Before we perfected dental implant technology, the concept had been around for thousands of years. In many different civilizations throughout history, there is evidence of people trying to replace missing teeth—with single tooth implants made of bamboo, copper, iron, and even animal teeth! 

Thanks to modern dental implant technology, and a brave volunteer in 1965, we now have titanium dental implants which have proven to be the most successful dental implant solution of all the rest.

Dental implants are advanced prosthetic teeth engineered from the ground up. They are comprised of a metal root and crown, constructed without the need for existing dental structures. Initially, the root is implanted, followed by the addition of a connector and crown. Despite their metallic composition, they are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth flawlessly within the oral cavity.

A dental implant is generally recommended in cases where an individual has lost a tooth or is on the verge of losing one.

The initial step in obtaining a dental implant involves consulting with a dentist, undergoing radiographic examinations, and evaluating your suitability for an implant.

The dental examination primarily includes radiographic analysis and a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Your medical history is crucial for implant planning to ensure your body's compatibility with the implant. Factors such as smoking, gum disease, or diabetes are important considerations for assessing your candidacy.

Dentists utilize their expertise, along with diagnostic tools such as CT scans, to ascertain your suitability for an implant. Consultations with specialists, including surgeons or periodontists, are often part of the comprehensive decision-making process.

The process is akin to standard dental procedures. It involves anesthesia followed by the precise placement of the implant by a specialist. Post-placement, radiographic confirmation is performed, concluding with suturing. The procedure is designed to minimize discomfort, with only the initial anesthesia expected to cause mild sensation.

Bone grafting may be necessary either at the implant placement stage or during tooth extraction, based on individual circumstances.

A thorough evaluation is required to determine the most suitable option between removable or fixed dentures and implants. Our practice adopts a holistic approach, considering physical, financial, and health aspects to devise the optimal strategy for you.

Recovery time is generally quick, with immediate resumption of normal activities possible, although taking the day for rest is advised if feasible.

While dental implants can potentially last a lifetime, their longevity is influenced by overall health, oral hygiene, and maintenance practices.

Dental implants are impervious to cavities but are susceptible to gum disease, underscoring the importance of regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene.

Cost and financing solutions are tailored to individual needs, with various options available to ensure accessibility to our services.

While insurance coverage for implants may be limited, we strive to maximize your benefits and prioritize your interests over those of insurers.

To explore dental implant options, please contact us at (714) 744-1242 to schedule a personalized consultation.

If you are missing one or more teeth, you don't have to get dental implants, but there are several reasons why you should. 

Your natural tooth has roots that stick deep into the gums and go into your jawbone. Every day when you eat, the pressure on your teeth from chewing radiates down into the roots of your teeth and stimulates your jawbone. This is important because that stimulation keeps your jawbone healthy and strong. 

When you are missing a tooth, there is no root there to stimulate the bone. So, what happens? Over time, that section of your jaw can actually lose bone mass—it can shrink. If you only have a single missing tooth, this may not cause enough damage to really notice. But if you have multiple missing teeth, it can be a much bigger problem. 

Losing bone mass in your jaw can weaken your bite, which will make it harder for you to eat certain foods that need a lot of pressure to chew, like steak or nuts. When you are missing several teeth, you can lose a bigger amount of bone mass in your jaw. You will start to see it in the shape of your face as your bone deteriorates over time. 

With dental implants, the titanium post takes the place of your tooth's roots. Our surgeon places the dental implant in your gums down by the jawbone. Once it has healed and your crown is put on, the pressure on your dental implant from chewing will stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth. This will help prevent bone loss and keep your jaw strong and healthy. 

This is why dental implants are a better long-term solution than dentures, because the dental implants can stimulate the jawbone whereas the dentures cannot.

If your jawbone has already deteriorated because of missing teeth, you may still be able to get dental implants! Our dentists will take x-rays of your jawbone and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are not (because of bone loss), we will likely recommend bone grafting. 

With bone grafting, we will rebuild the weakened sections of your jawbone using a special material. This bone-like material will be able to integrate with your natural bone (osseointegration) and strengthen your jaw. The healing process may take between three and nine months. Once this procedure is done and you have fully healed, we will be able to perform the dental implant procedure. 

The basic steps of a dental implant surgery are as follows: 

First, you'll need a thorough examination to ensure your jawbone is healthy enough for dental implants, including x-ray imaging. This will determine your eligibility as a dental implant candidate.

On the day of your implant surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic. (If you would prefer general anesthesia, please let our staff know at your consultation appointment so we can prepare that for you.) Our dental implant specialist surgeon will make an incision in your gums.

A specialized drill will be used to create a hole in your jawbone where the dental implant will be placed (like the roots of your natural teeth).

The surgeon will place the dental implant.

Then they will make sure the incision is properly closed. 

You will be given a temporary crown to cover the dental implant while it heals. 

Placing dental implants is not a long process; the implant surgery will generally take about one to two hours per implant. You can get multiple dental implants placed in one appointment. If you elect to use local anesthesia, where your mouth is numb but you are still awake, you will be able to drive yourself home after the dental implant procedure; though you may want someone to pick you up so you can rest. 

The healing process can take from three to eight months, at which point you will receive your final crown. 

With proper oral hygiene, including routine visits to the dentist, your dental implants can last a lifetime. The dental crown that attaches to the implant, however, will generally last for ten to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced. Replacing the dental crown is a simple procedure that does not require another surgery since it sits on top of the gums.

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, such as how many of your teeth are missing, you may want to choose a different tooth replacement option instead of dental implants. Below are the most common ones.