Are you self-conscious about your missing teeth? Dental implants may give you the smile that you’ve always wanted! They are a popular and effective way to replace lost, damaged, or missing teeth, improve oral health, and boost self-confidence. This guide will answer any questions about what dental implants are and how they may enhance your smile.
At Cal Dental Anaheim, we want to make your dental implant procedure as simple and comfortable as possible. So please sit back and let us take you through this journey towards a healthier smile!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of artificial tooth roots that serve as the foundation for teeth replacement or implant-supported bridges, and they’re made with titanium, which fuses well with human bone and tissue.
Dental implant surgery usually involves several steps. First, your dentist will assess whether you’re a candidate for the procedure by examining your mouth and taking X-rays. If the dentist finds that you have enough viable space to accommodate an implant, they will continue with those assessments.
Surgery will be necessary if your dentist determines you are a good candidate for dental implants. During this procedure, a dentist that does implants will surgically place an implant in your jawbone and allow several months for it to fuse with the bone—a process called osseointegration.
The implant post will be capped with an abutment when osseointegration is complete. This serves as a connector between the implant and your new tooth or bridge. A custom-made crown or bridge will then be placed on top of it.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant comprises three primary parts: the titanium post, a screw in the tooth that replaces the tooth’s root; an abutment, which attaches to your jawbone and provides structural support for dental crowns; and a crown—the visible part that restores your teeth’s appearance.
The titanium post is the root of your tooth and is surgically implanted into your jawbone. The abutment connects it to a crown, custom-made to match all the other teeth in your mouth. Bone growth around the titanium posts creates a strong foundation for your new tooth, making eating and speaking normally possible.
After three to six months, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth to create a customized crown for you. Dental implants can last many years but must be cared for properly to avoid problems. They feel as stable and secure in your mouth as natural teeth do!
Different Types of Dental Implants
There are several dental implant types, each suited to different patients.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are one form of dental implant made from titanium and placed directly into the jawbone. They can be used to hold an artificial tooth or teeth.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are bonded to the jawbone but remain beneath the gum line. They often replace endosteal implants in people with insufficient bone mass to support dental implants.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are another option for people whose upper jaws have deteriorated significantly. These specially designed devices anchor onto the cheekbones and support chewing muscles rather than relying on weak natural bone tissue. Mini-dental implants, or endosteal or mini-implants, are used when space is limited or to replace missing teeth while permanent restorations are created.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Here are some of the benefits of dental implants in comparison to other tooth replacement options:
Natural-looking
Dental implants function like natural teeth. A custom-made artificial tooth that fits perfectly in your mouth and improves the way you feel about smiling.
They improved oral health
Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as bridges, implants are supported only by the natural jawbone. Therefore, dental implant procedures can reduce the risk of additional oral damage or infection caused by piercings through the skin or flossing around dental work in general.
Enhanced comfort
Dental implants are part of a treatment plan that helps restore your confidence and smile. Implant-supported dentures are another option. But implants require less maintenance and give you a better ability to speak, swallow food, and enjoy a full range of facial expressions.
Improved self-esteem
Implants can help you smile with confidence. You can be confident and have self-esteem.
What to expect from the dental implant procedure
To ensure the best results, obtaining dental implants involves multiple steps.
During the initial evaluation, the existing arch of teeth and bone structure are assessed. Dental procedures such as X-rays and molds determine the implant success rate. The success of orthodontic implants depends upon their proper placement in the jawbone, where they anchor themselves.
Because small-diameter implants rely on a limited amount of bone structure in the jaw, they must be inserted at precise angles to ensure their highest success rate. To create space for a single implant, your dentist might need to replace damaged or missing bone with a graft.
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone during a surgical procedure.
They heal for several months while they integrate with the bone. The patient must practice oral hygiene to ensure that, once healed, the treatment will not be rejected by the body and cause an infection.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
When someone looks at you, their first impression is often based on your smile. If you feel pressured to hide your smile because of missing or damaged teeth, know that there are affordable alternatives. At Cal Dental Anaheim, we’re a provider of dental implants in Anaheim, CA, and we specialize in implant dentistry. Consult with our dental professionals today!
Choose Cal Dental Anaheim as your Dental implant provider in Anaheim, CA.
You don’t have to suffer from missing teeth anymore. Dental implants provide a durable and practical option for teeth replacement that can improve your smile significantly—and at Cal Dental Anaheim, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dental services, including:
Permanent Dental Implants: Our experienced team specializes in permanent dental implants, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to restore missing teeth.
Long-Lasting Dental Crowns: We offer durable and long-lasting dental crowns that are custom-made to match your existing teeth perfectly.
Faster & Straighter Invisalign: As an Invisalign provider, we offer this innovative orthodontic solution that can straighten your teeth discreetly and effectively.
If you want to know if dental implants are right for you, call us at (714) 905-9622 or schedule a consultation with us.
