Dental Implants in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Smiles provides dental implant services at our office in Aliso Viejo. Call us at 949-916-7800 to make an appointment for a consultation.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement that bonds with your jawbone. An implant screws into the jaw, which goes through a process known as osseointegration. The implant screw stands in for the tooth's natural root.
The parts of a single-tooth dental implant are as follows:
Titanium Anchor
The dentist screws the anchor into the space left by the extracted or missing tooth, where it bonds with the jaw.
Abutment Post
After the anchor heals fully, the dentist places an abutment on top where the replacement tooth will be attached. The abutment provides a secure attachment point and serves as a shock absorber.
Dental Crown
Dentists top the abutment with a crown. After crown placement, the implant is a lifelike replacement for the missing tooth.
Types of Dental Implants Offered
Single Tooth Dental Implants
The most common type of implant is the single-tooth dental implant described above. Each implant post supports an individual tooth.
Implant Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge can replace a few teeth in a row. The anchor teeth on either side are implants, while the pontics (artificial teeth) sit between them.
The advantage of implant-supported bridges over those supported by natural teeth is that the teeth must first receive crowns. The crown and bridge may damage the teeth, roots, or surrounding bone.
Implant Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures frequently have problems with their fit. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to the jaw by two or more implants and do not slip like regular dentures. Implant-supported dentures may be fixed or removable for cleaning.
Full Arch with Only Four Implants
If a patient is missing all teeth on the upper or lower jaw, they can receive full dentures with only four implants on each arch.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Easy Care
Single-tooth dental implants can be cleaned and cared for just like natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and receive twice-yearly cleanings and exams.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants are seamless replacements for natural teeth. Both single-tooth implants and dentures are attractive.
Long-Lasting
The crown on a dental implant should last for several years, but the implant itself may last a lifetime. More temporary restorations like crown-supported bridges and partial dentures need replacement more frequently.
Eat Whatever You Want
Patients with other dental restorations often must limit their diets, leaving out hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. With implants, they can choose foods freely.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Good candidates for dental implants are free of severe gum disease or decay. They must have good jawbone mass in the area where the dentist will insert the implants. Often, insufficient jawbone mass can be corrected using a bone graft. A patient's jawbone must be fully grown before the dentist can consider implants.
Why Choose Aliso Smiles?
Our friendly office welcomes patients of all ages. We use high-tech equipment and dental expertise to create new and beautiful smiles for our patients. We understand that some of our patients are nervous, and we work with them to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Why should I have my missing teeth replaced?
If you do not replace missing teeth, you may lose jawbone mass. This decision could cause your face to develop a "sunken" look that ages your appearance. Your other teeth may move out of position, causing crowding and other dental issues.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The timeline depends on oral health factors, how many surgeries you need, and how well you care for your implants. The entire process can take several months. Sometimes, you must wait until tooth extraction sites and bone grafts have healed before beginning the implant process.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Most people report that their surgery was not as uncomfortable as they had expected. The surgery itself is not painful. You will receive local anesthesia. Afterward, you may feel discomfort but will be prescribed pain medication if needed.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Most plans do not cover implants, but more insurers realize these procedures are necessary. Check with your plan to determine whether insurance will cover any part of the procedure.
Call Aliso Smiles
Call our Aliso Viejo office at 949-916-7800 for more information about the many uses of dental implants and to make an appointment. Your new smile could be a matter of months away.