The oral surgeons at Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offer dental implant procedures at our office in Los Angeles, CA. When teeth are missing or need to be extracted, dental implants can act as supports for new replacement teeth. Your implants will hold your new teeth in place permanently. You will be able to smile confidently knowing that your implants look and feel just like natural teeth.
Replacing missing teeth is important for your overall health. Aside from the obvious benefits of chewing, smiling, and speaking with ease, replacing missing teeth can also help prevent dental shifting, bone loss, and other oral health problems. No other tooth replacement option prevents bone loss and restores full oral function for chewing, speaking, and smiling. Whether you are missing one tooth or many teeth, our staff will walk you through the entire treatment process. Before pursuing any treatment options, your surgeon will thoroughly review your situation to find the best plan for your individual needs.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement solution that is placed in the jaw through surgery. Each implant consists of three parts:
- A post – the base of dental implants
- An abutment – the connecting piece
- A crown or prosthesis – the permanent, new tooth
The post, also sometimes called a screw, is inserted into the bone beneath your gums to replace the root of your tooth. Posts are made of medical-grade titanium, a material that bonds naturally with your bone to create a secure hold for your replacement teeth. The abutment is a connector piece that attaches your implant post to your new replacement tooth, also known as the crown. Your crowns are custom-made by your dentist to look just like natural teeth. If you are replacing multiple teeth, you may receive a bridge or other multi-tooth prosthesis instead of a single-tooth crown.
Why dental implants?
Patients and dental professionals alike agree that they are one of the best options available for tooth replacement.
Below are just a few of the benefits of replacing teeth with dental implants:
- Beautiful new teeth. They look just like healthy natural teeth. Patients are very happy with the appearance of their smiles after implant procedures.
- A healthy option. Bone loss, dental shifting, and other issues can arise when teeth are missing for an extended length of time. Dental implants stimulate the bone beneath your gums, preventing bone loss. Your new replacement teeth will also prevent any dental shifting around the missing tooth site.
- Lifelong tooth replacements. With proper care and regular oral hygiene, your implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implants form a permanent bond with the bone in your jaw, allowing your implants to function just like natural teeth.
- No-slip security. After the healing period is complete, they are just as strong as healthy teeth. Implant patients can eat the foods they enjoy without worrying about their implants slipping or coming out of place.
With a success rate of over 95%, implants are becoming more and more popular. Many dental professionals recommend implants as the first choice to consider for patients who want to replace one tooth or multiple teeth.
Dental Implant Procedures
Dental implants are a versatile tool that can restore one tooth or many teeth. The implants can support a permanent single tooth crown, a multi-tooth bridge, or even a full permanent denture. Most of the time, surgery requires two separate procedures. Sometimes single-stage (immediate-loading) implants can be placed, reducing the number of visits necessary. Your surgeon will review your condition and treatment options with you during a consultation appointment before starting your treatment process.
During the initial surgery, your surgeon will place the implants into the bone/empty tooth sockets beneath the gums. This surgery is usually performed under IV anesthesia, so patients can rest comfortably until the procedure is over. After the surgery is over, your designated driver will be able to take you home to rest.
The next step takes place after the implant sites have healed. This second procedure involves attaching your permanent replacement teeth to your implants. Your dentist will customize your new crowns to fit your smile. Once the crowns are in place, the implant process is complete, and you can enjoy all the benefits of your new teeth.
The healing period after your initial surgery can vary, depending on the type of implants you receive. The implants must integrate with the bone in your jaw before they can undergo full chewing forces; therefore, a soft diet may be necessary for several weeks to a few months. There may be some discomfort and swelling in the days after the procedure, but most patients report that their pain is not severe. You will receive a prescription for pain medication to control discomfort, but some patients find that they do not need it. You may also be given antibiotics to prevent post-surgical infection. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Are they right for me?
If you are healthy enough to undergo minor dental surgery, and you have enough bone in your jaw to support them, you may be a candidate for surgery. Even in cases of bone loss, you surgeon may be able to prepare your mouth using a bone grafting procedure. The best way to find out if they are right for you is to come to our office in Los Angeles for a consultation appointment.
Dental Implants in Los Angeles, CA
Our office is conveniently located near Century City and Beverly Hills, just off Santa Monica Blvd. If you live in Los Angeles and are looking for a permanent solution for tooth loss, contact our office. One of our staff members will be happy to discuss your options and schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons.