A missing tooth or teeth can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed about your smile. Thankfully, dental implants are an excellent solution to restore your smile. At SoCal Prime Dentistry, we offer dental implants, artificial tooth roots that can support various prostheses that replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and are durable enough to last a lifetime. They are placed in the jawbone and serve as the foundation for an artificial tooth. Implants can also be used to secure a dental bridge or denture.
A dental implant restoration has three parts: the titanium post, abutment, and crown. The titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone where your tooth is missing. Your bone fuses with the post through a process called osseointegration. After the bone has healed, an abutment is attached to the post, acting as a crown connector. The crown is then attached to the abutment to complete the restoration process.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Before your dental implant surgery, you must have a consultation with our dentist in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. During this consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They will also discuss your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough for the surgery.
Once you are cleared for surgery, the process will begin. First, the dentist will numb the area where the implants will be placed. Then, they will drill a small hole in your jawbone and place the titanium post in the hole. The jawbone will then be left to heal and fuse with the post through a process called osseointegration. Once the post has been fused with the bone, the dentist will place the abutment on top of the post. Finally, they will place the crown on the abutment. The entire process usually takes several months to complete.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Appearance
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They won’t slip out of place or cause you embarrassment when you smile or speak.
Improved Speech
With implants, you don’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place while you speak. This allows you to speak clearly and confidently.
Improved Comfort
Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t move around in your mouth. This makes them more comfortable than dentures.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants help to prevent bone loss in your jaw. They also help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
Improved Self-Esteem
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can help you feel better about your smile and yourself.
Improved Function
Dental implants allow you to eat and speak normally. You won’t have to worry about your teeth falling out or becoming loose.
Implant-Supported Restorations:
Implant-Supported Bridges
This option involves placing two dental implants in the jawbone to support a three-unit bridge, which consists of three artificial teeth (pontics) connected together. The implants serve as sturdy anchors for the bridge, providing stability and preventing bone loss in the area of the missing teeth. This option is suitable for patients who are missing one or more adjacent teeth and prefer a fixed restoration that does not require removal.
All-on-4 Supported Overdenture
The All-on-4 concept involves using four dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone to support a full arch overdenture. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums and may require adhesive for stability, an overdenture is secured in place by clips or attachments that snap onto the implants. This provides increased stability and prevents slippage or movement of the denture during chewing and speaking. The overdenture is removable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
All-on-4 Supported Denture Fixed with Screws
In this option, the All-on-4 concept is used to support a full arch fixed denture that is permanently attached to the implants using screws. The denture is typically made of durable materials such as zirconia, which offers excellent strength and aesthetics. Unlike the overdenture, this fixed restoration cannot be removed by the patient and functions similarly to natural teeth. It provides maximum stability and chewing efficiency, making it a popular choice for patients seeking a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.
Each of these options has its advantages and considerations, and the most suitable option depends on factors such as the patient's oral health, preferences, budget, and treatment goals. A thorough evaluation and consultation with a qualified dentist or prosthodontist are essential for determining the best treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss that look and feel like natural teeth. If you are missing one or more teeth and are interested in dental implants, contact SoCal Prime Dentistry at 22032 El Paseo Ste 230 , Rancho Santa Margarita, CA , 92688, or call (949) 713-1606.