About Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of strong and biocompatible materials, including titanium and tooth-colored dental ceramic. It is placed in the jawbone, and a crown, dental bridge or denture is attached. Implants look, act and feel like natural teeth—people usually do not notice any difference. They allow people to talk, chew and exert pressure, just like with natural teeth.
A strong foundation
The bone into which the implant is placed actually grows around the implant and fuses to the implant surfaces. This stably anchors the implant and makes it as strong or stronger than a regular tooth root.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants function most like natural teeth of all tooth replacement options. The dental crowns, bridges or dentures anchored on the implants also look and function most like natural teeth, giving dental implants many distinct advantages. With implants:
- You can talk, chew and exert pressure on your teeth just like natural teeth.
- You have the same chewing and biting power as with natural teeth. The chewing and biting pressure is adequate to maintain the bone volume around the implant and around the adjacent teeth, keeping the implant and the adjacent teeth stable.
- The chewing and biting pressure from the implant tooth also preserves the size and shape of the jaw bone supporting your teeth and prevents the jaw from shrinking and collapsing your face shape.
- You can comfortably bite and chew the foods necessary for full nutrition and do not have to resort to the blender.
- There is no grinding down and compromising the strength of adjacent teeth needed to replace a missing tooth, as with a dental bridge.
- The gap in the gum line left by the missing tooth is filled. This prevents additional bacteria from accumulating on the adjacent teeth and inhibits gum disease.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Because of major advances in technology, most people can now successfully get dental implants. In the past, people with too much bone loss around missing teeth did not have the necessary foundation for the implant to be securely anchored. Dr. Setya uses advanced bone grafting procedures to replace the lost bone and provide the support for implants to be placed successfully.
People can now receive implants even if they have health conditions that formerly made successful implant placement too risky. This includes such things as diabetes, heart disease and heavy smoking. Dr. Setya can work directly with your physician if necessary to ensure these factors do not adversely affect success.
There are no age limits on who can receive dental implants. The only exception is young people whose jaws have not developed fully.
Minimally invasive dental implant placement
Major technical advances over the last several years allows Dr. Setya to place dental implants efficiently and accurately with little or no cutting or suturing and with minimal to no post-operative discomfort.
As a part of planning the implant placement, Dr. Setya takes a 3D 360° series of images of your entire jaw, teeth and tooth-supporting bone with our cone beam 3D CT scanner. Using these images in special software, he plans the exact point of placement for the implant and plans any bone grafting that is needed to ensure the implant will be anchored securely.
The problems with dentures as replacement teeth
The jaw bone supporting your teeth needs chewing and biting pressure to maintain its volume and density. When that pressure is lost because of missing teeth, the jaw bone under the missing teeth starts to dissolve away and the bony ridge that used to hold the teeth sinks. When you have no teeth on the ridge, the entire ridge loses thickness and height and the lower third of your face eventually collapses.
The disadvantages of dentures
- Dentures do not provide the biting and chewing pressure necessary to keep your jawbone from shrinking. In fact, the type of pressure exerted by dentures actually accelerates bone loss and facial collapse.
- Dentures often need to be secured in the mouth with adhesives.
- Dentures slip and need to be continually refit due to the shrinkage of the jaw bone.
- Dentures cover the roof your mouth and block your sense of taste.
- Dentures can click or make noise when you are eating or talking.
- Dentures have only 10% of the biting and chewing power of natural teeth. This makes it hard or impossible to chew many foods that are needed for good health and makes it necessary to use a blender for those foods if you eat them at all.
Implant-supported dentures have greater chewing power
When dental implants are used to support a denture, the biting and chewing power of the denture is increased because the denture rests solidly on the implants. Further, the biting and chewing pressure on the implants stimulates the underlying bone and prevents bone loss.
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Why Choose OC Perio & Implants Dental Group for Dental Implants in Mission Viejo?
Choosing the right dental practice for your implants is crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s why OC Perio & Implants Dental Group stands out:
- Experience: Our Mission Viejo dentists have extensive experience and specialized training in implant dentistry, ensuring you receive the highest quality care.
- Modern Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide precise and effective implant treatment.
- Personalized Approach: Every patient is unique, and we tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs and preferences.
- Thorough Care: From consultation to follow-up care, we manage every aspect of your dental implant journey under one roof.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Mission Viejo Today!
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of dental implants, OC Perio & Implants Dental Group is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile. We’re excited to be part of your journey to better oral health!
SCHEDULE TODAYCAll: 949-364-2850Dental Implants FAQs
If you have any questions about dental implants, we’ve got answers.
Yes. Implants are biocompatible and hypoallergenic, making them naturally attractive to your bone tissues.
Absolutely. You can upgrade from a denture to dental implants at any time.
Yes. Since implants are non-invasive to adjacent teeth, they help preserve natural tooth structures.
The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Some discomfort and swelling are normal after the procedure, but these can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.
A well-maintained implant can last for the rest of your life.
Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and health of your dental implants. Here are some tips to keep your implants in great condition:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your implants just like your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with us to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.
- Healthy Diet: Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your implants. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall oral health.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting to protect your investment in your oral health.
The cost of dental implants in Mission Viejo varies depending on individual needs and treatment plans, including the number of implants and any necessary bone grafting. We strive to offer competitive pricing and flexible financing options, making your dream smile more attainable. While dental insurance coverage varies, we’ll work with you to maximize your benefits and explore all available options. Don’t let finances hold you back from a confident, radiant smile. Contact our experienced team today to discuss your individual needs, get a personalized quote, and discover how affordable dental implants can transform your life.
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Questions Answered on This Page
- What are Dental Implants?
- What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Why are Implants So Successful?
- Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
- Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Common Types of Dental Implant Treatment
- Why Choose OC Perio & Implants Dental Group for Dental Implants?
- Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Mission Viejo Today!
- Dental Implants FAQs
Definition of common dental implants terminology
Abutment: The abutment is the connector piece between a dental implant and the crown.
Osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process by which your dental implant bonds and integrates with the surrounding bone.
Titanium: This is a strong metal that is often used for implants. It is also the same material used to make airplane wings, so you know it is very strong. This metal is also lightweight, which makes it perfect for implants.
Bone Graft: A dental bone graft is a procedure to add more bone in a part of the jaw where bone has been lost or where additional support is needed.
Dental Crown: A crown is an artificial tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over the top of the implant to provide an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Dentures: A removable plate or frame holding one or more artificial teeth.
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About Our Dentistry
- Financing Options: We offer payment plan and financing options.
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Mission Viejo, South and Central Orange County, including Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach and San Clemente
- Have Questions? Please feel free to contact us at 949-364-2850
