Dental implants have transformed how dentists help patients restore their smiles by providing a permanent and natural-looking tooth replacement solution. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth or require full dentures, dental implants can provide a reliable option that surpasses other methods. This comprehensive guide will explore the various dental implant options, including supportive procedures necessary for individuals with bone loss, to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
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How Do Dental Implants Work?
Your smile isn’t the same when there’s a gap due to a missing tooth. Dental implants consist of a titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post is surgically positioned into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant and bone are fused, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached. Dental implants restore function and appearance by replicating the look and feel of natural teeth and are the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Initial Consultation
Your dentist will ask about your goals, evaluate your oral health, obtain an x-ray, and determine the number of implants needed to create a custom treatment plan.
Consider a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you have considered having your teeth professionally whitened, it’s best to complete this treatment before choosing the shade for your crown, as dental restorations cannot be whitened later.
Can I Replace One Missing Tooth?
A dental implant is often the best option when replacing a single tooth due to its durability and natural appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Dental Implant Placement
An implant post is surgically planted into the jawbone. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia.
Osseointegration (Fusion)
Depending on the health and density of your jaw, it can take a few weeks to several months for the implant to fuse with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, provides a secure crown foundation. For individuals who have lost only one or two teeth due to an injury and are free of gum disease, the fusion should be relatively quick.
Abutment Placement
After osseointegration, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. The abutment allows for easier removal in the future should the incoming crown ever need to be replaced. Once the abutment is attached, the shade of the crown is chosen, and a dental impression is taken. A digital file containing your impression and shade choice is sent to our lab for the fabrication of your crown so that it matches seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Crown Attachment – The Finishing Touch
When it’s received back from the lab, you will return to your dentist to have a color-matched, custom-made crown securely attached to the abutment, completing the restoration.
Advantages of Single-Tooth Replacement With a Dental Implant
As a life-like, permanent tooth replacement solution, dental implants offer several advantages over fixed bridges:
- Leaves adjacent teeth intact
- Maintains bone health
- Provides a permanent solution
- Looks and functions like a strong, healthy, natural tooth
What If I Need to Replace Multiple Teeth?
For patients who have lost multiple teeth, Individual implants can also be used to replace each missing tooth or support a bridge. Here are the steps involved:
Placing the Implants
When missing two or three teeth in a row, two dental implants can be placed to support a bridge. For those with missing non-adjacent teeth, individual implants are placed where needed. If your tooth loss is the result of gum disease, you’ll likely have to receive treatment to strengthen the underlying bone before implants can be placed.
Healing and Osseointegration
Multiple implants also need time to integrate with the bone; the time it takes to complete depends on the jawbone’s health.
Attachment of Prosthetics
Custom-made bridge(s) or crowns are attached to the implants to restore a complete, attractive, and functional smile.
Advantages of Multiple-Tooth Replacement With a Dental Implant
The more teeth that are missing, the more advantageous dental implants become.
- Provides stable support for bridges
- Prevents bone loss
- Restores function and aesthetics
- Permanent tooth replacement
Replacing Full Arches of Teeth With Dental Implants
Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable, look unnatural, and prove unreliable. The most comprehensive solution is using individual implants to restore one or both arches of teeth.
However, if the cost and time commitment of this method are too extravagant, implant-supported dentures offer a more economical and faster option. Here’s how the process works for implant-supported dentures:
Evaluation and Planning
The dentist assesses your oral health and bone structure to plan the strategic placement of your dental implants.
Implant Placement
Four to six implants are typically inserted in the upper or lower jaw to support a full denture. While some pre-placement treatment may be needed when bone loss is present, a qualified dental provider will find the strongest areas to place the supporting implants.
Healing Period
Dental implants need weeks to months to integrate with the jawbone. However, some techniques can provide replacement teeth in one day.
Attachment of Denture
A custom-made denture is placed securely onto the implants, providing stability and comfort for denture wearers.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
Adhesive-based dentures can slip, limit food options, fall out, and become lost. Implant-supported dentures offer the following benefits:
- Enhanced stability and comfort
- Improved chewing ability
- Prevents bone loss
- Long-lasting and secure
What Will My Recovery After Dental Implant Placement Be Like?
Recovery experiences after a dental implant procedure vary depending on the number of implants needed and other factors, but patients can expect some degree of the following:
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the first few days. Pain medications and ice packs can help control these symptoms. A soft diet may be necessary for the first few days to avoid putting pressure on the implant site.
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help prevent gum disease and infection while ensuring the longevity of the implant.
Beverly Hills Dental Implants With Dr. Kevin Sands
Call our Beverly Hills, California, cosmetic dentist at 310.273.0111 today and experience the best tooth replacement solution. Dr. Kevin Sands (known as the dentist to the stars) provides these excellent dental implant options in Beverly Hills, CA.
Dental implants are a permanent and highly satisfying tooth loss solution. Individual implants look, feel, and function like normal healthy teeth. To maintain your new smile, all you have to do is practice good oral hygiene habits.