Missing teeth can lower self-confidence, hold you from smiling, and cause serious dental health problems. So it’s necessary to replace them and the best way to do that is with dental implants. Implants are a functional natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about the different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA, the materials they’re made of, their cost, and much more. Plus, we’ll introduce you to an expert Los Angeles implant dentist who can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants were invented in the 60s by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon. Now they’re one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Just in the US, over 5 million implants are placed annually.
These artificial tooth roots are inserted surgically inside your jaw and offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They have a proven success rate of over 90% with rare cases of failure. By choosing an experienced dental professional like Los Angeles implant dentist Dr. Kezian, you can reduce the chance of failure tremendously.
There are different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA, but all are composed of three parts:
- Implant Post
The implant post, or the screw, is placed inside the jaw to act as a root for your new tooth. Once it heals, it bonds with the surrounding bone and provides a secure base for the rest of the structure.
- Abutment
The abutment is a connector piece that is added to the implant post. Once it’s placed, it acts as an anchor and attaches the post to your new prosthetic tooth.
- Prosthetic Tooth
The prosthetic tooth completes the implant by being placed over the abutment. It can be a dental crown which is ideal for single tooth replacements or a bridge for replacing multiple teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are numerous benefits to the different types of dental implants you can get in Los Angeles.
Implants…
- Improve appearance by creating a harmonious look
- Boost confidence and self-esteem by improving your smile
- Improve overall health
- Improve speech by fitting perfectly and securely inside your jaw
- Function like natural teeth and make it easier to chew solid food
- Prevent bone loss and dental shifting while supporting your gums and jawbone
- Last up to 25 years with the proper care and good oral hygiene
Who Is a Good Candidate to Get Dental Implants in Los Angeles?
Most patients over the age of 18 with missing teeth are eligible to get dental implants no matter if they’ve lost their teeth because of sports accidents, injuries, medical conditions, or natural aging.
Ideal candidates for receiving dental implants are those with:
- Good oral health
- Good overall health
- Adequate bone density in the jaw
- Healthy gums
Those who may not be good candidates are:
- Heavy smokers and alcohol abusers
- Diabetics
- Those with chronic illnesses and heart disease
- Those under radiation therapy
Even people who don’t meet the above criteria may still be considered for implant surgery. In case of inadequate bone structure in the jaw, for example, the dentist can perform bone grafting to provide the necessary support.
So each patient’s case is unique and can ultimately be decided by the dentist. If you’re in LA and not sure whether implant surgery is right for you, you can contact the Los Angeles implant dentist Dr. Kezian and schedule a consultation.
Different Types of Dental Implant Materials
A dental implant is supposed to stand a lot of pressure and last a long time. That’s why each part of it is made of the highest quality materials. Some of these materials result in more affordable dental implants in Los Angeles, but they’re all very durable and resistant.
Let’s look at the different types of dental implants materials available in Los Angeles CA.
- Titanium: medical-grade titanium is the most popular choice for dental implants. That’s because it’s a lightweight biocompatible material that has been used in knee replacement surgeries for a long time and fuses well with the bones.
- Zirconia: for people with metal allergies who can’t tolerate titanium, zirconia is the next best choice. It’s a fairly new material but yields the same results.
- Other: gold, cobalt-chromium, and stainless steel are other materials that are used less often than the two previous ones.
Ultimately, your dentist can help you decide which material is best for you.
Different Types of Dental Implants in Los Angeles CA
Different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA can be categorized by the positioning of the implant, the number of implants, and the installation technique.
Position
The position of the implant can be different based on the patient’s jawbone and put into one of the following categories:
- Endosteal implants: these are the most common types of implants. They’re placed directly into the jawbone in a 2-stage procedure. So they require good bone density to be performed successfully.
- Subperiosteal implants: these are the ideal implants for people with inadequate bone density who don’t want to complete a bone graft. They’re placed beneath the gum, over a layer of tissue just above the jawbone.
- Transosteal implants: these are the least common type of implants and the most complicated ones because they’re inserted through the mandibular bone.
- Zygomatic implants: these are the other uncommon type of implants performed in people who don’t have enough bone density. Instead of the jawbone, they’re placed in the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone.
Number& Technique
The other categorization for different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA is based on the number of teeth you want to replace and the implantation technique the dentist uses.
- Single tooth implants: these implants are made of one implant post, abutment, and crown and they can replace a single missing tooth anywhere in the mouth.
- Multiple implants: multiple individual implants can be used to replace each of the missing teeth in different parts of your mouth.
- Implant-supported bridges: instead of a traditional bridge, here an implant is used to support a dental bridge to replace multiple missing teeth next to each other.
- Full-arch restorations: with full dental implants, the entire upper or lower jaw is restored by only a few implants inserted into each arch. The number of implants differs based on the patient’s dental condition and jawbone strength:
- All on 4 implants: 4 implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw to support a full set of teeth
- All on 6 implants: 6 implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw to support a full set of teeth
- Same-day implants: with these implants, your damaged tooth can be extracted and replaced in the same visit, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Mini dental implants: with 2 millimeters in width and a less invasive surgery, mini implants can be used to support dentures.
Dental Implants Procedure
Dental implants surgery is an outpatient multistep procedure that is completed over several appointments. Here are the steps involved.
- Initial Consultation& Planning
At your initial consultation, the Los Angeles implant dentist will discuss your needs and what you want to achieve. He will examine the proposed site for the implant and check your jaw’s x-rays and CT scans to determine if you need bone grafting or sinus lifting to support the implants. Then he will come up with a treatment plan and explain the different options you have for the implant brands, materials, and sedation techniques. He will also give you a cost estimate and a timeline of the entire procedure.
2.Tooth Extraction
Before the implant post can be inserted, the dentist has to extract the damaged tooth from its socket. In most cases, a simple extraction is performed under local anesthesia.
3.JawbonePreparation
You may need bone grafting or sinus lifting to improve your jawbone and increase the chance of successful fusion.
For bone grafts, the dentist will take bone from another part of your body and graft it into the jawbone. Synthetic bone may also be used. After a healing period of 3-9 months, you’ll be ready for the next step of the implant surgery.
When the lost tooth is positioned at the back of the upper jaw, a sinus lift may need to be performed. That’s because the bone mass under the sinus cavity can deteriorate and there won’t be enough structure to support the new implant. So the dentist will lift the sinus floor and augment the jaw to install the implant.
4.Implant Post Placement
After bone grafting and sinus lifting, your jaw is ready for the implant post. If you had enough bone density and didn’t need the extra preparation step, the dentist can place the implant post even after the tooth extraction. He will numb your mouth and make an incision in your gum to expose the underlying bone. He will drill the bone to make room and insert the implant post inside. Then he’ll stitch up the surgical area to allow the bone to heal.
5.Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process of healing that usually takes 2-9 months. During this time, tissue forms around the implant post and integrates it with your jawbone. Since the different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA are biocompatible, your body shouldn’t reject them and the fusion process should go smoothly. This healing period might be shorter or longer depending on the type of implant you have received.
6.Abutment Placement
At this stage, the abutment is placed over the implant post. Now, this structure can securely hold a prosthetic tooth in place. So the dentist will take an impression and send it to the lab to have your crown custom made. You will need about two weeks to recover from the abutment placement. The crown fabrication can also take up to six weeks.
7.Prosthetic Tooth Placement
When the crown is ready, you can visit your dentist for the last step. He will affix the crown to the abutment with dental cement. Your new tooth will exactly match the color and shape of your other teeth so your new smile will appear as natural and beautiful as possible.
How Long Does it Take to Get Dental Implants in Los Angeles CA?
The implants procedure usually takes 3-9 months from start to finish for most dental implant types. But that can be different for each patient based on their unique dental needs and conditions. For instance, if you need bone grafting, you’ll need an extra 3-9 months to heal from that.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure in Los Angeles CA Painful?
No matter what types of teeth implants you’re getting, you won’t feel any pain during your dental implant procedure in Los Angeles. There are numerous techniques, anesthetics, and sedatives available to help you feel relaxed and comfortable and your Los Angeles implant dentist will discuss them with you beforehand.
How Long Will Dental Implants From Los Angeles CA Last?
With proper care, the dental implants you get in Los Angeles CA should last 25 years or more. They’re known as permanent solutions, but even if you get the best dental implants from Los Angeles, you’ll have to be mindful of the things that can affect their longevity.
Here are the factors that can affect your dental implants’ durability negatively:
- Bad dental care and oral hygiene routine
- Damaging activities like impact sports
- Damaging habits like biting nails, using tobacco, and drinking alcohol
Dental Implants Aftercare
No matter the different types of dental implants you decide to get in Los Angeles CA, to make them last, you need to care for them like your natural teeth.
By following these aftercare tips, you can increase the success rate of your implants procedure and make them work for you as long as possible:
- After the procedure, place an ice pack over the area to reduce swelling
- Take OTC or prescription pain medication to control the pain
- Eat soft foods until the area heals
- Follow a good dental care routine
- Use soft toothbrushes
- Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
How Much Are Dental Implants in Los Angeles CA?
The average cost of dental implants in Los Angeles can start from$1,500 to $3,500 for a single tooth. This costis affected by several factors and will be different for each case. So it’s important to know these factors before you start this journey.
- Implant materials: some implant materials cost higher than others.
- Extra procedures: the additional procedures like tooth extractions, bone grafts, and sinus lifts add to the overall cost.
- Your location: where you live can affect the cost of your implants. Although California is notoriously expensive, it doesn’t mean you can’t get affordable dental implants in Los Angeles.
- Dentist: Having the procedure performed by an experienced dentist will cost a bit higher, but it also has the benefit of a higher chance of success and a smoother surgery with fewer complications.
Although most insurance companies don’t cover dental implants, many clinics offer discounts and payment plans so you can get your dream smile no matter your budget.
Contact the Los Angeles Implant Dentist Dr. Kezian for a Better Smile
Now that you know about the different types of dental implants in Los Angeles CA, it’s time to get your own. Invest in your teeth not just for a more confident smile, but for better health. The only right way to do that is by visiting an experienced professional dentist like the Los Angeles implant dentist, Dr. Kezian.
With nearly 40 years of experience and a skillful team of dental professionals, Dr. Kezian can restore your smile and take care of any other dental problems you have. He will examine your mouth thoroughly and walk you through the different implant options, helping you choose the best one that suits your needs. So call the office of Dr. Kezian today and schedule an appointment for a better smile.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS
443 N. Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 467-2777
References:
- WebMD –Dental Implants
- Hiossen Implant –Different Types Of Dental Implants & Techniques
- Colgate –Dental Implant Surgery