As you age, you could lose a tooth or two because of several factors. You could also lose your permanent teeth either through an accident or periodontal disease. These issues could leave your teeth damaged beyond repair. When you have one or more teeth missing, you could need a more permanent solution such as dental implants. These implants are artificial teeth made to resemble your natural teeth and improve your general appearance.

You want to find an experienced dentist who could assess your condition and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. At La Puente Dental Implant Center, we have helped many patients gain beautiful smiles through excellent dental implant procedures. Visit us today to undergo a comprehensive dental examination and determine what implant types are best for you.

Overview of Dental Implants

As earlier stated, dental implants are a permanent way of replacing missing teeth. This means that a surgical procedure is involved in fixing an artificial root in your jawbone. These artificial roots are screw posts that are installed deep in your jawbone, like your natural roots. These metallic posts are what a dentist uses to fix the crowns and give you a natural-looking tooth.

Before the dental surgery, your dentist will examine your jawbone condition, which is critical in implant installation. For implants fixation, several procedures are involved, including metallic post fitting or jawbone grafting if required.

Similar to other medical procedures, dental surgery poses risks to your health. Although these are rare, they occur but can be dealt with efficiently. Risks include:

  • Infections. If you fail to maintain good oral health, the area around the implant could get infected. As a result, the implant could fail. Following your dentist’s recommendations on implant care is critical for its efficiency and overall health.
  • Injuries. There is a risk of damaging surrounding tissues and structures such as blood vessels and teeth. Typically, a dentist is careful when performing the procedure, and if an injury happens, it is easily corrected.
  • Damage to the nerves. This is also another risk to this procedure, albeit rare. Your nerves could get damaged during the process, causing a tingling effect, numbness, and pain in your other teeth, chin, gums, or lips.
  • Sinus issues. This risk is only possible with upper jaw implants. An implant may accidentally get to your sinus cavity damaging or affecting it. However, this is also easily corrected, just like the other challenges.

When You Should Get Dental Implants

As earlier stated, dental implants are artificial teeth designed to replace your missing teeth. They mimic your natural teeth because they comprise a deeply fitted root in your jawbone to hold the crown. However, missing one or several teeth due to age, accident, or a dental disease does not automatically qualify you for dental implants.

When you feel you need missing teeth replaced, the first thing you should do is visit your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth’ condition, discuss various solutions, and determine the right procedure. You qualify for dental implants if:

  • You are missing a tooth or more.
  • Your jawbone has sufficient density to hold an implant securely or allow safe bone grafting.
  • Your oral tissues are healthy.
  • You have no underlying conditions that could affect your healing.
  • You cannot or do not want to have dentures.
  • You have a speech problem and want to improve it.
  • You are ready to go through the whole process for many months.
  • You are not a tobacco smoker.

The reason you must visit a dentist is to establish all of the above before getting dental implants.

Consider dental implants when you need to:

  • Preserve or restore your facial appearance. One of the things that give you confidence is a perfect smile. When the smile is absent, it can significantly affect your confidence. Dental implants are necessary when you want to maintain or restore your smile to its original state after losing your teeth.
  • Preserve your jawbone. When you have gaps in your mouth due to missing teeth, your jawbone can weaken and deteriorate. However, with a dental implant, the deterioration is avoided, thereby protecting your jawbone.
  • Stop the shifting of teeth. When you lose a tooth, it can result in the other teeth shifting from their original position and taking an unnatural look. This can result in your teeth getting crowded, affecting your overall dental hygiene. Additionally, your face can begin to sag and sink. Having dental implants installed will help prevent this and maintain your youthful look.

When to Have Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants resemble traditional dental implants but are smaller in size. They are developed for people that do not have conventional dental implants, which may require invasive surgery. The reasons for having mini implants are similar to those of traditional implants.

When you have missing teeth due to any reason or want to improve your smile and general appearance, you can opt for mini implants. Sometimes if you have dentures and you feel they are loose, you can opt for mini implants to replace the teeth or hold your dentures in place. If you have challenges with your speech due to missing teeth, mini implants alleviate the problem.

Mini implants are ideal and less expensive than traditional dental implants. You can have the implant procedure completed in a single visit, whereas with the conventional dental implants, you require several procedures and appointments. If your dentist establishes that you need bone grafting, it means your implant will take longer, and the cost increases. However, with mini implants, you do not require much bone to hold the implants in place. In this case, you will avoid bone graft and reduce the cost.

When Should Children Get Dental Implants?

Children lose their permanent teeth, either through sporting activities, gum disease, or other forms of accidents. When your child is missing a permanent tooth, they may feel embarrassed, and as a parent, you want a solution to replace the tooth.

Although dental implants are ideal solutions for replacing missing teeth in adults, it is not suitable for children. Most children are still growing, meaning their bones are also developing. Dental implants are ideal for persons whose jawbones have finished growing, but in children, it interferes with the growth of their jawbone.

However, a teenager at a certain age can qualify for dental implants. For instance, girls can get implants at a minimum age of 15 while boys at 17. The age difference for the two genders is because bone growth in boys and girls is completed at these different ages. In most cases, boys and girls at these ages have completed their bone growth, making it safe to have dental implants.

Advantages of Dental Implants

There are many different ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. However, there are advantages of opting for dental implants to replace your missing teeth. These include:

  • Aesthetics. Improving your smile and general appearance is essential. Dental implants offer an excellent choice in achieving this. The implants appear and feel like natural teeth, and it is impossible to notice unless you tell someone you have artificial teeth.
  • Bone health. Generally, an implant is fitted deeply in your jawbone to act as a root for your new tooth. This means the process of losing your bone is significantly decreased or unlikely.
  • Longevity. One key advantage of having dental implants is their ability to provide a permanent answer to your issues. Because the implant is deeply fitted in your jawbone, it provides a strong base for your artificial tooth. With proper care, dental implants can last as long as your other teeth can. Compared to dentures that last between five and eight years, having dental implants is an excellent choice when you want a long-term solution.
  • Boost your confidence. Other forms of teeth replacements are not permanent and can easily embarrass you. Dentures can fall as you eat or talk or even misplace them after removing them. However, with dental implants, you are confident that the teeth are securely fitted and will not fall or embarrass you.
  • Improve your speech. Teeth are not only for eating or enhancing your smile when you have missing teeth but also for speech improvement. Dental implants help in improving speech that was affected by your missing teeth.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Before settling for dental implants, it is essential also to know their downside. Some of the factors that you must consider and can be disadvantageous are:

  • Lengthy process. The time taken to fit your implants is long. Typically, for your implants to fully fuse with the underlying jawbone, it may take six months. Additionally, for the procedure to be completed, multiple steps are involved. If you need a quick fix to your missing teeth, dental implants may not be your best choice.
  • Infections. Complications out of dental implant installations are rare. However, sometimes after inserting implants, your gums can get an infection. When the case is extreme, periodontal disease can result, leading to the loss of bone.
  • Additional procedures. Some people may require more methods to have dental implants. However, this is determined after your dentist carries out a thorough exam on you. For instance, if it is established that your jawbone is insufficient to carry the implant, you must undergo grafting. If your sinuses are positioned very close to the jawbone, they require lifting. All these additional procedures require time to perform and heal from, delaying the installation of your implants. Additionally, the processes increase the cost of having dental implants for you.
  • Cost of dental implants. Dental implant procedures are pricey. Even when your insurance provider covers part of the medical expense, you will be required to pay a portion of the bill from your pocket. How much you pay typically depends on your plan and the procedure you undergo.

Preparing for Dental Implants

It’s time to prepare for dental implants installed after consulting your dentist and discussing the procedure’s advantages and disadvantages. At the planning stages and even during the process, various specialists may be required. These specialists may include periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, or even ENT specialists.

Because of the several surgical procedures required, a comprehensive evaluation is critical. The preparation process will include:

  • Extensive dental exam. This consists of taking X-ray and 3D mouth images. Additionally, you will have models of your jaw and teeth made.
  • Discuss your medical background. Your dentist will discuss your medical history to determine if you suffer from any underlying medical conditions that can affect the dental implant procedure. For instance, some orthopedic implants and heart conditions may require your doctor to prescribe antibiotics to be taken before surgery to avoid infections. Additionally, if you are taking any over-the-counter medications or other drugs, you must inform your dentist.
  • Treatment plan. This plan is specially designed in line with your situation. Various factors are considered when formulating your best plan that includes the number of teeth needing replacement. Your jawbone’s condition and that of your remaining teeth are considered too.

During the surgical procedures, a lot of pain is experienced, hence the need for sedation or anesthesia administration. Discussing the various options available and settling on the best one is necessary. Another preparation involves guidance on what you can eat or drink before the procedure. This will also depend mainly on the anesthesia or sedation type you choose. Planning for someone to care for you and drive you home will also depend on your anesthesia choice.

Expectations During Dental Implant Procedures

Typically, all dental implants procedures are outpatient. This means you do not require a hospital stay. Each process is performed in intervals to allow healing. Getting dental implants involves multiple stages or steps that include:

  • Removal of the damaged tooth.
  • Preparation of your jawbone or grafting if necessary.
  • Placement of the dental implant.
  • Healing and growth of the bone.
  • Placement of the abutment.
  • Placing of the prosthetic tooth.

The process in totality can take several months, from start to the end. A lot of this time involves healing and the growth of the jawbone. However, some stages can get combined based on your needs, the particular procedure, or what is used.

Bone Grafting

When dental implants are the best solutions to replace your missing teeth, but you lack sufficient jawbone density to support the implants, you require jawbone grafting. An adequate and strong jawbone is necessary because, as you chew, you exert immense pressure on your jawbone. If the bone is not strong enough to hold the implant securely, the implant will fail. Therefore, a graft is necessary for creating a more substantial base for your dental implants.

During jawbone grafting, various materials can be used. The procedure may include extracting and using a bone from another part of your body or using a synthetic one. Your doctor will discuss the various options available for you to decide on the best fit.

TA transplanted bone can take some months to develop and support an implant. However, if your doctor establishes that you require minor grafting, it can be carried out together with dental implant installation. Your jawbone’s condition determines what would happen next.

Installing a Dental Implant

During the surgical procedure, a tiny incision is made on your gum to expose the underlying bone. The dentist drills holes to place metallic dental implants. These posts are your teeth’ base and mimic the natural roots of a tooth; hence, they are deeply implanted.

After installing the implant, you go home and for the wound to heal. However, a gap remains where the tooth gets replaced. To make you feel more comfortable, your dentist will give you a kind of temporary denture that hides the gap. This denture is removable, especially when eating, cleaning, or going to sleep.

Bone Growth

After placing your implant post, the dentist fuses your metallic post and bone. This process involves your jawbone’s growth and attaching itself to the metallic implant. This process takes several months and is necessary for ensuring you have a solid foundation for your prosthetic tooth.

Abutment Placement

When the fusing of the metallic post and your bone is completed, additional surgery for abutment placement may be required. Here, a crown is attached to complete the tooth replacement process. This is a minor surgery performed under local anesthesia, and you go home the same day as with previous procedures. The method of placing the abutment involves:

  • Reopening your gum to expose the implant.
  • Once the implant is exposed, the abutment is attached.
  • Closing of the gum without covering the abutment’s top.

Your dentist could perform the processes of installing the implant and abutment at a go. This means, if your doctor recommends this, you will avoid several surgical procedures. When your mouth is open, the abutment will be visible until the dentist replaces your teeth. This may take a further two weeks as your gums heal, and the prosthetic tooth is placed.

Deciding on Your New Teeth

After your gums are healed, more models of your mouth and other teeth are molded. These models are necessary to make your artificial teeth resemble the natural ones. Before placing the teeth, the dentist will determine whether your bone is strong enough to support or hold the tooth once it is replaced.

Your dentist will discuss with you the artificial teeth to choose from, either fixed or removable. Sometimes, you may opt to combine both options.

  • Removable teeth. These kinds of teeth look like conventional removable dentures and are either full or partial. The denture is made of white teeth with a pink plastic gum surrounding it. The teeth are fitted on a metallic frame that gets fixed to the abutment, snapping securely. When cleaning the dentures, they can be removed easily or when they get damaged for repair.
  • Fixed teeth. These kinds of artificial teeth are permanently cemented or placed on the abutment implants. These are not removable for cleaning or when you go to sleep. In most cases, each tooth has its implant attached. However, due to the strength of dental implants, one implant can support several teeth when bridged together.

Expectations Post Surgery

Regardless of the number of procedures you go through to have your implants fitted, it is common and normal to experience discomfort. These may include:

  • Swollen gum tissue and face.
  • Some slight bruising of the gums and surrounding tissues.
  • Pain at the location of the implant.
  • Slight bleeding.

After dental surgery, you may require pain medications to relieve the pain or antibiotics to prevent infections. If these discomforts persist or get worse, you must report it to your dentist. Additionally, following each surgical procedure, you will be advised to consume soft foods as you heal from the process.

Caring for Your Implants

Like your natural teeth, you need to care for implants and observe oral hygiene. The durability of your remaining teeth and installed implants depends on your dental care. Some of the practices include:

  • Regularly visiting your dentist. Having regular dental appointments is crucial to your general dental health. Your dentist will check to ensure your implants are functioning as they should and thoroughly clean your teeth. Your dentist will also be on the lookout for any signs of dental diseases that will compromise your dental health and treat them before they worsen.
  • Practicing excellent oral care. The way you keep your natural teeth healthy is the same way you should care for your implants. Ensure your gums and teeth are always clean by brushing several times in a day with a soft-bristled brush. Ensure to floss at least once a day to remove any food particles between the implants or teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is also recommended.
  • Avoid habits that damage your teeth. If you want excellent dental health, you must also avoid practices that destroy your teeth and implants. Avoid chewing hard foods like tough candy, ice cubes, and others that would cause your crowns to chip. Caffeine products and tobacco will stain your teeth and implants. Avoiding these is also critical in maintaining your dental health.

Find a Dentist Near Me

Having healthy teeth and a beautiful smile is vital for many people. When you have missing teeth irrespective of how they got lost, dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement solution. Even with the procedure’s benefits, finding an experienced dentist is critical. At La Puente Dental Implant Center, we have qualified dentists who understand clients’ needs and devoted to giving excellent dental implant services. Call us at 626-995-0456 to book an appointment, undergo teeth replacement, and restore your smile.