Dental implants have transformed dental care, offering a durable replacement for missing teeth that can last a lifetime.
Approximately 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, and that number grows by about 500,000 annually.
These implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, providing a stable base for artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Beyond improving smile aesthetics, dental implants help preserve jawbone structure and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth, significantly enhancing oral functionality and overall health.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a state-of-the-art solution for effectively replacing missing teeth. It consists of a durable titanium post that serves as a robust root replacement, which is surgically implanted into the jawbone.
Over time, the implant securely integrates with the bone, providing a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
This innovative dental procedure is widely recognized for its exceptional durability and the natural look and feel it provides to patients.
Benefits of Dental Implants
| • | Dental implants offer advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. Here are some of the key benefits that make them a better option: |
| • | Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require altering the neighboring teeth, preserving natural structure. The implants also help prevent bone loss, maintaining the integrity of your facial structure. This contributes to overall dental health and the aesthetics of your smile, offering a robust solution to missing teeth without compromising the health of adjacent teeth. |
| • | Enhanced Comfort and Confidence: Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, becoming a permanent part of your body. This eliminates the discomfort associated with removable dentures. You can eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence, enjoying the natural appearance of your teeth and the secure fit that prevents slippage, ultimately enhancing your daily life and self-esteem. |
| • | Long-Lasting Solution: Dental implants are constructed to endure a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. They represent a cost-effective, long-term investment in your oral health. With implants, the need for future dental work is greatly reduced, providing enduring health benefits and cost savings. They offer a reliable and sustainable solution to tooth loss, improving your oral health. |
| • | Convenience: Dental implants provide the ultimate convenience by eliminating the need to remove dentures or use messy adhesives. They simplify your dental care routine and enhance your quality of life by allowing you to engage freely in daily activities without worrying about dental health. This makes implants an appealing option for anyone looking to improve oral hygiene effortlessly. |
Learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
For residents in Downey, choosing dental implants means opting for a solution that not only enhances the aesthetics of your smile but also contributes positively to your overall dental health.
Dental Implant Procedure
| • | The process of getting dental implants involves several steps, each crucial to ensure the long-term success of the treatment: |
| • | Initial Consultation: During the first visit, Dr. Sirish Makan, DDS and Dr. Samuel Liu, DDS will assess your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This assessment might involve taking X-rays or 3D images to thoroughly evaluate your bone density and the overall health of your jaw. Ensuring the jawbone is suitable for supporting an implant is essential for the success of the procedure. This initial consultation is critical to tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs. |
| • | Implant Placement: After the initial consultation, the implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia by Dr. Sirish Makan, DDS and Dr. Samuel Liu, DDS, who carefully places the titanium post by tightly integrating it into your jawbone where the tooth is missing.
This phase is crucial as the implant needs to osseointegrate, or bond, with the bone, a process that typically unfolds over the next few months. Proper implant placement is vital for the stability and longevity of the dental implant. |
| • | Healing Period:After the surgery takes place, a healing period is required, during which the implant integrates with the jawbone—a process that can take several weeks or months. During this crucial time, temporary teeth may be placed to fill any visible gaps in your smile, ensuring aesthetics, as well as functionality, are fully maintained. This healing period is crucial for the success of the dental implant as it allows the jawbone to securely and effectively fuse with the implant. |
| • | Abutment and Permanent Crown Placement: Once the implant has successfully bonded with the jawbone, Dr. Sirish Makan, DDS and Dr. Samuel Liu, DDS will proceed by attaching an abutment to the implant, which serves as the secure anchor for the new tooth. Subsequently, the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is meticulously attached to the abutment. This final step efficiently restores the functionality of your bite and the aesthetics of your smile, effectively completing the dental implant process. |
Dental Implant FAQ
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
They require the same maintenance as natural teeth, which includes regular brushing, thorough flossing, and routine dental check-ups. These basic steps are essential to ensure the longevity and health of your dental implants for years to come.
Are dental implants painful?
Most people find that implant surgery causes minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
The success rate of dental implants is highly favorable, often cited at 95% or higher.
Can dental implants help if I have full dentures?
Yes, dental implants can be used to support full dentures, improving their stability and function. This is often referred to as an "all on 4" procedure, where four implants support an entire arch of teeth.
Read more dental implant FAQS.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are considering dental implants in Downey, California, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation.
We experts in dental implant technology can help restore your smile and confidence. Don't wait any longer - call us at 562-923-7257 today to learn more about how dental implants can benefit you.
Whether you're interested in replacing a single tooth or require a four-solution, we're here to guide you through every step of the way.
