Dental Implants Encino | Affordable Dental Implants

Dealing with teeth loss has both physical and emotional difficulties. However, modern dental techniques now allow efficient and long-lasting tooth replacement through dental implants. This long-lasting option for tooth replacement has helped countless patients regain a smile that they can feel confident in. Everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud to share with the world.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are simply replacement tooth roots for when your natural tooth is missing. They can be needed if you have recently had a tooth extracted or have lost teeth due to physical trauma.

These teeth implants act as anchors to support a dental crown or prosthesis, such as a bridge or denture. In other words, they are the foundation upon which a new smile can be built. At Encino Family Dental, Dr. Yassa and her team provide patients with high- quality implants that can support replacement teeth and help you regain confidence in your smile.

$129 - Comprehensive consultation, including full exam, full set of X-rays and BASIC cleaning

$89 - Focused consultation for a specific concern localized issue

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Benefits of Dental Implants

With implants, a significant advantage is that they support jaw health. If you go too long with missing teeth, you put the health of your jaw at risk. But with dental implants, your bone will remain strong and healthy. So in this way dental implants not only improve your look but help keep your jaw healthy. Missing teeth can lead to changes in jaw posture and chewing that might lead to other issues down the road.

The implant tooth will look and function like your other natural teeth. That means speaking, eating, and even breathing will all go back to how they were before you lost your tooth.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

The only drawback of implants is that they need a higher upfront commitment. There are more costs and time commitments with implants. But, they provide lasting results. Intended as a permanent fix, dental implants can last for 25 years or more when cared for properly. However, some patients might choose another tooth replacement procedure, such as dental bridges.

Bridges are a quicker and more economical fix when compared to implants. The disadvantage is that bridges have less stability and a shorter lifespan. Expect a bridge to only last about 7-10 years. Bridges can also weaken your adjacent teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Each option has its advantages and limitations. When considering either, the team at Encino Family Dental will work with you to develop a plan that matches your needs.

Are Dental Implants As Strong As Real Teeth?

Implants are the next best thing to having your real natural teeth. And they are stable. The reason is that implants anchor to your actual jaw bone instead of your tooth roots. Your jaw naturally grows around the implant, holding it firmly throughout the coming years.

But, like your original teeth, they require care. If neglected, they may not provide the best results. It is crucial that you also do your part to ensure their longevity by caring for them and the teeth around them. We will provide you with full information on how to get the most out of your dental implants.

Can You Eat Hard Foods Like Nuts With Dental Implants?

Yes! You can most definitely eat hard foods. The reason for this goes back to implants having their anchor to bone. This strong foundation allows for more substantial pressure, and you can bite down without causing any damage. Unlike other teeth replacement like dentures, you can eat almost any food with a dental implant.

How Long Do Implants Last?

Your dental implants are made from titanium metal that is anchored into your jaw bone. With proper care, expect your implant to last 20+ years, if not a lifetime. Implants are a long-term investment and are well worth taking good care of them. Take care of your implants, and your implants will take care of you.

The Procedure

Getting implants is a multistep treatment procedure. Some patients will need a bone graft first if they don’t have enough healthy bone for support. Though it might sound intimidating, a bone graft is actually a straightforward procedure.

Once the jaw is ready, the dentist will surgically place the implant into the jawbone. Some patients might choose to have multiple implants at once.

Afterward, there will be a waiting period for the metal implant and jawbone to fuse together. Though this takes time, it is part of what makes implants such a powerful part of tooth replacement.

When the fusion is complete, the dentist will place the abutment on top of the implant. The abutment is a metal post that will anchor in the crown that replaces the missing tooth.

Is The Procedure Painful?

Considering getting dental implants but concerned that the surgery might hurt? Rest assured, the procedure isn’t painful. In fact, most patients report minimal discomfort during the actual procedure. You might notice discomfort can arise after surgery, but we work with you to keep it at manageable levels. For most patients, this is nothing more than a slightly sore feeling at the implant site.

Most patients find dental implants to be far more comfortable than they expect and more relaxed than many other routine dental work. However, if you do experience pain, it will be manageable, and if necessary, our cosmetic dentist will prescribe pain relievers.

Take the First Step Toward Rebuilding Your Smile Today

Our team is ready to answer any additional questions you might have about this procedure. We work closely with each patient to keep you informed every step of the way and provide a comfortable experience. It is time to take back your smile.

Call Encino Dentist today and schedule an appointment to learn more about this amazing procedure. Extracting or losing a tooth need not be the end but rather the beginning of restoring your smile. Our Cosmetic Dentist can help you see if getting dental implants is best for you. We believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile and that your teeth should be a source of self-esteem and joy.

FAQs

How do I get dental implants?

Consultation: First, we meet with every patient to fully evaluate their situation. We check your oral health, jawbone density, and medical history. Based on the consultation, we can recommend a path forward.
Preparation: Any oral health issues will need to be cleared out first. This includes infections, decay, or gum issues. You may also need bone grafting to build up jawbone material.
Implant Placement: We surgically implant the titanium post into the gum where you are missing a tooth.
Recovery: Now let that heal. This can take about 3 to 6 months, depending on individual healing rates.
Impressions: With the post fused to the jawbone, you are ready for taking impressions. These catalog your teeth and bite, allowing for a custom-made crown that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Crown Placement: With your crown back from the lab, you can come in for a fitting. We ensure a perfect fit and comfort before permanently making it a part of your smile.

How long does the process take?

Most patients can expect roughly 6 months for the entire process, though it can sometimes take as much as 8. Patients with overall good oral health tend to have a quicker process. If you need bone grafting or pre-treatment procedures, you may have an extra visit or two.

What is bone grafting?

The name may sound intimidating, but bone grafting is a quick and painless procedure that boosts your jawbone strength. We place a small amount of grafting material on the target jawbone area, which then encourages the bone to build itself up. This treatment allows patients to generate enough jawbone stability to eventually support a dental implant. Not all patients will need this step, though. Usually, it is for patients who have lost jawbone density due to longer periods of missing teeth.

What are implant-supported dentures?

While most patients use dental implants to replace one tooth at a time, you have additional options. Namely, you may qualify for implant-supported dentures if you are missing larger numbers of teeth (or all of them). These are similar to traditional dentures, but instead of resting on the gums, they affix to dental implants. This gives them added stability while still being easy to remove and clean.

How long do dental implants last?

The implanted post is built to last a lifetime. If you have good oral health and avoid gum disease, you can expect to get decades of benefits from it. The crown will also last for years, with many patients seeing 15+ years. However, its durability depends on several factors, including:

Oral health and dental hygiene
Type of material
Avoidance of injuries

How much do dental implants cost?

Getting dental implants tends to cost a few thousand dollars per tooth. The final cost will include any pre-treatment (e.g., bone grafting), the implants, your crowns, and everything else. We break down a personalized quote during your consultation before you commit to any treatment.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Typically, dentists consider three main points before deciding whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants: general health, oral health, and jawbone density.

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, after which the implant must fuse with the jawbone. This means you should have good general health, which will allow your body to regenerate successfully. Some autoimmune diseases or diabetes can hinder healing and increase the risk of infection and implant failure.

Poor oral health can also lead to infections and implant failure. That is why issues such as gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay should be treated before the implant is placed.

Lastly, sufficient jawbone density is required for the implant to be stable. Bone density loss may occur due to gum disease, changes related to age, or if you have been missing natural teeth for a long time. However, in many cases, the jawbone can be restored with bone grafting, allowing implants to be placed afterward.

What is included in the cost of dental implants?

The cost of dental implants typically includes diagnostics and imaging, the titanium post and the crown, the surgical implant placement, and follow-up visits. If you require additional procedures, such as gum or bone grafting, sinus lift, or pre-procedure tooth extraction, they are typically paid for separately.

Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?

Implants are the most sophisticated method of dental restoration today. They are permanently fixed in the mouth (fused with the jawbone) and offer superior stability and biting force compared to both dentures and bridges. For example, dentures provide only around 20% of natural biting force, while dental implants typically offer 95% to 100% of natural biting force. Also, unlike dentures or bridges, implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth and do not require additional tools or techniques. What is more, dental implants are the only method of restoration that prevents jawbone density loss, as they stimulate the bone similarly to the roots of your natural teeth.

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth with an implant?

When you are missing a natural tooth, a process called jawbone resorption occurs. Since the roots of the lost tooth no longer stimulate the jawbone, the body stops sending nutrients to that area, and the bone loses its density or “shrinks”. In the first year of missing a natural tooth, you can lose up to 20% of bone density. Bone resorption can result in bite and tooth alignment changes and in changes in facial structure, especially if you miss multiple natural teeth. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and stimulate it, much like the roots of your natural teeth, preventing bone density loss.

Patients who wish to have dental implants more than a year after the loss of a natural tooth may require additional bone-restorative procedures (bone grafting), as implants require a stable foundation in sound bone. That is why we recommend getting implants within 6 to 12 months of tooth loss.

How do I choose the right dental implant specialist near me?

A right dental implant specialist has specialized training and experience. We recommend checking if the dentist and the clinic have all the necessary certifications and good reviews from previous clients. Additionally, good clinics typically offer 3D CBCT scans, guided implant surgery, digital treatment planning, and in-house imaging. It is important that the dentist you choose provides post-surgery care throughout your recovery, is ready to answer all your questions, and gives you a clear treatment plan and explains pricing.

Dental Implants