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.
You will 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. 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. Visit our What Are Dental Implants? page to learn more.
Benefits of 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:
- They look just like natural teeth. Patients are thrilled with the appearance of their smiles after implant procedures compared to removable dentures because the crown is custom made to blend in with your other teeth
- 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.
- Long-term 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 with healthy gums.
- 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.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a versatile tool that can restore a missing tooth or teeth. The implants can support a permanent single tooth crown, a multi-tooth bridge, or even a full permanent denture. The different dental implants in Los Angeles include:
- Single Tooth Replacement. You can receive a dental implant anywhere in your mouth where a missing or failing tooth needs to be restored.
- Same-Day Dental Implants. If you’re having a tooth extracted, we can place an implant post at the same appointment. This reduces the total number of visits needed to restore the missing tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge. A dental implant post can secure a bridge where multiple teeth are missing beside each other. This protects your healthy teeth from needing to be reshaped to fit a traditional bridge.
- Full-Arch Restoration. We insert multiple dental implant posts into one or both arches. They secure a fixed denture which provides a completely new, fully functioning, and natural-looking smile.
Dental Implant Surgery
Your surgeon will review your condition and treatment options with you during a consultation appointment before starting your treatment process. Our team will take 3D scans to determine the precise angle with which to place the implant, and to examine your other teeth. We offer many anesthesia and sedation options to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
During the initial surgery, your surgeon will place the implants into the empty tooth sockets beneath the gums. The post will fuse to your jaw bone over to the next few months. Once healed, your oral surgeon will place a connecting abutment and your restorative dentist will place your final, custom crown.
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.
Any post-surgical pain can be managed with rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medication. We provide detailed instructions to guide through the healing period. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and our surgeons will be happy to answer questions you have.
Cost of Dental Implants in Los Angeles, CA
In determining the cost of dental implants, many factors help us calculate an accurate estimate for treatment. Your cost for replacing missing teeth with dental implants depends on your insurance, your choice of anesthesia, if you require additional procedures, and the type and number of implants you need.
We accept a variety of payment options and have financing options for dental implants available. While other practices or corporate dental offices may offer bargain dental implants, we urge our patients to be cautious of these claims. At Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we believe in the importance of quality over saving a quick dollar. We use only the highest quality materials and implants to ensure long-lasting and optimal results.
Investing in Dental Implants
Having a beautiful and fully functional set of teeth provides infinite value to patients’ lives. If you have missing or damaged teeth, it can significantly affect your ability to eat, smile, and live a normal life. There are many options to choose from when restoring your smile, and there are many differences between dental implants and dentures.
Removable dentures and bridges are inconvenient, as they must be taken out during eating and cleaning. You must replace dentures every few years, and many patients report sores caused by ill-fitting prosthesis. Your dental implants remain in your mouth permanently and will not need to be replaced when cared for properly.
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.
Is Dental Implant Surgery 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 dental implant surgery. Even in cases of bone loss, the surgeon may prepare your mouth using a bone grafting procedure.
We can thoroughly examine your condition and health history, discuss your intended treatment plan (including anesthesia), go over your payment options, and determine an estimate of your costs. Contact our office in Los Angeles for a consultation appointment, and our oral surgeons will create a custom treatment plan for your needs.
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, CA 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.
2080 Century Park East, Suite 610
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Hours: M–F: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Phone: (310) 842-4811