting to build jawbone density.
- Commitment to the treatment. The tooth implant process is not a quick one. In many cases, the treatment can last several months. Firstly, it takes many months for the titanium screw to fuse to the jawbone. Next, if you must undergo bone grafting, you will have to add months of healing to the treatment. Thus, it is essential to acknowledge that the entire process can be lengthy and involves multiple steps.
- Good oral hygiene. You must have proper oral hygiene habits to be able to undergo the implant procedure. This includes flossing and brushing. You must also be able to clean around the dental work. Peri-implantitis refers to a gum-related infection similar to periodontitis that you can develop if you have tooth implants and you do not appropriately care for your mouth.
Challenges and Considerations
While tooth implants are a powerful solution for restoring a smile, there are numerous essential challenges and considerations you should understand before choosing them. Understanding these challenges and concerns can ensure you are informed and ready for the procedure.
The Management of Complications
Your dental professional will take preventive steps to lower risks. These include providing detailed postoperative care instructions and using sterile methods. If complications arise, your dentist is equipped to know how to control them through careful monitoring, medication, or additional procedures if need be.
Common Risks After Surgery
Like all other surgical procedures, various risks are involved with the tooth implant placement surgery, including damage to the surrounding blood vessels or nerves and infection. You may also have sinus issues when the implants are inserted in the top jaw and protrude into the sinus cavities. Nevertheless, these complications rarely occur and are effectively manageable when addressed on time.
Bone Density and Age Considerations
There is no maximum age limit to acquire tooth implants. However, sufficient jawbone density is critical for the treatment to be successful. Younger individuals who have not yet developed a fully formed jawbone may need to wait until their jawbones mature before undergoing treatment. If you have inadequate jawbone density, you may have to undergo bone grafting to develop a robust base for the dental implants.
General Cost of Treatment
Tooth implant treatment is more costly upfront than other dental replacement choices. The amount of money payable for implant treatment varies significantly depending on how many implants you need, the implants used for treatment, and whether you need any additional dental treatment, such as jawbone grafting.
Some Health Conditions May Impact Eligibility
Not everybody is an ideal candidate for tooth implants. Particular health conditions, like significant heart conditions, heavy smoking, and uncontrolled diabetes, can impact the implant success and recovery process. Your dentist should conduct a thorough assessment of your health history to ensure it is safe for you to undergo dental implant treatment.
Financial Planning and Insurance Considerations
Dental insurance coverage for tooth implants varies significantly. Some insurance plans will pay a percentage of the total treatment charges, while others will not cover any of the expenses at all. It is essential to confirm whether your dental insurance provider covers tooth implant treatment and whether your dentist offers payment plans that are compatible with your insurance. Many clinics offer flexible payment plans and financing options to help patients manage treatment costs.
Opting for dental implant treatment is a crucial decision. You must consider several factors carefully before agreeing to it. You want to understand the financial implications, possible risks, and suitability criteria. This way, you can make informed decisions regarding your dental care. The challenges and considerations notwithstanding, dental implants remain a life-changing and highly successful choice for many patients, offering a lasting solution to restore confidence and dental health.
Find an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
Do you have missing teeth due to an injury, gum disease, or decay? You need not be ashamed of having gaps in your teeth, but you should move quickly to safeguard your smile, confidence, and oral health. At Encino Dentist, we offer full-mouth and single-tooth implants to provide solutions for all patients. Call 818-650-0429 to set up your appointment and determine your eligibility for dental implant treatment. Even if you are not eligible, we offer alternative tooth replacement options that may benefit you.