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Dental Implants

Solutions for Missing Teeth


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Transcript

For one reason or another, people lose one or multiple teeth. We strongly recommend replacement, not only for function and aesthetics, but also to stabilize the jaw and bite.

There are several options for replacing teeth. One is a removable appliance, something that goes in and out of the mouth, that's more of an interim solution. There are other fixed options, like a bridge where two teeth are used to anchor a three-unit bridge or more.

We also have implants that are a tooth or set of teeth that will replace the missing ones. Implants can sometimes be placed after a tooth is removed, and other times we have to wait for the area to heal before we can set the implant.

When putting in the implant, is one of the simplest procedures if it's done correctly and with planning and care. Once the implant is placed, the bone around the area is allowed to heal, and when that happens, the bone integrates with the implant and actually fuses with it. So the implant becomes part of you, and it becomes one of the strongest teeth in your mouth. But that takes about two to three months after the implant integrates, then we go ahead and place the crown on top.

Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. Dr. Muradian offers from a single dental implant to multiple implant, bridge or a fixed denture implant.

Advantages of dental implants

Dental implants offer greater comfort, durability and look way more natural than bridges or dentures. Here are some of the advantages of dental implants:

  • They are permanent and durable (they can last up to 10 years)
  • They look extremely natural
  • They are the safest option because they are attached to the bone and not to other teeth.
  • They do not damage adjacent teeth
  • They help to preserve the bone
  • They are affordable

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

The best candidates for dental implants are patients who have sufficient bone structure available in the jaw to ensure a successful surgery.


The Dental Implant Process

  • The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.

    Dental Implants Simi Valley

  • The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time, you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.

    Dental Implants Simi Valley

  • After the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration.

    Dental Implants Simi Valley

Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.

Why you need to replace missing teeth?

Teeth perform multiple functions. They help us in chewing, speaking, supporting our facial muscles and give us confidence in smiling. When a tooth is lost adjacent teeth tend to migrate from their proper positions, creating misalignment of teeth, change in the bite, which can in turn lead to gum disease, increase risk of decay and bite problems. In addition, the bone in the area of missing teeth will start to deteriorate slowly which can lead to noticeable aging of the face.

Implant-supported options of tooth replacement include:

Individual Implants

Dental Implants Simi Valley

This is the best solution for replacing missing teeth as single-tooth implants look very natural and require only minimal upkeep. It’s the only disadvantage is the fact that this procedure is likely the most costly.

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Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Dental Implants Simi Valley

The bridge is made of porcelain and is supported by numerous dental implants. This procedure provides near-natural results that are virtually undetectable.

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Implant-Supported Dentures

Dental Implants Simi Valley

This is likely the most affordable implant option. The dentures are supported by implants and are also removable. This can make it easier for cleaning and nightly rinsing like traditional dentures.

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However, unlike the more traditional denture, implant-supported dentures are much more stable and eliminate the need for dental adhesives. These dentures can either be removable or can be placed more permanently in the sense that they can only be removed by a dentist.

Before Dental Implants

Before patients are considered for dental implants, they undergo a thorough evaluation. This includes a series of x-rays to check the structure of the bone. Dental implants require patients to have enough bone structure to hold the implant firmly in place, or treatment will not be successful. Once patients have decided to move forward with placing implants, they will book an appointment for oral surgery.

During Dental Implants

On the day of surgery, patients are properly anesthetized and may have sedation to ensure they are comfortable throughout the treatment. The dentist drills a hole into the bone and then places the implant. The gum tissues are stitched and patients are given aftercare instructions for monitoring the area and ensuring infection does not occur.

After Dental Implants

Patients must closely follow their dentist’s after-care instructions to reduce the chances of developing an infection and allowing the process of osseointegration to occur. This is the growth of bone that holds the implant in place. Patients are educated on the process to fully understand how their actions affect the health of their smile following this procedure.

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