Typically created with titanium, dental implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots for any missing teeth. It used to be that if you had missing teeth, you either needed to suffer in silence or opt for traditional dentures. Dental implants, however, are the chosen tooth restoration option of today.A dental implant is made up of three components. The first is the implant post which is drilled into your jawbone to act as your new tooth root. The post needs to integrate with your jawbone and gums through a process referred to as osseointegration. This can take several months. After healing has occurred, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant post. The third, and final piece, to the dental implant is the dental crown. This looks and serves as your new tooth. It is the only visible part of your dental implant.
Depending on your needs, we will talk with you and determine which type of teeth implants will work best for you. There are many types of dental implants available including single tooth implants, multiple teeth implants, mini dental implants, and full arch dental implants. At Placentia Oral Surgery we will ensure that we provide the best solution for your lifestyle.
Missing Teeth and Their Effects on the Mouth
It is essential for jawbone health to have all gaps in your mouth filled to prevent further issues. Bone loss in the jawbone is a common reason for tooth loss. Typically, its major cause is advanced periodontal (gum) disease, when all the supporting structures of the teeth (including the bone) have been destroyed by the disease. Tooth loss is also another cause of bone loss, even if there is no periodontal disease present.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
The main advantage of dental implants is that they are permanent fixtures in your mouth. Unlike regular dentures that need to be taken out and cleaned or can occasionally slip out of place if not appropriately secured, dental implants are held in place securely in the jawbone. The sturdy implants allow for your new teeth to stay where they are, no matter what happens.
Dental implants do not just have their stability as a benefit, but they also improve your speaking and chewing abilities too. No more biting down wrong on something hard that causes your dentures to come loose. Additionally, dental implants are also more natural-looking and are more comfortable on the gums.
What is the All-on-4 Treatment Concept?
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept is a method of replacing all of the teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth with implants.
While tooth loss is common among adults, this procedure is not a one size fits all solution. Before you can proceed with an All-on-4 procedure, you need to know if you are the right candidate for it.
What You Bring
The All-on-4 procedure says that all you need are four implants placed at the right spots at the top and bottom of your mouth. Then those implants will hold and support your full smile with an entire arch of teeth.
If you have tooth loss that has ruined either the upper or lower arches, then this procedure might be right for you. If your tooth loss is more sporadic, then you might just need regular dental implants. These can be more expensive but can also take less time.
Taking Your Time
Keep in mind that this procedure is one that will take some time to do effectively. Typically, it is done in four steps. The first is an x-ray of your mouth that maps out how healthy your remaining teeth are, and we also look at your jaw and start making models of your mouth. These models are then given to our oral surgeons, so they know exactly where to place your implants without damaging your mouth or pressing on nerves.
When you return for the operation, we will extract any teeth that need to come out of your mouth. We will also perform a bone graft if your jawbone is too weak to support implants. After your mouth has healed from that, then we will place the implants in your jaw.
You will be sedated for this, and we use the surgical guides to drill holes in your mouth and then insert the metal posts. We then place a healing cap on each hole and allow for your mouth to recover.
Once this is done, the final surgery begins. We attach your new teeth to the tops of the implants and secure them.
If you think that this is the procedure for you, then please reach out. We are available for consultations to see if you are a good fit for All-on-4 dental work, so come to Placentia Oral Surgery or call (657) 216-1617 today to get the process started.
Dental Implants Do Require Oral Surgery
The type of anesthesia you have for your dental implant surgery will be up to you and your oral surgeon and also based on the number of implants you are receiving.
Minimal Sedation
For minimal sedation a mask is placed over your nose and you will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen. You will be awake but totally relaxed and once your treatment is finished the effects of the gas will wear off quickly. In fact, this is the only form of sedation where you will be allowed to drive yourself home afterward.
Minimal sedation can also be given in the form of a pill. It is usually from the Valium family and will make you feel drowsy, but you will still be awake. You will need someone to drive you home if you have had this form of sedation.
Moderate Sedation
A larger dose of Valium is given for moderate sedation, which is also known as conscious sedation and is the most common form of sedation dentistry. Some patients do fall asleep, although they can be gently woken if required.
Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia
This is likely to be administered through a vein and will render you unconscious. The effects of the medication will need to wear off before you can be woken up.
Get Your Dental Implants at Placentia Oral Surgery
If you are struggling with missing teeth and are looking for a solution, please come to Placentia Oral Surgery or call us at (657) 216-1617. We will be able to assess and answer any of your questions or concerns. Our dentists have experience with dental implants, and we will be able to figure out the type that will suit you the best.