There are many reasons why an adult could lose his/her tooth or teeth. Many individuals' most prevalent causes of tooth loss include decay, injury, and gum diseases. In other cases, a person could also be born missing some permanent or temporary teeth. Regardless of the cause, it is undoubtedly true that losing a tooth or teeth can impact your smile appearance and self-esteem.

Whenever you lose a tooth, the health of the remaining healthy teeth also becomes vulnerable because of the lack of adequate support to anchor them in place. While dental implants can provide you with a permanent solution for missing teeth, not everyone is a great candidate for this procedure.

To determine whether you are an excellent candidate for a dental implant, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist and explain your issue to him/her. At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, we are here to help you restore your smile and the health of your mouth using dental implants.

Dental Implants at a Glance

Currently, dental implants are the most preferred and best tooth replacement option. A dental implant is a titanium-made prosthetic that a dentist attaches to your jawbone surgically to act as anchorage for a dental crown (artificial tooth). With time, the installed implant will fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, making it feel natural, like a real tooth.

While fixing a dental implant on your jawbone will necessitate a minor surgery, this procedure is non-invasive and comfortable because your dentist will use modern equipment and anesthesia.

Common Reasons That Could Necessitate Dental Implants

Generally speaking, your dentist may recommend you for a dental implant for various reasons. The common reasons that could make you an excellent candidate for this restorative and cosmetic dental procedure will include the following:

You Have One or More Missing Teeth.

A dental implant is an excellent teeth replacement option for any person with one or more missing teeth. If your missing tooth makes you feel self-conscious about your smile or affects your ability to chew food properly, a dental implant can permanently solve the problem.

You Have a Damaged or infected Tooth That Requires Extraction

Aside from being painful and uncomfortable, an infected tooth could cause infection on your jawbone or blood. Your dentist may recommend removing or extracting the tooth to correct this dangerous dental health condition, leaving you with a gap between teeth. Fortunately, you can fix this gap using a dental implant.

Your dentist will advise a dental implant for the missing tooth to prevent possible long-term detrimental effects of that gap, including teeth misalignment.

You Have Loose Dental Bridges or Dentures

Loose dental bridges or dentures could make you self-conscious about how your smile appears when speaking in public or laughing with your friends because of how these appliances sit in your mouth. Instead of using dental adhesives or glue to attach them in place, your cosmetic dentist could recommend dental implants to solve this issue permanently.

You Have Difficulties Chewing Food Without the Tooth

Chewing with many missing teeth could put extreme pressure on your gums. Fortunately, dental implants could be an excellent remedy for this problem because they integrate into your jawbone, restoring your natural chewing ability.

Types of Dental Implants Your Cosmetic Dentist Could Recommend

Depending on your unique preferences and dental condition, your cosmetic dentist could recommend any of the following types of dental implants:

Endosteal Dental Implants

The most popular type of dental implant is an endosteal implant, which the dentist will surgically insert straight into your jawbone to support one or more artificial teeth (dental crowns).

Zygomatic Dental Implants

While they are uncommon, your dentist could recommend this dental implant if you do not have sufficient jawbone to hold endosteal implants. Unlike endosteal implants, which your dentist will place on the jawbone, the dentist will place the zygomatic dental implant on your cheekbone (zygomatic bone)

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Unlike zygomatic and endosteal implants, the dentist will place subperiosteal dental implants under your gums but on or above the jawbone. Your dentist is likely to recommend subperiosteal implants if your jawbone is unhealthy and you cannot undergo a bone grafting procedure.

Preparing for a Dental Implant Procedure

For the success of the procedure, prior planning is critical. Planning for a dental implant could require various specialists, including:

  • A periodontist to help determine whether your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support and anchor a dental implant

  • A maxillofacial and oral surgeon to help determine whether you have any underlying jaw, mouth, or face problem

  • A prosthodontist will help design and fit your artificial, custom-made tooth

Since the placement of dental implants will require one or more surgical procedures to prepare you for this vital procedure, your dentist will:

  1. Conduct a Comprehensive Dental Exam

To determine the appropriate treatment for your missing tooth, your dentist must conduct a comprehensive dental exam during your initial appointment. Aside from examining your mouth condition with his/her eyes, your dentist could require 3D and X-ray pictures of your mouth to plan your treatment plan.

  1. Review Your Health and Medical History

Your dentist will want to know whether you have any underlying health conditions or are currently on medication. Antidepressants and antihistamines are two examples of medications that could cause excessive bleeding during surgery or slow the healing process.

If you have a joint implant or specific heart conditions, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics before your dental implant placement surgery to prevent infection during or after the procedure.

  1. Give You the Treatment Plan

Your dentist will tailor a treatment plan to help you understand what to expect during a dental implant placement surgery.

Your dental hygienist or dentist could use anesthesia or sedatives, like ketamine, nitrogen oxide, or propofol, to control possible discomfort during the procedure.

If you have concerns about your dental health or implant placement procedure, you should discuss them with your dentist during your initial appointment to know the solution.

What a Dental Implant Placement Procedure Entails

Dental implant placement surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves several steps and could take some months to complete because of the healing time required between each step or phase of the treatment.

Your cosmetic dentist could recommend various surgeries depending on the position, the severity of the damaged teeth, and the condition of your gums and jawbone. Nonetheless, here are the steps you should expect during a dental implant placement procedure:

Extraction or Removal of the Damaged Tooth

If a decayed or infected tooth is still in place, your dentist must extract it to make room for a dental implant.

Bone Grafting

Your dentist could recommend a bone grafting procedure to prepare your jawbone for dental implants. Adding a new implant requires your jawbone, which bears a lot of pressure during chewing, to be strong enough to hold the implant in place while it does its job.

Dental Implant Placement

Once the dentist prepares your jawbone through grafting, he/she will surgically place the dental implant. Fortunately, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery since you will be under local anesthesia or sedated.

Abutment Placement

Once the incision site heals and the new implant has integrated into your jawbone, another minor surgery will be required to attach an abutment to the dental implant. The abutment is typically a base for holding a dental crown or artificial teeth.

Placement of Dental Crowns or Artificial Teeth

After approximately two (2) weeks, you should make an appointment with your dentist for the final procedure, which involves attaching your new artificial teeth to the abutment. Your cosmetic dentist could recommend fixed or artificial dental implants, depending on your preferences or needs.

What to Expect After a Dental Implant Procedure

Like any other surgical procedure, there are complications associated with dental implant placement procedures. While it does not occur to everyone, you should expect the following possible complications after your dental implant placement procedure:

Mild Discomfort

You should expect discomfort two to three days after your dental implant placement surgery, which is nothing to worry about. Fortunately, your dentist will likely prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and alleviate discomfort.

Mild Swelling

Due to the inflammation your body shows as a response to the trauma caused by the placement of the dental implant, slight swelling around the implant area may develop. It could occur around the cheek or face region but will disappear within a day or two after the procedure.

Bleeding

Bleeding after dental implant placement surgery is normal but should not last more than two days. If a blood clot fails to form on the dental implant site to stop the bleeding within two days, you should consult your dentist to know the solution.

Infection

Like any other type of surgery, an infection can occur after your dental implant placement surgery, but antibiotics can help lessen the chances of an infection.

While these complications or side effects are expected after dental implant placement surgery, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible when they persist. How long it will take to heal after dental implant dental surgery will depend on the following:

  • Your bone health

  • Whether you smoke

  • The number of dental implants you have received

  • Whether your dental implant procedure required bone grafting

  • Your general health and lifestyle

Generally speaking, you should be able to return to normal eating and chewing within seven to ten days after your surgery.

How to Care for Your New Dental Implants

Dental implants can last ten to twenty years but could last longer when properly cared for. Here are a few tips on how to care for your dental implants:

  • Avoid or refrain from hard foods like nuts and candy because they can damage the implants

  • Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice daily to remove the food debris stuck between your teeth

  • Stop smoking or any tobacco-related product because this bad vice can damage the structures that will support your dental implant

  • Schedule regular visits to your dentist for cleaning and routine check-ups to determine if there is an up-and-coming dental or oral health problem

Benefits of Using Dental Implants to Replace a Missing Tooth or Teeth

Dental implants have several advantages compared to other options for tooth replacement. Some examples of these advantages include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • They feel and appear like natural teeth

  • They are easy to maintain

  • They are long-lasting and durable

  • They are comfortable

  • They can help improve your speech and ability to eat

Alternatives to Dental Implants That You Can Consider

If you are not a good candidate for a dental implant, you could benefit from any of the following alternative teeth replacement options:

Dental Bridges

As the name implies, a dental bridge is an appliance that can help "bridge" the gap caused by one or two missing teeth. Dental bridges consist of crowns (artificial teeth) that fit over your natural healthy teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap.

Fortunately, dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth' shape, size, and color, meaning they are not conspicuous. Apart from giving you a good smile, dental bridges also facilitate proper chewing of food and correct pronunciation of words. Depending on your objectives related to oral and dental health, your cosmetic dentist could suggest any of the following types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional dental bridges

  • Maryland dental bridges

  • Cantilever dental bridges

  • Implant-supported dental bridges

Determining what type of dental bridge would serve as the most perfect for the missing tooth that you have, your dentist will consider the following factors:

  • Your age

  • The size of your gap

  • The number of teeth you have lost

  • Your personal preferences

  • Your general dental and oral health

  • The health status of the abutment tooth

  • Whether the abutment teeth are natural or not

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic, removable replacements designed for your missing teeth. Based on the number of your teeth that are missing, your dentist could suggest one of the following types of dentures:

  • Partial dentures

  • Complete dentures

After your dentist has decided on which kind of denture you require for your unique problem, he/she will do the following:

  • Take measurements of your jaw and make a series of impressions of your mouth and jaw

  • Make plastic patterns, wax forms, and models that resemble the required dentures

  • Cast your final dentures

  • Make adjustments where necessary

Whichever type of denture your dentist recommends, he/she will custom fit it to your mouth and any remaining healthy teeth to ensure they are firm. When you first begin wearing dentures, you will experience some mild irritation in the mouth and an increase in saliva flow, but these problems will decrease as your mouth becomes accustomed to the denture.

Like dental implants, you should clean your denture daily to remove food particles and prevent plaque accumulation that could cause gum disease and decay in the remaining healthy teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dental Implants

The following FAQs and answers can help you determine whether dental implants are ideal for your unique missing tooth issue:

  1. What is the Cost of Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants will vary depending on the dentist you choose and the type he/she recommends. However, most dentists generally charge you between $1,000 and $4,000 for each dental implant.

The best way to know how much you will spend on dental implants is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Some dental insurance policies could cover dental implant costs if the treatment is necessary to prevent possible dental and oral health issues like cavities and gingivitis.

Consulting your dental insurance provider about dental implant cost coverage is a wise idea to plan your budget for the treatment ahead of time.

  1. Who is Not an Excellent Candidate for Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, your dentist could recommend other teeth replacement options if you have bruxism, pre-existing health conditions, or gum disease. Your dentist will first recommend treating these issues to receive dental implants. Ensure you consult a reliable dentist to know whether or not you are an excellent candidate for dental implants.

  1. Can Dental Implants Develop Cavities?

Thankfully, a dental implant cannot develop a cavity. As mentioned above, cavities are caused by the buildup of plaque (bacteria) on the surface of your teeth (enamel). Since the materials that make dental implants are strong, the acidic secretions released by bacteria cannot erode them.

While dental implants can develop stains with time, any bacteria that lingers on their surface will wash away when brushing teeth, keeping cavities at bay.

Find a Credible Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

The benefits of dental implants can be life-altering if they are well-placed by a reliable dentist. If you have one or multiple missing teeth, dental implants can give you a permanent solution to the problem to restore chewing functions and improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

We invite you to call our reliable cosmetic dentists at Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry at 310-361-2080 if you or a loved one needs a dental implant for an improved smile appearance and the confidence he/she deserves to speak or laugh in public.