Dental implants last for a lifetime with proper care.
Our Long Beach dentist will take x-rays to assess your bone density and determine if you need any bone grafs.
Before we begin the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to prevent you from feeling any pain.
An incision will be made into your gums and a dental drill will be used to screw the implant into your jawbone.
Over 3 to 6 months, the jawbone will grow around the implant and fuse with it. By forming an artificial tooth root, this anchors the implant firmly in the jaw.
After you have healed and osseointegration has occurred, we will reopen your gums to attach an abutment.
Impressions taken of your teeth are sent to a dental lab that fabricates a custom restoration that attaches to your abutment.
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Dr. Girgis will provide you with instructions on how to properly care for your implants. You will need to practice good oral hygiene and avoid smoking.
When a patient is missing one tooth, a single implant is used to replace it. The implant is embedded in the jawbone through a minor oral surgery. After 3 to 6 months of osseointegration, the bone fuses with the implant, forming a stable tooth root. At this point, we can perform the second oral surgery to attach the abutment. Then, a dental crown created from impressions of your teeth can be attached about 6 weeks later.
We can attach a full-arch restoration to a series of implants to treat extensive tooth loss. A removable denture or fixed bridge can be attached to 4 to 6 implants per arch of teeth. This will restore the support to your face and make it easier to chew your food and restore proper pronunciation in your speech.
You need to take care of your dental implants to prevent peri-implantitis, an infection similar to gum disease that can cause implant failure if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. The good news is that dental implants are low maintenance, but you still need to thoroughly brush and floss every day. You will need to attend bi-annual maintenance appointments, where we will thoroughly scale around your implants to prevent bacteria from building up and leading to infection.
Implant failure is incredibly rare. The dental implant procedure has a 98% success rate.
When it comes to dental implants, it's not so much about the "best" type, but rather the most suitable type for each individual patient's needs. However, among the various types available, endosteal implants are the most commonly used and widely accepted. These are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone and provide a sturdy, reliable base for an artificial tooth or a set of artificial teeth.
Made from titanium, endosteal implants are biocompatible, meaning they are designed to work with your body without causing any adverse reactions. They are shaped like small screws and can hold one or more artificial teeth. Over time, the implant fuses with your jawbone, providing a stable support that doesn't slip or shift in your mouth — a particularly important benefit when eating and speaking.
That said, the suitability of endosteal implants depends on the patient's oral health, particularly the health and density of the jawbone. If the jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, other types of implants, like subperiosteal implants, might be recommended. Always consult with a trusted dental professional like Dr. Abraam Girgis at Heartwell Dental to determine the best solution for your specific needs.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. First and foremost, they provide a feel, function, and appearance that's very close to natural teeth. Once the dental implant has integrated with your bone, the stability and comfort it provides are unmatched by other tooth replacement options.
Dental implants also offer benefits for your oral health. They don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. This is significant because the more of your own teeth you keep intact, the better for your long-term oral health. Also, dental implants help maintain your jawbone structure, preventing potential bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
Furthermore, dental implants are built to last. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Yes, dental implants are considered a permanent solution for tooth loss. They are designed to fuse with your jawbone over time in a process known as osseointegration, which provides a stable base for the replacement teeth. This means they won't move, click or shift in your mouth, providing you with the same stability as natural teeth.
However, while the implant itself is permanent, the crown—the part of the tooth you can see—may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear. But with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the entire implant can last a lifetime.
Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. It's also important to maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
While dental implants are resistant to cavities, the tissues around them can still get inflamed or infected without proper oral hygiene. This can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and implant failure. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial for the longevity of your dental implants.
Remember, every patient's dental needs are unique. Always consult with a trusted dental professional like Dr. Abraam Girgis at Heartwell Dental in Long Beach, CA, to ensure your dental implants and overall oral health are in the best possible condition.
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