Dental Implant

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw to replace damaged or lost teeth.

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What is Dental Implant ?


Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw to replace damaged or lost teeth.  A tooth, typically constructed of ceramic material or porcelain, is attached to the implant with an abutment.  The tooth can be either fixed or removable.  Also known as dental fixtures, dental implants help to improve the physical appearance of the mouth and the self-confidence of the patient. Dental implants also promote proper speech and enhanced chewing ability which results in better digestion on the part of the patient. 

Dental Implant videos


Restoring Oral Health With Dental Implants
Greg Gelfand, DDS - Dental Implant
What You Should Know About Dental Implants
Andrey Ilyabayev, DDS - Other Teeth Procedures
Dental Implants
Navid Rahmani, DDS - Dental Implant
Dental Implants
Marianna Weiner, DDS - Dental Implant

Dental Implant videos

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Implant ?


Ideal candidates for Dental Implant include:
Someone with damaged or missing teeth
A person with healthy oral tissue
A patient who is committed to healthy oral habits
Anyone willing to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco
A person who wants to avoid dentures
Someone looking to improve the appearance of their mouth
A person looking to improve their speech and/or eating ability
An individual with a fully developed jawbone

Dental Implant costs


Nationwide
$1000-$3000
Los Angeles
$1200-$3300

The total cost of dental implant surgery depends on various factors.  The type of anesthesia required can make a difference in the total cost.  If an extraction or repair needs to be made before the implant can be installed, this will result in higher costs.  Additionally, some individuals will require bone grafts in order for the implant to remain securely in the jaw.  Other unique circumstances will also have an effect on the total cost of the procedure including the area of the country where it is performed, and any fees charged by the doctor or facility.

Dental Implant Procedure Explained


Dental Implant Downtime and Recovery


The recovery time varies per person depending on their unique oral care history and genetic disposition.  While it will take several weeks, or even months, for the treated area to completely heal, patients can typically resume normal activities within a week.  Individuals who smoke should seriously consider quitting since this activity can negatively impact the dental implant by causing movement of the implant or infection. Smoking also stains the teeth and gives them a yellow or brown look.    

The recovery time varies per person depending on their unique oral care history and genetic disposition.  While it will take several weeks, or even months, for the treated area to completely heal, patients can typically resume normal activities within a week.  Individuals who smoke should seriously consider quitting since this activity can negatively impact the dental implant by causing movement of the implant or infection. Smoking also stains the teeth and gives them a yellow or brown look.    

Dental Implant complications


Bleeding

Infection

Gum recession

Tissue damage

Scarring

Bruising

Nerve damage

Swelling

Typical Dental Implant results


Dental implants can provide an immediate change and improvement in the appearance and functionality of the mouth. The results can last five to fifteen years depending on the type of oral hygiene practiced by the patient after the treatment. Patients will enjoy a healthier mouth, improved ability to speak, enhanced ability to chew, an increased amount of self-confidence and a better self-image.

Typical Dental Implant results

Dental implants can provide an immediate change and improvement in the appearance and functionality of the mouth. The results can last five to fifteen years depending on the type of oral hygiene practiced by the patient after the treatment. Patients will enjoy a healthier mouth, improved ability to speak, enhanced ability to chew, an increased amount of self-confidence and a better self-image.

Alternatives to Dental Implant


Same day dental implants

Same day dental implants are a quicker treatment, but they come with an increased possibility of instability.  A damaged tooth is extracted, and the implant, abutment, and tooth are placed during the same visit.  While results are achieved more quickly, there is a greater possibility of implant movement and site infection.

Mini dental implants

Mini dental implants are similar to regular dental implants (but they are smaller).  Additionally, the implant, abutment, and tooth are one piece that is placed over the gums rather than under the gums.  The procedure only takes about an hour.

Dentures

Dentures can be either full or partial removable dentures are probably the most well-known alternative to dental implants.  Dentures, or false teeth, are created by obtaining a mold of the gums of a patient.  The mold is used to form a plastic base into which plastic or porcelain teeth are inserted. 

Dental bridges

Dental bridges not only help to improve the appearance of the mouth, they also assist with proper chewing and prevent further dental problems such as the migration of other teeth.  Dental bridges can be fixed or removeable. A traditional bridge involves a crown being cemented in place of the missing tooth or teeth.  A Maryland bridge is often implemented to replace front teeth.  In this case, porcelain teeth are held in place by protruding materials that attach to the teeth next to the replacement tooth. 

Dental Implant news

Find more Dental Implant doctors near you

The first step in the dental implant process is finding a doctor that is experienced in performing modern dental implant procedures. In order to find the best cosmetic dentist for dental implants, patients should use our “Find a Doctor” search page to locate a doctor based on their geographic location.

Dental Implant doctors near you