People lose teeth for many reasons, whether from injury, fracture, untreated decay for a prolonged time, or periodontal disease. If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be searching for a solution to help perfect your smile while maintaining the structural integrity of your mouth. Dental implants in South Gate, CA, can be the perfect solution. They provide the nearly identical chewing power of natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care while also helping prevent bone loss due to missing teeth. At our dental office in South Gate, CA we can help guide you through the process. Read on to learn more about the advantages and how Smile Dental can help you Get your healthy smile and confidence back.
Why should I invest in dental implants?
It can help change your lifestyle for the better. When you have a solid foundation and replacement teeth that act just like the real thing, it can do wonders for your overall mental and physical well-being.
How do dental implants work?
Composed of primarily titanium, dental implants substitute your tooth’s root. Then, an abutment is placed on top of the implant, serving as the bridge between the tooth root and the esthetic crown that tops the tooth. The crown can be custom designed to match the shade and shape of the rest of your natural teeth, meaning your dental implant will blend right in.
1- Implant
The anchor piece securely integrates into your jaw like a natural tooth root, creating a solid bond that improves bone health.
2- Crown
The tooth portion of your implant is designed to work and look like natural teeth. The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create replacement teeth that blend in perfectly with your natural teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Whether or not you’re a good candidate depends on a variety of factors. Usually, most patients in good enough health to undergo oral surgery are able to undergo dental implant placement. However, you may not be eligible if:
You take a medication that inhibits the functioning of your immune system.
Note: If you have medical condition such as cancer or diabetes, you may need to obtain medical consultation from your physician before your implant appointment.
You’ll need to speak to a certified dentist to determine if implants are a good solution for you. With a nearly perfect rate of success and incredible long-term benefits, dental implants could be the ideal option for replacing missing teeth.
The Process of Placing a Dental Implant
The entire implant process will take several visits, starting with a consultation and ending with the final crown. You may have more or fewer appointments depending on your unique situation.
Here are the steps you can expect.
Step 1: The Consultation
Before the process begins, your dentist will need to make sure you’re a good candidate for an implant. They will look at your oral health as well as your overall health.
Patients who have lost a lot of bone in one area may require more treatment, like a bone graft. Implants are not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or those who smoke. Both of these things can impede the healing of your implant and cause the implant to fail.
During your consultation, your dentist will take xrays of the area, which will most likely include a 3D scan called a CBCT. This 3D image allows them to evaluate the bone and plan where to place the implant.
By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a better idea of how many steps and procedures will be involved in your dental implant treatment.
Step 2: The Implant Placement
The next step is the implant surgery. If you have a tooth that is infected and needs to be extracted, that may have to take place prior to the implant. Sometimes, it can be done in the same visit.
During this appointment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic. You’ll feel vibrations and pressure, but the appointment should be completely painless.
Step 3: The Final Restoration
After the implant has been allowed to heal for about three months, you’ll return to take impressions and place the final implant crown. An abutment is placed on top of the implant, and then the crown is cemented onto the abutment. Once the crown is cemented, you can use the tooth like normal!
Experienced dental implant dentist in South Gate
Our team at Smile Dental has all the knowledge and experience in placing dental implants. We have successfully treated a wide variety of cases.
If you would like to learn more schedule a complimentary consultation, we’re always available to help!
With a new smile, you’ll feel more like yourself again.
I highly recommend Dr. Shayan to anyone who needs to get Dental Implants. I had a dental emergency and needed to do a teeth extraction, and after Dr. Shayan took the time to explain everything to me, we decided the dental implants would be the best option for me. The staff at Smile Dental was genuinely caring and professional. If you or anyone needs a good dentist in South Gate, look no further. Smile Dental is the best.
AJ Ohm
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Common questions (FAQs)
Are Dental Implants safe?
Dentists have used dental implants for many years, and they are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth.
Do Dental Implants Help If I Have Partial or Full Dentures?
They can be an excellent option for those who wear partial or full dentures. (Learn More)
Why Choose a Tooth Implant Over a Dental Bridge?
A tooth-supported bridge is a reasonable choice, but it does have some disadvantages compared to a dental implant. Bone needs force to stay healthy and in place. A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a “floating” tooth” and does not apply force on the bone. Over time, the bone will melt away. In contrast, an implant recreates the natural anatomy and applies pressure to the bone, which keeps the bone healthy and in place.
Definition of common dental implants terminology
Abutment: The abutment is the connector piece between a dental implant and an the crown.
Osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process by which your dental implant bonds and integrates with the surrounding bone.
Dental Crown: A crown is an artificial tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over the top of the implant to provide an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Titanium: This is a strong metal that is often used for implants. It is also the same material used to make airplane wings, so you know it is very strong. This metal is also lightweight, which makes it perfect for implants.
Zirconia: This metal is sometimes used as an alternative to titanium. It is used for people who are allergic to titanium.
Bone Graft: A dental bone graft is a procedure to add more bone in a part of the jaw where bone has been lost or where additional support is needed.
