If you have been living with missing teeth, dental implants can be an excellent investment for your smile. Dental implants look and feel natural and help promote a healthy and strong jawbone. If you are considering replacing missing or compromised teeth, call 818-347-1550 today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Kathy Daroee at Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry about dental implants in Woodland Hills, California.
Dental implants are a very effective way to restore your smile, and treatments similar to dental implants have been used by dentists for thousands of years. Instead of just replacing the part of your missing tooth which would have been visible to the naked eye, a dental implant also replaces the root of the tooth, which makes the restoration feel natural and promotes a healthy jawbone and mouth structure in the same way healthy, natural teeth do.
A dental implant consists of two parts. The first is the titanium implant itself, which acts as the root of the tooth and which our dentist surgically places in your jawbone. Our dentist uses Titanium for dental implants because it bonds to your natural bone in a biologic process called osseointegration, making it biocompatible with the human body. This bonding is a key part of what makes dental implants such a strong and long-lasting dental solution. As your bite exerts pressure on the implant, your jawbone becomes stronger and healthier.
The second part of a dental implant is the restoration, which is the actual tooth replacement, and which sits on the implant and completes your smile. If you are using a dental implant to replace a single tooth, the restoration capping your implant will likely be a crown, but dental implants can also be used to replace multiple teeth or an entire arch with overdentures or implant-supported dentures such as All-On-4®. In these cases, the implants lend strength and security that is not typically found in traditional dentures. When capping your dental implant with a restoration of any kind, our team will try to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth as closely as possible to make the restoration virtually unnoticeable once fully in place. Another added advantage of dental implants is that they look completely natural and can be brushed and flossed just as your natural teeth.
You need healthy gums and a strong jawbone for implants to be successful and for the titanium post securing your implant to successfully bond with your natural bone. Depending on your oral health, you may need a gum or bone graft before you can begin the implant process. It is very important that you keep all of your post-implant appointments, follow all of your aftercare instructions and maintain good oral hygiene for your implants to be a success. Certain illnesses and medications may mean you will need to consider another restoration, so you should give Dr. Daroee your medical history during your consultation. With proper care, your new dental implants can last you a lifetime. For more information about the benefits and potential of implant dentistry, and to schedule a consultation with our dentist, call our office soon!
Dental Implants FAQ
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a prosthetic tooth designed to replace the root and crown of a missing tooth. An implant consists of two main parts – an implant post and an implant restoration. The implant post replaces the tooth root and is surgically inserted into the jawbone to ensure a stable final result. The implant restoration replaces the crown of the tooth and caps the implant post. An implant restoration may be a single crown, a bridge, or a complete or partial denture.
Why should I choose a dental implant to replace my tooth?
Dental implants are considered the ideal option for replacing missing teeth. In addition to restoring your smile and your ability to chew and speak normally, implants also promote better long-term oral health and function. After losing teeth, the supporting bone in the area begins to deteriorate, which affects the health and stability of the surrounding teeth. Implants perform all the same functions as your original tooth roots, including working to stimulate your supporting bone structure and keep it healthy.
How long will my dental implant last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. As long as you are practicing good oral hygiene at home and keeping your regular dental visits, you can expect your implant to last for many, many years. Please be aware that the implant restoration may eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
What if I need to replace multiple teeth?
If you are missing teeth, our dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge or an implant-supported denture. In fact, Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry offers two different types of implant-supported dentures, All-on-4 dental implants and overdentures. We will discuss your options with you to help you find the right treatment for your needs.
Who is a candidate for implant dentistry?
Anyone who has lost teeth is a candidate for implant dentistry. As long as your mouth is healthy, you should be able to receive a dental implant without any complications. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as tooth decay, gum disease or bone loss, you will need to receive treatment for that condition before Dr. Daroee can provide you with an implant.