When you have missing teeth, an alternative solution to dentures is dental implants. While dentures are removable, dental implants provide permanent new teeth to restore your mouth’s function and appearance. Dental implants tend to offer a successful and lasting solution to the loss of some or all of your teeth.
request an appointmentDental implants are done to improve a patient’s smile and usually their self esteem. Having missing or bad teeth can be quite embarrassing. Dental implants also can be done to improve oral health. Many people find it easier to eat with dental implants. Their speech can also be improved. Dental implants are also more comfortable because they are made to become permanent.
When done correctly, and with proper care, dental implants can last a patient’s whole life. It is still important to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash when you have implants. Patients still need routine dental checkups to keep their implants healthy.
If you have any questions about dental implants and how we can help your smile, feel free to contact us today at (626) 577-7770.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or ceramic posts that provide a sturdy foundation for oral prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
At Dental Implant Institute, Dr. Cha uses OsseoFuse and ceramic implants. OsseoFuse implants are unique in that they use a simple two-step drill system. This allows for more accurate placement, less discomfort, and quicker recovery.
Ceramic implants may be a safe alternative for patients with mental allergies or concerns about the aesthetics of traditional titanium implants.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
When compared to traditional oral prosthetics, dental implants present various advantages, including:
- Improved comfort
- Better oral hygiene
- Easier eating
- Durability
- Convenience
Dental implants can also boost your self-esteem. If you’re missing teeth, the skin around your mouth droops and folds. Implants restore structure to your face and jaw, making you appear younger and more attractive.
Why should I consider ceramic dental implants?
Traditional implants are made of titanium, which is generally considered very safe and effective. However, Dental Implant Institute also offers ceramic or zirconia dental implants as a healthier, more holistic alternative.
Ceramic implants possess the natural capacity to bond to your jawbone once implanted. However, they offer several other unique benefits, including:
- Nonallergenic
Some patients can experience an allergic reaction to titanium implants, resulting in inflammation, itchiness, bone loss, and implant failure. Ceramic implants carry no risk of triggering an allergy. - Noncorrosive
Natural mouth acids run the risk of corroding metal dental work, but ceramic is bioinert, meaning that it resists corrosion. - Don’t trigger galvanism
If you have a mix of different metals in your mouth, your saliva can act as an electrolyte that triggers an electrical current. Galvanism can produce a range of uncomfortable symptoms like vertigo, headaches, insomnia, and TMJ disorders. Ceramic implants run no risk of galvanizing. - Nonconductive
Zirconia isn’t conductive, which creates a healthier oral environment by eliminating the risk of electrically charged bacterial growth. - Natural-looking
If your gums begin to recede while you have titanium implants, you might notice a faint aura of gray around your gum line. Ceramic implants are white, so your smile will still look natural even if your gums start to recede. - Less plaque accumulation
Studies have indicated that there is less plaque accumulation and a lower rate of infection with ceramic implants.
Who can get dental implants?
Anyone who is missing one, several, or all of their permanent teeth can get dental implants, providing their jawbone is dense enough to receive them. That said, if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, make sure your provider knows.
These conditions won’t prevent you from getting dental implants, but they can increase your risk of surgical complications. You’ll also want to inform your dentist of any prescription medication, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you take regularly.
With ceramic implants, even those with metal allergies can get dental implants.
How does the dental implant treatment process work?
At Dental Implant Institute, your provider installs dental implants using the proprietary 5-in-1 technique.
This advanced procedure uses three patented instruments and two custom surgical techniques to place all of your dental implants in under 30 minutes. Following your operation, your dentist attaches temporary fixed crowns to each implant, allowing you to bite and chew.
Three to six months later, you return to the office, and your provider exchanges your temporary crowns for permanent, custom-crafted crowns.
The 5-in-1 technique is safe and boasts a 99% success rate. Because it allows for dental implant installation in just 30 minutes, patients experience less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery times.
How do I clean and care for my dental implants?
You clean and care for your dental implants as though they’re your natural teeth. The Dental Implant Institute team recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the office every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.
If you play contact sports or mountain bike, you might also want to wear a mouthguard to prevent cracks, chips, or other damage. Try to avoid bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice too.
If you’re interested in getting dental implants, schedule an appointment by calling Dental Implant Institute, or booking online today.