Do you have one or more missing teeth? Dental implants are a great way to treat and replace lost teeth. They are permanent prosthetics that look and feel natural, require less maintenance than other restorative options, and help preserve natural bone. In addition, implants can also support a dental bridge or denture.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post that replaces the missing tooth root. After implant surgery, the post fuses to the bone and heals over a period of several months.
Then, your dentist places a dental crown or cap on the implant to complete the dental implant process. Dr. Karim Naguib and your restorative dental care team in Palmdale and Lancaster provide affordable dental implant services under one roof.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
There are many factors that will determine if you qualify for dental implants. If you have a healthy mouth and gums, you have nothing to worry about. However, you might not qualify if you have gum disease, a weak jaw bone, or certain systemic health issues.
Dr. Karim Naguib will assess your teeth and gums to see if you are a good candidate for affordable dental implants. He may take x-rays to decide if you have enough bone to place the implant. In addition, he will also determine the size of the dental implant and its location before treatment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing lost teeth. No other restoration replaces the tooth at its root. When you’re missing the tooth root, your jawbone begins to deteriorate in that area.
Your face sags, and you may notice a prematurely aged look because of this effect. However, one benefit is that dental implants stop this deterioration from continuing. They can even help spur bone growth because of the fusing process.
This tooth root replacement makes dental implants the most stable restoration as well. You get back 100% of your bite function, compared to about 30-40% with traditional dentures. You are able to eat a full diet and don’t have to worry about your prosthetic slipping or falling out.
Dental implants are easy to take care of too! Dentures require messy adhesive and removal to clean them properly. But with dental implants, you just have to brush and floss like you normally would.
Implants are a permanent lifetime restoration, so you also don’t have to worry about replacing or adjusting them over time. Just continue to see our dentist regularly so we can make sure everything is going well!
Why Restore Missing Teeth?
When you lose a single tooth, other teeth surrounding it may begin to shift and cause overcrowding. Crooked and overcrowded teeth can be difficult to clean. Bacteria on these teeth easily cause inflammation and decay because of build up between them.
When a dentist places a dental implant, he positions it within the bone where the prior tooth was once there. This prevents teeth from shifting and ultimately can help protect teeth from decay.
Dental implants offer several advantages over other restorative methods, including:
- Better aesthetics. Your dentist places dental implants in the gum line and caps them with a natural-looking dental crown. Because of this, the results will look more realistic than other alternatives.
- Retention. Dental implants improve denture retention for patients who are missing multiple or all teeth. Your dentist can also secure dentures with a group of dental implants for permanent support.
- Preserving natural tooth structure. The tooth structure can recede after you lose a tooth. However, placing a dental implant reduces the speed of bone resorption and provides stability for bone tissue. In addition, dental implants do not negatively affect your adjacent teeth.
Dental Implant FAQs
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Because dental implants require oral surgery to place them, you can expect some discomfort. However, our dentist uses local anesthetic and sedation to place dental implants. We will make sure you are comfortable from beginning to end.
Afterward, you can use over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and discomfort as your mouth heals. Using ibuprofen or acetaminophen is safe.
Are dental implants a permanent solution for tooth loss?
Yes, dental implant placement is permanent. Many patients choose to proceed with dental implants because proper care can ensure they last a lifetime. The implant itself binds to the natural jawbone through a process known as osseointegration.
The process provides a strong and durable foundation for holding the implant in place. This ensures that the dental implant lasts a long time. However, the restoration on top of the dental implant over the abutment might need replacement over time.
Do dental implants get cavities?
The tooth implant itself is not susceptible to cavities. There is no tooth when the dentist puts the dental implant in place. However, the teeth around the implant are susceptible to cavities. Regular exams and cleanings are essential in keeping the smile healthy and reducing the risk of losing restorations or natural teeth.
Does plaque build up on implants?
Yes, plaque can build up on dental implants like on natural teeth. Even though the implant itself is not susceptible to decay, the surrounding gums are still vulnerable to the bacteria in plaque. This can lead to gum disease.
Plaque is a threat to the stability of your tooth implant. That’s why it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, even with tooth implants. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are key.
Can an oral surgeon or dentist complete a dental implant procedure in one day?
Yes, oral surgeons can complete dental implants within a single day in some cases. Dental professionals call this procedure “same-day dental implants” or “All-on-4”. A dentist can connect tooth implants and attach a temporary denture during a single appointment.
However, it is important to understand that not everyone qualifies as a suitable candidate for immediate tooth implants. Factors such as oral health and bone density will determine if this option is best for the patient.
How many sittings do dental implants require?
A tooth implant procedure typically requires three stages over several months. The first stage involves an initial assessment, x-rays, and medical history review. The second stage is the placement of the implant post itself.
The final stage is the placement of the crown on the tooth implant. Some patients may also require additional visits for bone grafting or sinus lifts. Our dentist will create a custom treatment plan for your specific needs.
Request an Appointment Today
Do you want a fuller and more balanced smile? Receive dental implants near you in Palmdale and Lancaster today. Single or multiple implants on their own or with other restorative solutions can make a big difference. We also accept dental insurance, and provide financing options to help you offset the cost of dental implants.
Call our Lancaster, CA dentist office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online.
Call our Palmdale, CA dentist office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.