is a dental implant right for you...
Do you suffer from missing teeth that makes smiling awkward or chewing difficult? Or are you looking for a more permanent and convenient alternative to dentures? If so, dental implants might be the perfect solution for you.
A dental implant is a permanent artificial tooth root made from medical-grade titanium, that is fixed into the bone of your jaw. Over the course of time, this artificial root will fuse with the cells of your bone so that it provides a secure anchor for your new artificial teeth in the same way your original natural tooth root did for your natural tooth. With new artificial teeth and dental crowns, dental implant surgery will give you back a full set of teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Whether receiving single tooth implants, multiple teeth implants, or even a set of full mouth dental implants, you can look forward to regaining confidence, comfort, and convenience in a way that dentures could not provide!
Did you know that a single missing tooth can have a negative impact on your remaining healthy teeth? Even a single gap in your smile can cause your surrounding teeth to shift and misalign your bite, making chewing more difficult and causing your teeth to wear unevenly. Also, a missing tooth root can cause the jawbone to begin deteriorating, a process which can be countered or halted by a dental implant.
Read More Single tooth implants are most often required for patients who have lost a single tooth due to an accident or some form of periodontal disease. Our first goal at our dentist clinic will always be to save the tooth, which may require emergency or cosmetic dentistry. However, if the tooth cannot be saved, a tooth implant provides patients with an artificial tooth that will be almost indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Implanting multiple teeth without performing the full mouth procedure may be possible if the gums and surrounding teeth are still healthy. Acting quickly can also save you from needing full dental implants later as having a dental implant promotes bone and gum health. Contact us for an appointment at our dental clinic, and we will be able to diagnose whether you will require multiple or full dental implants.
Read More Multiple teeth implants involve the implantation of multiple fixtures to which dental crowns are attached. Like the single implant, these new teeth will look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth, giving you back your confident smile! Our complimentary consultation gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision and allow you to walk into your dental implant surgery knowing exactly what to expect!
Many patients find dentures cumbersome to wear and visually unsatisfactory. Some may be satisfied with their upper dentures but find the lower ones to be uncomfortable. Or even for those who are satisfied with the look and feel of their dentures, the impact of missing teeth on their long-term oral health should be considered as bone loss of the jaw can lead to distortions in the structure of the face.
Read More So, if you are missing your entire upper and/or lower set of teeth, or if you are missing several teeth and your overall oral health is poorer than desired, full mouth dental implants may be well worth considering. Our dental clinic is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and our highly qualified and experienced oral surgeon has performed numerous successful procedures, so book your complimentary consultation today!
Dental Implant Procedure
Our dental implant procedure begins with a complimentary consultation service, during which we will discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives with you in detail, as well as answer any questions you may have. We will then conduct a thorough dental exam, during which X-rays and/or CT scans will be taken to diagnose your specific needs. There will also be further discussion about your medical and dental history and goals to ensure if you are a suitable candidate for the oral surgery, after which a customized plan will be established and shared with you.
The oral surgery procedure itself is usually conducted under IV sedation for your comfort. The steps of surgery depend on the customized plan but can involve bone grafting and extraction before placing the implants into the jawbone. Once the implants have fused with the bone (a process that can take 12 to 16 weeks), a connector to support and hold the tooth or teeth (known as an abutment) will be created, to which a dental crown is attached.
Dental Implant Cost
One of the primary things to look at when considering the cost of dental implants is their longevity. While dental implant cost is undeniably higher than flippers, dentures, or bridges, there are considerable long-term savings in the fact that implants last a lifetime. In comparison, a flipper will generally last between 1-3 years, dentures for 5-7 years, and a bridge will keep you going for around 7-10 years, and all of these options require periodic adjustments even within their shorter lifespans.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are not only permanent without any need for adjustments, they are also the only option that can prevent bone loss that leads to facial distortions, and they do not accelerate the loss of adjacent teeth as all of the other options do. This means that there are also indirect long-term savings by maintaining the health of your remaining teeth, as well as eliminating costs of cosmetic dentistry by preserving facial appearance.
Dental Implants Problems
As with all types of regular and oral surgery, there is a small risk of dental implants problems arising. The most common of these are pain and infection, so post-operative antibiotics and pain medication are usually prescribed to prevent these. As long as there is no infection, post-operative pain is usually quite minimal and can be managed with the prescribed medications. If infection does occur, an additional course of antibiotics may be required.
While implants are made and expected to last a lifetime, there is also a chance of this not being the case. Long-term studies of 30 years or more have shown that there is an 80-90% success rate for full mouth implants, and a 95% success rate for single or multiple teeth implants, which is considered high compared to other types of body implants.
Other very rare risks include injury of adjacent teeth or irritation of a nerve during surgery. These types of risks are minimized when your oral surgeon is highly skilled and experienced in dental implant surgery. You should be notified post-surgery of signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate the onset of these complications, so be sure to contact your dentist clinic immediately if you suspect any problems.
For a long time, dentures were considered the best choice when it came to replacing teeth. But these have been largely replaced by dental implants. The key difference here is that dentures are made to rest on the gum. Dental implants, on the other hand, replace the root. This means it has several benefits over dentures. Let’s talk about a few of them.
Superior Durability And Strength
The first thing to note is that dental implants are much superior to dentures when it comes to strength. Dentures can only replace about 25% of a person’s natural bite strength. Dental implants give a patient 90% of their original bite strength. This means they can eat foods that are considered too tough for dentures. This includes biting into steaks or chewing hard food like nuts.
Another thing to note is their durability. Dental implants, when correctly applied, lasts up to a lifetime while dentures need replacement regularly.
Aesthetically Better
Dentures today are much more aesthetically pleasing with a better fit than previous years. However, dentures are prone to shifting when you chew or talk which can look awkward. Compared to dentures, dental implants have a more pleasant appearance and are easier the jaws. They do not shift or have unsightly and uncomfortable plastics covering the roof of your mouth. This makes dental implants a much better choice for you.
More Comfortable
Dentures, as we said above, are prone to slippage in the mouth. This causes it to rub against the gums and even pinch them while chewing or talking. This can quickly become uncomfortable for daily life. This is an area where dental implants are the obvious choice for patients. Because dental implants are rooted into your jawbone, they do not move or cause discomfort. And so, it seems like the better choice for you without any of the niggles associated with dentures.
Cheaper In The Long Run
Dentures are comparatively cheap to fabricate, and at first glance might seem like the more economical solution. But you also need to take into account that they need to be replaced or relined periodically. This can add up to a sizable sum over a period. Dental implants, in comparison, have a higher upfront cost, but do not need regular replacement. In fact, with regular care, they can last a lifetime. So, the long-term benefits offset the initial costs.
Natural Speech And Eating
Chewing is a critical part of your ability to process nutrition. Missing teeth can hamper your ability to chew properly. When your chewing process is incomplete, the rest of your digestive system has to work harder to keep up. This can result in health issues. Dentures can offer people some solace, but your teeth’s functionality is never completely restored. Plus, since it is prone to shifting, it also impedes your natural speech patterns. The solution would be to opt for dental implants. They give you the strength to chew food properly. And since they’re fixed and don’t shift, they are a natural replacement for your teeth.
There are several things you need to remember in order to maintain your dental implants. Let’s take you through a few pointers that can help your.
Do Eat Soft Food During Recovery
This is perhaps the most important thing you need to remind yourself of in the early stages. Biting into a steak to celebrate your successful dental implant procedure is definitely a bad idea! Opt for foods that are softer and not crunchy or chewy. Another tip is to stock up on soft foods prior to your procedure so you can focus your energy on recovery without needing to visit the store post-surgery.
Do Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Like your natural teeth, it is important to keep your dental implants free from plaque. Be sure to receive specific maintenance instructions from your dentist during your dental procedure and ask questions until you are clear – there’s no such thing as a stupid question! Confirm with you dentist when you should begin brushing to ensure you do not interrupt the healing process. Once initial recovery is complete, regular brushing and flossing is key to the longevity of your dental implants.
Do Brush Gently
A lot of people either brush too little or not enough. And even in the process of brushing, you need to apply the right pressure. Don’t brush too hard because it can cause damage and even make your gums recede. This exposes parts of the teeth that are sensitive, causing discomfort and pain. Gentle strokes should be more than enough. The important thing here is to get to all the nooks and crannies in your mouth.
Avoid Drinking Very Hot Beverages
This is something that many people forget, and it drastically affects your dental implants’ durability. Everyone likes their hot beverage; some people prefer it piping hot. However, this can be a problem when you have dental implants. Because of its metal parts, exposure to excessive heat can alter its properties, affecting the lifespan of your implants. The key here is to let your coffee or chai cool down just a little before consumption.
Don't Rush Recovery
We are all part of a busier ecosystem today. Our to-do lists won’t wait for us and taking time off often feels like a luxury. For the most part, dental implant patients can return to an office job on the following day after their procedure, however this can vary from person to person. For patients returning to jobs that require more physical activity, we recommend taking at least 2-3 days off as over-exertion can affect the healing process. Remember that you have undergone a surgical procedure, and it is important to listen to your body and let it heal!
Don't Forget Your Dental Appointments
It’s always good practice to keep track of your dental appointments. But when you’ve got dental implants, your responsibility increases. Dentists understand how best to ensure your dental implants last a long time and will provide the preventive care and maintenance that you may not be able to perform on your own. They can also give you tips on how to take better care of your dental implants or suggest corrective methods to things you might be doing wrong.
Fair Pricing
We are aware of how expensive dental procedures can be for patients. We endeavor to keep our costs reasonable while providing the highest quality dental care. We also accept most popular insurance plans and even accept MediCal dental coverage, to give you an added layer of flexibility. We do everything in our power to keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
Highly Trained Specialists
Dr. Hien Nguyen and Dr. Jefferey Pham are accomplished dental surgeons with many years of experience. They have several achievements to note in their career.
Dr. Nguyen’s professional affiliations and awards include the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (Fellow and IPS Master), Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, the California American Student Dental Association.
Dr. Pham’s Professional affiliations include the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the American Student Dental Association.
Personalized Service
Right from the front office to the examination room, we make sure you have a comfortable experience with personalized service that make you feel right at home. We maintain the highest standards of hygiene in our office with soothing music and an ambient atmosphere. We also make sure that you never miss your dental appointments with personalized reminders.
Advanced Technology And Techniques
We use state-of-the-art equipment along with cutting edge dental techniques to make sure you get the best results. Our doctors use only the best and highest quality materials for our procedures. We invest significantly into training and new equipment periodically, so our care is always up to date. It makes an experience at Diamond Coast Dental in Huntington Beach a much more pleasant experience for our patients.
Complete Dental Care
With surgical and restorative services all under one roof, you will find that we can attend to any dental procedure right here at our dental clinic. We cover dental implants, oral surgery, invisible braces, and root canal all at our office. And all this comes with exceptional quality of service and peace of mind. So, call us at (714) 375-3222 for an appointment, and we’ll give you a reason to smile!