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Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or ceramic that are placed into the jawbone and used to support crowns, bridges, and dentures. They mimic the function of your natural teeth roots and can help prevent further issues with your dental health, like shifting teeth. The restorations affixed to the implant are also extremely durable and easy to care for. In fact, patients find that caring for their implants is easier than caring for their natural tooth enamel. It also means that you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your teeth!

When cared for properly, dental implants can last the patient’s entire life. They are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and restoring a patient’s smile. 

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place in the dental office. The process generally takes three to six months to complete, after which time the dental implants will have fused to the surrounding bone. Once the dental implant has fully integrated into the mouth, it can serve as a sturdy anchor for the placement of a crown or bridge.

Prior to placing an implant into the jaw, a dentist will conduct a thorough examination and take X-rays to determine a patient’s candidacy for the procedure. During the surgery, the dentist will create a small incision in the gum tissue to access the underlying jawbone and place the implant. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary in order to complete the restoration process as quickly as possible. Following the placement procedure, patients may need to wait several months before receiving their permanent restorations in order to allow the oral tissues to heal properly around the newly placed implant(s). During this time, a temporary crown or bridge can be worn over the abutment as necessary. Patients should continue to attend regular follow-up appointments during this time in order to ensure that the implants are healing properly and that no complications arise.

Once fully healed, the patient will return to the dental practice to receive permanent restorations. These can either be individual dental crowns or a bridge that fills the gap created by multiple missing teeth in a row. The dentist will prepare these restorations by first removing any temporary crowns from the abutments and affixing the final restoration(s) in their place. Once this is complete, they can perform any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and optimal aesthetic results.

When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime; with the proper care, they can also remain functional for decades. In addition to preventing bone loss and providing support for a false tooth or bridge, dental implants can also prevent additional tooth loss by stopping previously lost teeth from shifting.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They are small posts made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone and used to support replacement teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth! Unlike dentures, they do not need to be removed for cleaning or sleeping.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants over other options. They look and function like natural teeth, so no one will ever know that they are not real. 

People often choose implants because they provide the same function as natural teeth. Just like with dentures, patients can eat what they want without worrying about their teeth falling out of their mouth. Additionally, they can help to prevent bone loss in the jaw that happens as a result of missing teeth. Since they are permanently fixed to the jawbone, they do not need to be removed for cleaning and will help prevent cavities from forming. Finally, they are a great way to restore facial structure that was impacted by tooth loss. When teeth are lost due to gum disease, it can cause the cheeks to sag and lead to premature aging. By replacing them, patients regain their youthful appearance.

Is getting dental implants worth it? Absolutely! Call our Torrance dentist at (310) 543-1655 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. They will decide if this option is right for you and help you determine if your insurance will cover the procedures.