FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants, you likely have questions about the procedure, benefits, and suitability. At Pearlmax Oral Surgery in San Diego, CA, Dr. German Trujillo and our team have compiled this FAQ to help you understand everything you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small posts inserted into the jawbone. They serve as a permanent solution for lost teeth. They provide a solid base for replacement teeth by osseointegration with the jawbone.
Why Should I Choose Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures or Bridges?
Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional solutions like dentures and bridges:
- Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime with the right maintenance, while dentures and bridges often need to be replaced every few years.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss.
- Comfort and Functionality: Unlike dentures, which may slip or click, dental implants provide a secure fit, allowing you to eat and speak without worry.
What Does a Dental Implant Consist Of?
A dental implant is made up of three main parts:
- Titanium Implant: The post that integrates with the jawbone.
- Abutment: A connector that sits above the gum line and attaches the implant to the crown.
- Crown: A custom-made tooth designed by a restorative dentist to match your natural teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults seeking to replace one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. Here are a few factors to consider:
- General Health: If you can undergo routine dental treatments, you’re likely eligible for implants.
- Gum Health: Many patients with a history of gum disease can still successfully receive implants.
- Existing Dentures: Implants can replace or stabilize removable dentures, improving comfort and function.
- Age: Typically, dental implants are deferred until jaw growth is complete (around age 18), but exceptions may exist.
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
The process for getting dental implants generally involves the following steps:
- Initial Evaluation: A comprehensive examination and X-rays to assess your dental health and jawbone.
- Surgical Placement: The oral surgeon places the implant into the jawbone under anesthesia.
- Healing Period: Osseointegration usually takes several months for the implant to fuse with the bone.
- Crown Attachment: Once healed, your restorative dentist will place a custom crown on the abutment.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95%. With nearly 50 years of clinical research supporting their efficacy, implants are often considered the best option for replacing missing teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants?
Patients who choose dental implants experience significant benefits, including:
- Increased comfort and confidence without the fear of slippage or clicking.
- The ability to enjoy a varied and healthy diet.
- A natural appearance that enhances your smile and facial structure.
How Can I Get Started?
If you’re ready to explore dental implants and regain your smile, we’re here to help!
Contact us today at (858) 434-7554 to schedule your consultation at Pearlmax Oral Surgery. Dr. German Trujillo and our experienced team will guide you through the process and answer any additional questions you may have!
Actual Patients Before & After Results
The patient underwent the extraction of a lower right molar due to a tooth fracture. An immediate implant was successfully placed, and we look forward to completing the restoration of this tooth soon
Before and after 3D scans of a patient requiring a dental implant demonstrate proper angulation.
Dental implants are the most effective solution for restoring missing teeth, eliminating the need to damage adjacent teeth for a bridge—a process that is often unnecessary.
- The patient comes in with no teeth on the upper left side.
- The patient gets a dental implant placed to somewhat regain their chewing ability.
- In the future, the patient is planning to place two more dental implants in order to restore their upper left quadrant to full chewing capacity.
- Patient unhappy with her crown recurrently coming off her first upper left molar.
- A screw retained restoration was fabricated and the crown was directly retained to the previously placed dental implant.
Extraction of decayed, non-restorable tooth with immediate implant replacement.
Restoration of the implant showing adequate cosmetics.
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
