Dental implants in LA County are a revolutionary option to replace missing teeth. This treatment has proven to be one of the more advanced procedures in modern dentistry. A dental implant can fill the gap where a tooth was once rooted, providing results that look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Unlike dentures, which are typically associated with slippage and discomfort, dental implants are designed to become stable, permanent fixtures in the mouth.
They also require no special maintenance outside of daily dental hygiene and regular cleanings. Our implant dentist, Dr. Michael Fulbright, offers full dental implant procedures to help patients successfully replace missing teeth and feel great about the appearance of their smile.
The sections below will provide you with a detailed picture of what you can expect from dental implants. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at Fulbright Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, please contact our office.
Quick Links
What Are Dental Implants
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental Implants Candidates
Dental Implant Options
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental Implants Procedure
Dental Implants Cost
Dental Implants Safety
Dental Implants Results
Dental Implants Alternatives
Complementary Procedures
Additional Dental Implants FAQs
What are my dental implant options?
Dental implants are remarkably versatile in terms of the many ways they can help patients restore missing teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth or a full row of teeth, there are a number of options to help you meet your unique needs and goals, including:
Single-Tooth Implants
A single missing tooth can cause an array of problems. These include its effect on proper speaking and chewing, as well as its potential for bone degradation. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth with results that improve both the function of your teeth and the appearance of your smile.
Implant Bridges
If you are missing multiple teeth directly next to each other, an implant bridge may be an ideal option, particularly if you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth. An implant-supported bridge is somewhat like a traditional dental bridge; however, instead of the bridge being primarily supported by adjacent natural teeth, it is reliant on dental implants. This type of missing teeth restoration can be beneficial for patients who may not have enough bone density in the exact area of the missing teeth, but have adequate density in areas surrounding it. It essentially serves as a bridge with dental implants on each side of the missing teeth and crowns in-between.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures can be a good option for patients who have multiple sets of missing teeth and those who are missing entire rows of teeth on the upper and/or lower arches. With the enhanced stabilization offered by a select number of dental implants, dentures essentially have a more secure support foundation, giving patients confidence that the dentures will remain securely in place without reliance upon pastes and other denture adhesives. This can ultimately produce results that function and feel more like natural teeth.
What are the benefits of surgically guided dental implant procedures?
3-Dimensional CT scanning technology is a huge leap forward in dental imaging, offering some of the most detailed and precise pictures possible. While the GALILEOS® Comfort Plus 3D Imaging system can be utilized for a number of dental procedures, one of its most ideal uses is for the dental implant treatment planning process. This innovative technology serves as an intricate surgical guide, which allows for:
- Enhanced accuracy and more precise placement of the implant or implants
- Results that are more predictable in the planning stages of treatment
- A reduced risk of complications or inexact placement of the implant
- A more comfortable and natural fit for the implant
- Reduced overall treatment time
Long-term results
How does the process work?
Once you have been evaluated by Dr. Fulbright and determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, he will create a customized treatment plan designed to meet your needs. In the initial planning stages of treatment, the GALILEOS® Comfort Plus 3D Imaging system will be used to create a crystal clear image of your skull and even part of the neck. These images will feature extraordinarily detailed views of your teeth, gums, and bone structure, which allows Dr. Fulbright to select the specific placement of the implant with unparalleled precision.
By utilizing this 3-Dimensional surgical mapping system before your treatment even begins, Dr. Fulbright can be more sure that the implant will truly yield results that are virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Surgically guided implant techniques can be used for procedures that replace a single tooth and for those replacing multiple teeth. In fact, this process is particularly advantageous for single-tooth replacement procedures because of the precision necessary for successfully placing the implant between two natural teeth. Ultimately, the GALILEOS® makes it possible for Dr. Fulbright to place dental implants with greater accuracy than ever before, significantly increasing the chances that the implants will fit as naturally and perfectly as possible and reducing the risk of dissatisfaction with results.
What does the dental implant procedure involve?
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, we will schedule you for the surgical procedure to have the titanium implant placed in the jawbone. The advanced technology and use of local anesthesia can help to make the dental implant procedure as comfortable as possible for patients. If you would like additional assurance that you will experience a relaxed and comfortable procedure, we offer a range of advanced sedation dentistry options.
The implants will be carefully and precisely placed in the area of the missing teeth to allow for the most comfortable, functional, and natural-looking result. Once the posts have been placed, the success of implant dentistry depends on the body’s ability to heal. During a three- to six-month healing period following the implantation procedure, the jawbone should fuse to the titanium implant (this process is called osseointegration), forming a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
At this point, you will visit Dr. Fulbright’s office so that the natural-looking artificial tooth can be attached to the implant post. Although the implant posts typically last a lifetime, the replacement teeth can become worn or damaged over time. Our dentists can remove old replacement teeth and replace them with new, natural-looking restorations.
A titanium implant is placed where the tooth has been lost.
After the implant has healed, it is uncovered and the post is placed on the implant.
A ceramic dental crown is placed on the post, replacing the tooth.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants have been used for more than 30 years and have been proven as an effective and safe procedure for many patients when performed by an experienced implant dentist, particularly an American Academy of Implant Dentistry credentialed dentist such as Dr. Fulbright. The titanium posts are made of a biocompatible material and the bone should fuse around the implant, providing stability and strength.
How long do dental implants last?
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
If you are not a candidate for dental implants, or if you would like to replace missing teeth without utilizing a dental implant for each tooth, there are a number of advanced alternatives available that offer effective results. Our practice provides a full range of tooth replacement options, including implant dentures, bridges, and other treatments.
Bone Grafts
Individuals who did not qualify as candidates for dental implants in the past because of inadequate jawbone density may become eligible if they undergo a bone graft procedure. Bone graft treatments are designed to strengthen the existing jawbone and enhance its density, increasing the chance that a dental implant will effectively fuse to the bone for permanent missing teeth replacement results.
Ridge Maintenance Grafts
Sometimes referred to as “ridge augmentation,” ridge maintenance grafts may be recommended for individuals who have experienced jawbone recession following tooth loss. Untreated missing teeth can have serious effects on jawbone health—when there is nothing in the area to stimulate bone cells, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. A ridge augmentation immediately after tooth loss can help preserve the alveolar ridge (part of the jawbone which holds tooth sockets) and prevent it from receding, increasing the chances that a dental implant can fuse to the bone successfully.
In some cases, a ridge augmentation may be advised after an implant has already been placed due to an indentation that’s appeared along the jawbone and gums, which can sometimes occur in patients who suffer from severe periodontal disease. The indentations can be extremely challenging to clean with standard brushing and flossing routines, and they can produce a negative aesthetic effect, as well. A ridge augmentation can address the indentations utilizing a bone graft or other technique to create improved symmetry and balance between the dental implants and the gums.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Some individuals may have dental insurance policies that offer a certain amount of coverage for dental implant procedures. We can talk with you about your current plan and help you determine whether this treatment may be covered under your policy.
Do dental implants hurt?
The dental implantation process should not hurt due to the application of a strong local anesthetic during the procedure. Patients who would like additional assurance that they are as comfortable as possible while the treatment is performed may wish to inquire about sedation dentistry options that can help them achieve a more relaxing treatment. After the procedure, some soreness is to be expected in the treatment areas for a few days; however, this should fade as the areas continue to heal. Over-the-counter pain medication is often sufficient to alleviate discomfort during the healing process.
Do dental implants look natural?
Does smoking affect dental implants?
What can I eat and drink with dental implants?
Here is another bit of good news about the advantages of dental implants: there are virtually no food restrictions! Since dental implants are designed to essentially become a part of your mouth, they do not have the same restrictions that may come with a removable dental appliance such as a denture.
With this in mind, it is still a good idea to take a few precautionary measures with certain food items. Hard or sticky foods such as candy, popcorn, ice, fruits or veggies that contain pits or hard seeds, and others should be consumed very carefully in order to minimize the risk of damaging the crown or the implant. These precautions are necessary with natural teeth and teeth that have been treated with crowns or veneers, as well, so this shouldn’t limit your ability to eat desired foods—it should just help you reduce the chance of damaging your dental implants!