Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are synthetic teeth roots. They are used to create foundations for replacement teeth. When teeth need to be replaced due to an accident or disease, give The Loft Dental Studio a call at (714) 549-7030 to learn if dental implants are right for you.

Planning: The process begins with a thorough examination, including X-rays and possibly CT scans, to assess the patient's oral health and bone structure. A treatment plan is then developed, considering factors like the location of the missing tooth, bone density, and the patient's overall health.

Placing: In a surgical procedure, the implant is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. This involves creating an incision in the gum, drilling a hole in the bone, and inserting the implant.

Restoring: After a healing period of several months (during which osseointegration occurs), an abutment is attached to the implant. Finally, a custom-made crown is placed onto the abutment, completing the restoration of the missing tooth.

All-on-4 is a dental implant technique designed to restore an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a more stable and permanent solution than traditional dentures.

The implants are placed at precise angles to maximize contact with the available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting.

A full arch prosthesis (either fixed or removable) is then attached to the implants, restoring both function and aesthetics.

Full mouth reconstruction involves restoring or replacing all of a patient's teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

This comprehensive process typically combines various dental treatments, including dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and sometimes orthodontics or gum surgery, depending on the individual's needs.

The goal of full mouth reconstruction is to address functional issues like chewing and speaking, as well as to improve the appearance of the smile and overall oral health.

Fixed Prosthesis: This refers to a dental restoration that is permanently attached to the implants and cannot be removed by the patient. Examples include implant-supported bridges or implant-supported crowns.

Removable Prosthesis: In contrast, a removable prosthesis can be taken out by the patient for cleaning and maintenance. Examples include implant-supported overdentures or partial dentures.

DENTAL IMPLANTS FAQ

Who can have dental implants?
In general, any person at any age may need dental implants. However, it is important to The Loft Dental Studio that you:
● Commit to good oral hygiene.● Have enough bone to hold the implant in place.● Are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery.● Have healthy gums.● Continue with regular dental visits.
Certain people may need to be more closely examined to determine if they are good candidates for dental implants. This can occur if you:
● Are a heavy smoker.● Suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders (like heart disease or diabetes).● Have had radiation therapy around the head or neck.
Why should I get dental implants?
There are many reasons why dental implants may be right for you. When looking into tooth replacement, consider the following attributes of The Loft Dental Studio’s dental implants:
● Comfort: each implant is individually placed and, therefore, more comfortable than dentures or bridges.● Strength: if taken care of properly, they can last you for your entire life.● Fit: tends to be better than dentures or bridges.● Appearance: they look and feel like your teeth.● Speech: since they won’t slip out, you do not run the risk of your implants slurring your words or causing you to mumble.● Eating: they stay put so you can eat more easily.● Oral Health: other teeth do not have to be altered to fit, like with a bridge, so your teeth are left intact.● Flossing: you can floss around your dental implant and other teeth.● Cleaner: unlike dentures, there is no need to disinfect or deal with adhesives to keep them in place.
How do I get dental implants?
To begin the dental implant process, you should first make an appointment with a licensed dentist. The friendly staff at The Loft Dental Studio is ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have about the process. We will create a personal treatment plan for you based on your specific situation.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Dental implants should be treated just like your real teeth. It is important to brush, floss, rinse with ADA-approved mouthwash, and schedule dental check-ups regularly. This will keep your implants and teeth looking great and working well.