Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.  Most patients find that dental implants are secure and stable.  However, dental implants are not an option for everyone because surgery is required to place them in the jawbone. Patients should be in good health and have adequate bone to support the implants in the jaws.  Patients need to commit to a daily oral care routine and have regular dental checkups.

Why do people get dental implants?

·       Dental implants are most similar to natural teeth

·       Adjacent teeth do not have to be prepared or ground down to hold the new replacement tooth/teeth in place

·       Dental implants may last for many years

·       Dental implants may prevent resorption/shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss

·       Improve speech-dental implants are secure and stable and they don’t move or slip out of the mouth

What is involved in getting a dental implant?

·       Treatment plan & Informed consent: A team of professionals who is trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for the patient.

·       The surgeon or dentist places the dental implant (titanium post) into the jawbone.  It may take      4 to 6 months for the jawbone to heal, grow around, and bond/hold the dental implant in place.

·       The jawbone is fully healed and bonded to the dental implant

·       The dentist places abutment onto the dental implant which is the connector between the       dental implant and crown restoration

·       Impression, lab fabricates crown restoration

·       The dentist places and cements the crown restoration onto the dental implant

Referrals to specialists (oral surgeon, periodontists) for implant placements

·       Oral surgeons

·       Prosthodontists

·       Periodontists

·       General dentists who are trained to do surgery and dental implant placements

Treatment for missing single tooth, several teeth and edentulous

·       Replacing a single tooth: one dental implant and a crown restoration

·       Replacing several teeth:  implant-supported bridges, implant-supported partial dentures

·       Replacing all the teeth (edentulous):  implant-supported full dentures

Single vs multiple units of implants

1.     Single unit implant

·       Patients with one missing tooth 

·       Treatment: one dental implant and a crown restoration

2.     Multiple unit implants

·       Patients with several missing teeth

·       Treatment: implant-supported bridges, implant-supported removable partial dentures

·       Patients with no teeth

·       Treatment: implant-supported full dentures

Oral Care Tips for dental implants

·       Practice good oral hygiene-brush 2x/day and floss daily

·       Dental checkups and cleaning- at least 2x/year

·       Quit smoking-weakens the bone structure and can contribute to dental implant failure

·       Avoid chewing on hard foods-ice, hard candy

Dr. Anna Lee is a General &Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She can restore your smile with dental implant restorations.  If you have any questions about dental implants and dental implant restorations, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.