Dental Implant Options - SMILE BOUTIQUE GROUP, CA
Dental Implants: Smile Boutique
Group, CA
When you have a full set of healthy teeth, you don’t give much thought to activities such as chewing and speaking. However, when you’re missing one or more of those teeth, these activities become challenging. Therefore, tooth replacement is critical.
Smile Boutique Group offers several tooth replacement solutions. We have three locations to serve you: Thousand Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Northridge. Our team of dentists can help you improve the appearance and functionality of your smile.
When it comes to tooth replacement, the American Dental Association recommends dental implants because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. Here is what you need to know about dental implants at Smile Boutique Group.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a device designed to replace missing teeth. Traditional implants consist of three parts- the implant screw, the abutment, and the crown. Mini implants, which are slightly smaller, consist of two parts- the implant screw and the crown.
Implants are inserted into the jawbone, which offers greater stability and functionality than other tooth replacement options. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or as a support structure for a multi-tooth replacement.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants is a system designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth with only 4 dental implants. The implants are strategically placed in the jawbone, to allow for a greater bite force. An overdenture is permanently attached to the implants- only the dentist can remove it. In most cases, a temporary overdenture is placed on the same day as the implants, which is why this procedure is often referred to as “teeth in a day”.
The average cost of All-on-4 is around $12,000 per arch or $24,000 for both.
Single Tooth Implant
A single-tooth implant is designed to replace a single missing tooth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone and, once the bone has healed around and fused with the implant, a crown can be placed.
The average cost of a single-tooth implant is around $5,000.
Denture Stabilization
Conventional dentures, while effective for replacing missing teeth, are not always ideal because they slip and slide around when speaking and eating. Dental implants can be placed in the jawbone to stabilize conventional dentures. The dentures can then either be permanently fixed in place or may still be removable.
The cost of denture stabilization depends on how many implants are used. Typically, 2 or more are recommended. Two implants will usually cost around $8,000.
Full-mouth dental implants
Full-mouth dental implants look the most natural because each tooth is replaced with a single implant. However, this option is also the costliest. The average cost of full-mouth implants is around $60,000 to $90,000.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a variety of benefits compared to other tooth replacement options:
- Durable, long-lasting
- Do not require special care
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Preserve jawbone, and prevents facial sagging
- Improves appearance
- Boosts confidences
- Improves overall quality of life
Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for getting dental implants can take some time. In fact, for some patients, the entire process can take up to a year. Here is what you can expect for the dental implant procedure:
Initial Evaluation
The first step to any of our dental procedures at Smile Boutique Group is the initial evaluation. During this visit, we will perform a comprehensive exam including x-rays and other necessary imaging. This will allow us to determine your current condition as well as the best course of treatment.
Tooth Extraction
If you have any remaining natural teeth that cannot be restored, we will recommend extraction. There are two types of extraction- simple and surgical. In a simple extraction, the tooth will simply be pulled. In a surgical extraction, an incision will be made, and the tooth will be removed in pieces. Depending on the condition of your gums and jawbone following the extraction, implants may be placed at the same time. In some cases, healing may be required before implant placement.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants require adequate bone density for support. If you do not have this, bone grafting may be required. For upper teeth, a sinus lift may also be required to avoid damaging the sinus cavity when implants are placed. If bone grafting is required, you may need time to heal before implants can be placed.
Inserting the Dental Implant
When it is time to insert the dental implants, you will be given local anesthesia. If needed, sedation may be provided to help you relax. We start by making an incision in the gum and drilling a hole in the jawbone. Then, the implant is placed, and the incision is stitched closed. This process usually takes about 30 minutes and will be repeated for each implant.
Once the implants are in place, you will be sent home to heal. Over the next few months, the process of osseointegration will occur, which is when the jawbone heals around and fuses with the implant. This creates a stable base for your tooth replacement.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, the incision will be opened, and an abutment will be placed. This is the piece that connects the implant to the crown. A healing cap will be placed on the abutment to keep the gums from healing over it.
At this time, your permanent crown or prosthesis will be ordered. Fabrication of the crown or prosthesis takes a few weeks.
Adding the Permanent Crown
The final step is to place the permanent crown or prosthesis. If you have a temporary restoration, the dentist will start by removing it. Then, we will ensure a proper fit and secure it in place.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is critical throughout the process. Immediately following implant placement, you’ll want to stick to soft foods and take care when brushing and flossing around the implant.
However, once osseointegration is complete, there are no special considerations required for aftercare. Simply brush and floss as usual- and visit the dentist every 6 months.
How successful are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a 95% to 98% long-term success rate. However, this does require proper care and maintenance including:
- Brush at least twice daily
- Floss at least once daily
- Visit the dentist every 6 months
Can anyone get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not recommended for patients under the age of 18 because the jawbone is still growing, and implants can have a detrimental impact. However, there is no upper age limit on dental implants. As long as you are healthy and able to undergo surgery, dental implants are a viable option for tooth replacement.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Smile Boutique Group Today
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your consultation with Smile Boutique Group. Dr. Joseph Stan is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the field of implantology. He has been practicing both general and cosmetic dentistry for more than 20 years. He works closely with his patients to ensure they are happy with their results.
Smile Boutique Group has three locations to serve you: Thousand Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Northridge. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we offer a variety of general and restorative dental procedures to serve your entire family.
Dental Implant FAQs
At Smile Boutique Group, we believe that the best patient is an informed patient. If you have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to work with you! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Dental implant placement requires invasive oral surgery to place a foreign object into your jaw. Therefore, you can expect some discomfort. However, you should not experience excruciating, uncontrollable pain. If you do have uncontrollable pain, bleeding, or swelling, contact your dentist right away- you may be experiencing implant failure.
Yes, according to the American Dental Association, dental implants are safe for most people. If you have underlying health conditions or you are taking certain medications, you’ll need to consult with your medical provider as well as your dentist about the safety of implants for you.
While research does show that dairy has many vitamins and nutrients that are good for your body and for healing, these foods should be avoided immediately following implant placement. This is because dairy is known to cause inflammation in the soft oral tissues, which can impact healing. Additionally, dairy may cause nausea and vomiting in some patients, which introduces stomach acid into the mouth, impacting healing. Once the incisions heal, you can enjoy your favorite dairy-based foods without any issues.
Yes, front teeth can be implanted and, in many cases, are a much better option than dentures or bridges.