You may not give it much thought, but your teeth are important for a variety of tasks including eating and speaking. When you're missing one or more teeth, these tasks and others become more challenging- not to mention the impact on your self-esteem.
The good news is you do have tooth options for tooth replacement from conventional dentures to dental implants. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are the best option because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth.
The staff at Calm Dental in Los Angeles have the experience and expertise to ensure that you find the best solution for your tooth replacement. Here's what you need to know about dental implants.
The process of getting dental implants is extensive and can take up to a year or more, depending on your current condition and how your body responds to surgery and heals.
The steps are as follows:
The first step is your initial consultation. The staff at Calm Dental requires this for every procedure. This will allow us to determine your current condition and the best course of treatment.
If you have teeth remaining that are damaged/decayed beyond repair, extraction will be recommended. Additionally, dental implants require healthy gums and a healthy jawbone, so if you have any jawbone deterioration or gum disease, those will need to be addressed before implants can be placed. In most cases, any of these procedures will require healing time. In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time as extractions- this can be decided at the time of the procedure.
Once your mouth is healthy enough, the implant posts/screws can be placed. This requires oral surgery: an incision will be made in the gum and a hole drilled in the jawbone for the implant to be placed. Once the posts are in place, the incision will be stitched up and you will be sent home to heal. This is usually done under local anesthesia, but sedation can be provided if needed- this will need to be discussed during the consultation visit.
In the case of All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants, which are referred to as "teeth in a day", a temporary prosthesis will be placed at this time.
You will need to stick to a soft food diet for a few months until the jawbone heals around and fuses with the implant- known as osseointegration.
Once the jawbone has healed around and fused with the implant screw, you will return to the dentist's office to have an abutment placed. This is what will secure the crown to the implant screw. Impressions will be taken, and the crown will be ordered at this time.
In a few weeks, the crown will be sent to the office from the lab. Then, we will schedule your appointment to have it placed. If you have All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants, this is the step where the permanent prosthesis will be placed.
The entire process from start to finish can take up to a year or more, depending on your body's ability to heal. If you heal quickly, you may not require as much time. However, if you have a medical condition or are taking medications that impact your ability to heal, you may require more time.
Dental implants require oral surgery for placement. Therefore, you can expect some discomfort. However, the pain should be minimal. Local anesthesia will be administered prior to the procedure, so you should only feel some pressure during the procedure.
You may have some minor discomfort for up to a few days after the procedure. This can usually be mitigated with OTC pain relievers. You may also be provided with a prescription pain reliever if needed.
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Calm Dental in Los Angeles today. We have the experience and expertise to improve your smile and your confidence with a variety of dental procedures including dental implants. We are located on Olive Street in Los Angeles. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:40 AM to 6:00 PM.
If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or other dental procedures, the team at Calm Dental will be happy to help. Below are a few of the questions that are most often asked:
On average, dental implants cost $5,000 per tooth. A full-mouth restoration can cost $60,000 to $90,000+. Hybrid options, such as All-on-4 dental implants usually cost an average of $12,000 per arch, or $24,000 for both.
Unfortunately, since this is classified as a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance won't cover it.
Dairy is full of vitamins and nutrients that are good for you. However, you should avoid dairy immediately following implant surgery. This is because dairy has been shown to irritate soft oral tissues, especially open wounds. In addition, dairy can trigger nausea/vomiting, which introduces stomach acid into the mouth. These side effects can lead to implant failure.
However, once the implant site has healed, you can include dairy products as part of your recovery diet.
Yes, dental implants have been proven safe and effective for replacing missing teeth for most patients. However, if you have any underlying health concerns or are taking medications, make sure to discuss these during your initial consultation. This information will be used to determine if this is the best solution for your tooth loss.
As much as possible, you should stick to soft foods for a few weeks to a few months following dental implant surgery. If you bite down on anything that is too hard or tough, you may cause the implants to shift which could result in implant failure. However, as you feel ready, you can begin to transition to a normal diet.
