A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that supports a tooth replacement to restore the look and function of a lost tooth. The artificial root is made from biocompatible metal and is inserted into the jawbone in the course of a minor surgical procedure. After the implant site has healed, an abutment and crown are attached to the artificial root to complete the restoration.

When a patient is missing some of their natural teeth, they may be at risk for severe oral health issues. Without sufficient stimulation from normal biting and chewing motions, the jawbone can deteriorate over time. Dental implants are the only restorative treatment that can prevent jawbone recession and restore stability to your smile. With proper dental care at home and regular visits to the dentist, dental implants can last for a lifetime! 

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth, or they can anchor a bridge or a denture for a secure fit. Since they integrate into the bone, they provide stability to the restorations they support and help them feel natural. 

When considering a dental implant, it’s important to understand that tooth extraction may be part of the process if your teeth are not yet lost but are very damaged. A titanium implant is then placed in the jawbone where the root of the missing tooth was. There, it integrates with the surrounding bone to create a stable foundation for a dental crown.

This foundation provides the strength needed for chewing and other complex oral functions. In addition, the implant keeps the underlying bone tissue healthy by providing stimulation in that area of the jaw. This prevents bone loss and gives patients a long-term solution to tooth loss. 

Patients need a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone tissue to support the implant. If this is not the case, a bone graft may be required to prepare the jaw for the procedure. Once the surgery is completed, a patient can typically go about their normal routine without needing significant downtime to recover.

Proper oral hygiene is vital to the long-term maintenance of dental implants. Patients should brush and floss their implants just like they would their natural teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Easy to clean
• Prevent bone loss and gum recession
• Look and feel like natural teeth
• Improved speech
• Can last a lifetime with proper care

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (714) 635-5500 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 50 S Anaheim Blvd Ste. 94, Anaheim, CA 92805.