About Dental Implants
Woodland Hills, CA

Tooth loss has some different causes. You may lose teeth as a result of gum disease or facial trauma. Sometimes, teeth may need to be extracted as a result of significant damage or decay. No matter if you lose one tooth or several teeth, the effects are all the same. Tooth loss affects the quality of your smile and your confidence. It affects your abilities to eat and speak. It even affects the health of your jawbone, leading to bone loss, which causes further complications. Missing teeth need to be replaced. At Woodland Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we can replace missing teeth with dental implants.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment designed to replace missing teeth. They are a unique alternative to bridges and dentures. Implants rely on small titanium posts, which are surgically implanted into your jawbone. During your recovery, your bone gradually fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw in a process known as osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the posts essentially turn into roots that provide stability and support for your replacement crowns. The crowns, typically made from ceramic, are secured into place with small screws.

TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are unique for many reasons. One of these reasons is that they are very versatile. They can be used in many different situations, whether you are missing one tooth or you are missing many. There are some different types of implants, allowing us to meet multiple needs.

• Single tooth implants. A single post is used to support a single crown.
• Multiple tooth implants. Also called an implant supported bridge, one or more posts support two or more crowns.
• Full arch replacement. If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you may be a candidate for an implant supported a denture. An entire arch or replacement teeth is supported by 6 to 8 posts. If you do not have enough bone mass to support these necessary posts, you may be a candidate for the All-on-4 treatment. This particular treatment uses four strategically placed posts, helping you to avoid the need for a bone graft.

THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants offer several benefits.

• The basic functions of your missing teeth are restored.
• Your smile, and your confidence, are restored.
• The replacement teeth are supported by the posts, rather than your gums, making them more comfortable.
• They can be cared for just like your natural teeth.
• The posts function like the roots of your natural teeth and stimulate the jawbone. This helps to stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw. This helps to maintain the strength, shape, and integrity of your jaw.

ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS TO DENTAL IMPLANTS?

While dental implants offer several significant benefits, there are some drawbacks as well.

• Implants require a surgical procedure.
• Following surgery, there is a recovery period. Recovery can take several weeks to several months to complete.
• Implants typically cost more than traditional treatments.
• Without regular brushing and flossing, implants can fail.
• If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw, you may need to have a bone graft first.

Dental implants restore the functions of your missing teeth, the quality of your smile, and can greatly improve your confidence. Call Woodland Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to schedule your consultation and find out if dental implants are the right solution for you at (818) 999-0900.