Millions of adults in the United States are impacted by tooth loss every year. Tooth loss can be caused by genetics, general health conditions, poor oral hygiene practices, bad habits, and more. Missing teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including additional tooth loss, difficulty speaking/chewing, looking older, tooth misalignment, low self-confidence, and more.
At Calm Dental in Los Angeles, we offer several tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants. Our team of dentists is highly trained in smile restoration procedures.
All-on-4 dental implants is a system for replacing a full arch (upper or lower) of missing teeth with 4 dental implants. Two of the implants are placed in the front of the jaw and two in the back at a 45° angle. The angle of the rear implants provides the support necessary to restore normal bite force.
Patients who have had dentures for some time may be interested in denture stabilization with dental implants. This involves the placement of 2 or more dental implants and an overdenture to snap on to the implants. The overdenture can be permanent or removable, depending on your preference.
During this visit, one of our highly trained dentists will examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine the severity of your tooth loss and if you will need any additional procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting. We will also discuss your personal goals for treatment. We will use the information we gather during this appointment to create your treatment plan.
If a patient has been missing teeth for some time, the jawbone may have deteriorated some. In this case, we will need to do a bone graft, which will require healing before the implants can be placed.
When it comes time to place the implants, we start by making an incision in the gums so that we can get to the jawbone. Then, we drill a tiny hole in the jawbone to insert the implant into. Once the implant is placed, we will close the incision and send the patient home to heal.
Over the next few weeks or months, osseointegration will be taking place. This is the process of the jawbone healing around and fusing to the implant, securing it in place. This will create a stable base for your prosthetic, whether a single crown or a multi-tooth replacement.
When osseointegration is complete, we will schedule to have the patient come back in to have the abutment placed. This is the piece that connects the implant to the prosthetic.
At this time, we will make an incision over the implant and place the abutment. A healing cap will be placed over it to keep the gums from healing over it while you wait for the prosthesis to be fabricated. This typically takes a couple of weeks.
When the prosthesis comes in, we will schedule an appointment to place it. First, we will remove the healing cap. Then, we will temporarily place the prosthesis to ensure that it fits properly and blends with any remaining natural teeth. If it fits properly, it will be secured in place and you will have a fully restored smile.
During recovery, make sure to keep your mouth clean. Carefully brush and floss around the implant site. You will want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and alcohol-free mouthwash. By keeping your mouth clean and free of bacteria, you reduce your risk of infection and implant failure.
Research shows that complete dentures last approximately 10 years and dental bridges should be replaced every 5 to 15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are the gold standard in tooth replacement and have been proven to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. In some cases, the crown or overdenture may need to be replaced after 20 years due to normal wear and tear.
Dental implants act as a tooth root, providing the prosthetic with the same stability as a natural tooth. A porcelain crown is the best option for creating the most natural look and feel, but composite resin can also be used.
In order to remain healthy, your jawbone needs stimulation, which it gets from the tooth roots. Once teeth start falling out, that stimulation is lost, and the body begins to reabsorb some of the jawbone. Most of this occurs within the first 6 months. However, dental implants act as a replacement tooth root, preventing this from happening.
When you are missing a tooth, the neighboring teeth will begin to shift to fill in the gap, which can cause problems with your ability to bite/chew. Placing an implant in the gap will prevent teeth from shifting.
Since dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, this solution supports your natural speaking/chewing ability. Dentures and bridges sit on top of the gums, which can cause changes in the way air moves through your mouth. Many times, patients with dentures and bridges develop a lisp.
If you are among the millions of American adults in Los Angeles who have experienced some tooth loss, we encourage you to schedule your consultation at Calm Dental today. Our dentists are highly skilled in implant dentistry and look forward to helping restore your picture-perfect smile.
We are located on Olive Street in Los Angeles. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:40 AM to 6:00 PM.
In most cases, patients are given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the implants are being placed. If this is the case, you should be fine for driving yourself home following the procedure. However, we still recommend that you have someone drive you, just in case.
Some patients experience dental anxiety and require oral or IV sedation. If this is the case, you will be required to have someone that can drive you home following the surgery and preferably sit with you for a few hours while waiting for the sedation to wear off completely.
Dairy is good for you- it supports healthy skin, teeth, and bones. However, you should avoid it immediately following dental implant surgery because it can trigger an inflammatory response in oral tissues. This inflammation can cause the implant to become infected and can potentially lead to implant failure. In addition, dairy may trigger nausea and vomiting in some patients and the stomach acids can cause inflammation in the implant site, ultimately leading to implant failure.
