Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, as they not only restore aesthetics and function to your mouth but also preserve your jawbone density. If you are searching for a permanent tooth replacement option that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth, dental implants offer unmatched durability and stability. In this blog, we’ll explore your dental implant options and what you can expect during the implant process.
Table of Contents
- How Do Dental Implants Work?
- Dental Implant Consultation and Treatment Planning
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Multiple Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Full Arch Dental Implants and Implant-Supported Dentures
- Why Choose Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement?
- Are Dental Implants Right for You?
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A missing tooth does more than leave a visible gap—it can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and bite problems. A dental implant replaces your entire tooth structure, including the root, and consists of:
- Implant post: A titanium or zirconium post surgically placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root
- Abutment: A connector that secures the restoration (crown) to the implant post
- Dental crown, bridge, or denture: The visible replacement tooth
After placement, the dental implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, during which it fuses with your jawbone. Osseointegration ensures that your new tooth is rooted in a stable, long-lasting foundation.
Dental Implant Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Sands. During your visit, he will perform a thorough oral examination, review your medical history, and evaluate the health of your gums and surrounding teeth. Using advanced dental technology such as digital X-rays and 3D imaging tools, he carefully assesses your jawbone density and structure to determine the optimal placement of your implant. This detailed imaging allows him to plan your treatment more accurately and minimize surprises during surgery. Based on what he learns from this thorough evaluation, Dr. Sands creates a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to address your smile goals and long-term oral health.
Single Tooth Dental Implant
A single dental implant is typically the best solution for replacing one missing tooth because it preserves the surrounding teeth and prevents bone loss in your jaw.
Step 1: Implant Placement
The titanium or zirconium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone.
Step 2: Osseointegration
Healing after post-implantation typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on your bone health. It generally takes a couple of weeks for the soft tissues to heal, and three to six months for osseointegration to be complete.
Step 3: Abutment and Crown Placement
Once the post is securely anchored in your jawbone, the abutment is attached, impressions are taken, and a custom dental crown is fabricated to match your natural teeth. The final crown is securely attached to the abutment, completing your restoration.
Benefits of a Single Tooth Implant
- Preserves adjacent healthy teeth
- Prevents jawbone deterioration
- Looks and feels natural
- Long-lasting and durable
- Restores full function to your mouth, allowing speaking and chewing
Multiple Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
If you are missing several teeth, multiple dental implants offer a stable, enduring way to rebuild your smile. Depending on your needs and desired results, individual implants can be placed to restore the appearance and function of several non-adjacent teeth, or they can be strategically positioned to support a custom dental bridge when missing teeth are adjacent to each other. If bone loss has occurred, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended to strengthen your jaw and create a secure foundation for the implants.
Once the implants integrate with the bone through osseointegration, beautiful, custom-crafted crowns or bridges are attached, restoring both the natural appearance of your smile and your ability to chew and speak comfortably and with confidence.
Benefits of Multiple Dental Implants
- Strong base of support for bridges
- Prevents additional bone loss
- Restores bite alignment
- Permanent alternative to removable partial dentures
Full Arch Dental Implants and Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, full-arch dental implants provide a secure, permanent alternative to traditional dentures.
Option 1: Individual Implants for Full Restoration
Each missing tooth is replaced with its own implant. This option offers maximum stability but requires a greater investment of time and money.
Option 2: Implant-Supported Dentures (All-on-4®)
This popular solution uses four to six dental implants per arch to anchor a full denture securely in place.
The All-on-4® process begins with a comprehensive evaluation and detailed digital planning to determine the ideal placement for your implants. Once your treatment plan is finalized, four to six posts are strategically implanted in your jawbone to provide maximum stability and support for a full-arch restoration. Once osseointegration is complete, a custom-designed denture is securely attached to the implant posts, restoring both function and aesthetics. In certain cases, same-day dental implants may allow temporary teeth to be placed immediately so that you can leave with a functional smile.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Eliminates concerns associated with traditional dentures (including adhesives, slippage, and discomfort)
- Improved chewing strength
- Increased stability and comfort
- Helps prevent jawbone shrinkage
- Long-lasting tooth replacement solution
Why Choose Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement?
Compared to traditional bridges and removable dentures, dental implants offer several advantages, including:
- Preservation of health and bone density of your jaw
- Superior stability
- Natural-looking results
- Improved speech and chewing abilities
- Can last decades with proper care
Dental implants are one of the most predictable and successful procedures in modern dentistry, with high long-term success rates.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, it is vital that you address the problem as soon as possible. The sooner missing teeth are replaced, the better your chances of preserving jawbone structure and avoiding more complex dental procedures later. A skilled and experienced dental implant provider like Dr. Sands can determine whether you need:
- Bone grafting
- Sinus lift procedure
- Single implant
- Implant-supported bridge
- Full arch dental implants
Explore Your Beverly Hills Dental Implant Options
Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, modern dental implants offer a variety of personalized solutions to restore both your oral health and your confidence. To learn more about dental implants and discover which option is right for you, schedule a consultation with celebrity dentist Dr. Kevin Sands today by calling (310) 273-0111 or completing the online contact form.