Strong, attractive, durable – that’s what you get when you invest in dental implants.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth (or teeth, as the case may be), allowing you the opportunity to eat, laugh, talk, and grin like normal.
Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace a tooth, renew your confidence, and improve your oral health.
A dental implant is made up of two main parts: a metal screw that fits into the jawbone and a prosthetic tooth that sits on top of the screw.
Implants mimic your natural teeth. They act as both the tooth and the root of the tooth, something you don’t get with fixed bridges or partial dentures.
Dental implants in Whittier act as an anchor for your jawbone, just as your natural teeth do. This is important because once you've lost a tooth and that anchor is gone, the jawbone will start to recede. Bone recession can lead to gum and bone loss, along with periodontal disease, around adjacent teeth.
Another reason why implants are important is that they help balance bite pressure. When you have a full set of teeth, your teeth and jaw are in proper alignment. Once a tooth is lost, other teeth will start to shift to fill the space. This results in an imbalance that can:
Dental implants restore the balance in your bite, thereby protecting your teeth, gums, jawbones, and jaw joints.
Dental implants are certainly an investment of time and money – but they’re definitely worth it. Some of the benefits include:
You can get a single implant to replace one missing tooth or multiple implants to replace multiple missing teeth. Some patients also opt to invest in implant-supported fixed bridges. Two implants are placed, and a space is left in between them. A three-unit bridge is fabricated with prosthetic crowns to fit over the implants, which are fused to another prosthetic tooth that fills in the space.
If you are fully edentulous, you’ll need a full set of dentures to restore your teeth. If you want added security and better function, you can talk to Dr. Omid about whether you’re a good candidate for implant-retained dentures. There are three types you can choose from. During your implant consultation with Dr. Omid, you’ll learn which option will best fit your needs.
All-on-4 dental implants: This is a great option for those on a tight budget or patients who have already experienced jawbone recession. Four implants are placed in your upper and/or lower arch at specific locations and angles. The dentures snap onto the implants.
Traditional implant dentures: Six to eight dental implants are typically placed into the jawbone. Again, the dentures snap onto the implants, holding them securely in place.
Implant and bar: The implants are connected by a metal bar, and the denture clips onto the bar.
Implant dentures are a good option for edentulous patients because it helps keep the jawbone strong and healthy. When you can avoid jawbone recession, you’re better able to maintain the natural, youthful shape of your face, which will definitely give you some confidence. Additionally, implant-supported dentures are very secure. You can eat and speak with confidence, knowing your dentures won’t slip or come out.
A good candidate for dental implants is someone who has good oral and general health. It’s also necessary that you have enough jawbone to support the implant. Therefore, having healthy gums is a must. If you have gum disease now or a history of gum disease, you may have some bone loss. However, that doesn’t automatically mean you aren’t an ideal candidate. Your Whittier cosmetic dentist will take images to evaluate your bone levels to see if you can support an implant.
Besides gum disease and bone recession, you might not be a good candidate if you:
Consulting with your dentist and physician will help you make the best decision for your health.
Many people with missing teeth hide their smile. We want to help you show yours off to the world! Contact our team today to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and to see how this procedure can benefit your oral and general health.
Would you like to learn more about dental implants? Contact us today.
CALL (562) 414-5025
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