Dental Implants
Dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for individuals seeking to replace missing teeth. If you are considering enhancing your smile and improving your oral health, dental implants present a viable option that can significantly restore functionality to your bite.
Our team at 32ology Dental Studio uses innovative dental technology, methods, and equipment to replace missing teeth with beautiful, functional dental implants for a bright, long-lasting smile. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Argina Kudaverdian with our implant specialist Dr. Choi, can evaluate your needs and identify the best solution to address the debilitating symptoms caused by lost or missing teeth.
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What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is composed of a titanium post, an abutment, and a restoration. The titanium post, which is designed to mimic the function of a natural tooth root, is surgically installed into the jawbone while an artificial tooth body — usually a dental crown, bridge, or denture — is attached to the connective abutment. Together, these pieces are not only able to fill gaps within your smile, but also help regenerate lost bone volume caused by living with missing teeth. Implants can be utilized to replace an individual tooth, several teeth in a row, or even an entire dental arch. Since dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, patients can enjoy the ability to eat and speak with greater confidence and ease.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?
Dental implants are a modern, permanent way of replacing missing teeth. Many dental care providers are moving to dental implants instead of using dentures that don’t permanently attach to your teeth. We secure the implants in your jawbone to permanently mimic the function of a natural tooth so you can eat, talk, and smile without the inconvenience of dentures or bridges — all while maintaining the health of your jawbone. Implants also fill the gaps to prevent shifting and tilting of your natural teeth.
Getting dental implants is a great way to achieve better oral health. Additional benefits of dental implant surgery include:
- Improved quality of life
- Clearer speech
- Natural, beautiful smiles
- Easier chewing
Without dental implants, people with missing teeth risk putting excess pressure on their natural teeth, contracting gum infections, or dealing with difficult removable dentures.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
When natural teeth start to decay or are knocked out due to injury or illness, the best solution is to fill in the gaps with artificial teeth. Dental implants help many people who are missing one or more teeth.
Implants might be a great option for patients who:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Do not want to or are unable to wear dentures
- Have a healthy, strong jawbone
- Have healthy gums
- Do not smoke
- Have no medical conditions that prevent healthy bone growth or healing
- Want to improve your oral health, confidence, and smile
Dental implants are available for all ages except children (since their teeth are still coming in). If you’re in or around the Tarzana region, give our team a call to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
What Can I Expect During Dental Implant Surgery?
Our dental professionals will develop a personalized treatment plan based on whether you need a single-tooth or multi-teeth replacement.
- Thorough examination: We do a dental exam and medical history review to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
- Pre-surgery preparation: We instruct you on eating and drinking habits before your surgeries (yes, there’s usually more than one!).
- Jawbone preparation: If your bone is too soft or thin for the implant screws, we may need to insert bone grafts to prepare your jaw.
- Implant placement and healing: We will drill holes into the bone to make room for the implant. Then we allow time for your bone to heal around the implant to ensure a strong foundation for your new tooth.
- Abutment placing: When your jaw has healed, we open your gums to attach the abutment, or connection for the false tooth, to the implant. Then we allow your gums to heal for a few weeks before creating the artificial tooth.
- Tooth replacement: We create the crown and replacement teeth and connect them to the abutment with an implant screw.
What Does Dental Implant Recovery Entail?
After dental implant surgery, your face may feel swollen, bruised, or tender. Mild bleeding and/or pain at the implant site(s) may occur, but over-the-counter pain medications can often manage any discomfort. Most patients are able to resume their normal routine within three to seven days, although the osseointegration process (wherein the implant gradually fuses with the jawbone) generally takes a few months. You may be instructed to stick to a liquid or soft food diet immediately after surgery while your gums heal. Our team will inform you of details related to post-operative care so you have a good understanding of what to expect during the healing process. Through periodic follow-up appointments, Tarzana dentist Argina Kudaverdian, DDS and our team will supervise the osseointegration process and monitor your healing period.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are a lifelong investment into your smile and oral health. The procedure is tailored for the unique needs and smile goals of each patient, so the cost of dental implants is similarly personalized. In the Los Angeles area, the price of dental implants usually ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for the entire process, but your cost estimate will also be influenced by:
- The number of implants placed
- The location of your missing teeth
- The cost of the restoration (dental crown, bridge, or denture)
Our office will provide you with a personalized quote following your dental implant consultation. We believe all patients should have access to affordable, high-quality dental care and accept financing from qualified patients through CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ Credit, and Cherry®. Don’t hesitate to call our practice if you would like to learn more about the cost of dental implants.
Additional articles you need to know about dental implants:
Tooth Implants vs. Dental Bridge: Finding the Best Option for you
How much do Dental Implants Cost?
How much do All on 4 Dental Implants Cost
Implant Bridge Denture
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are surgical components that are positioned in the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They are designed to provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are custom-made to match your natural teeth. The dental implant procedure typically involves the placement of an implant body into the jawbone, which then integrates with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, an implant abutment is attached to the implant, which supports the final restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
What are the Different Types of Dental Implants Available?
There are several types of dental implants available, with the most common being the endosteal implant and the subperiosteal implant. The endosteal implant is placed directly into the jawbone and is the most frequently used type. Conversely, the subperiosteal implant is placed under the gum but above the jawbone, making it suitable for patients who have insufficient bone height for an endosteal implant. Each type of dental implant has its own indications depending on the patient’s unique oral health needs.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most adults with good overall health and adequate bone density in their jaw are suitable candidates for dental implant surgery. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or those who smoke heavily, may face an increased risk of implant failure. A thorough evaluation by a qualified dental provider is essential to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, taking into account your health history and lifestyle choices.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?
The dental implant procedure typically involves several stages. First, the dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and imaging to plan the implant placement. During the initial surgery, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After a healing period of several months, during which osseointegration occurs, a second procedure is performed to attach the abutment. Finally, the custom restoration is affixed to the implant. The entire process can take several months, but it results in a functional and natural-looking tooth replacement that can enhance both oral health and aesthetic appearance. With proper care, dental implants can last many years, providing patients with a durable solution to missing teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
Taking proper care of your teeth is easier when you have dental professionals by your side. At 32ology Dental Studio, we get to the root of the problem, educate you on it, and give you the expert care and advice necessary to prevent it from happening in the future. We offer advanced techniques and technology in oral surgery. If you’re looking for more than just replacement teeth, we offer a variety of comprehensive dental services, including emergency dental care, preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, cleanings, dental exams, periodontics, and prosthodontics! Contact 32ology Dental Studio by phone at 818.776.1236 or use our online contact form. Proudly serving the following communities Tarzana, Encino, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Reseda, West Hills and surrounding areas for over 20 years.