Information About Dental Implants Los Angeles Patients Will Find Helpful

By Lucille Lamb


If someone has lost one or more teeth, he or she may be referred for dental implants. These are surgically installed artificial titanium posts which are topped with a prosthetic tooth. To learn more about dental implants Los Angeles patients can see a dentist to discuss this option.

There are three separate components in such a restoration, which together function in the same capacity as a natural tooth and root system. The metal implant is first surgically placed in the jaw, then an attachment called an abutment is secured onto it, and finally a porcelain or composite crown is attached either with a screw or dental cement.

The dentist will want to first examine the patient's mouth, take some impressions of the teeth and x-rays, and order a CT scan if indicated. If the procedure is to be a success, there needs to be an adequate amount of bone in the jaw to secure the implant into, this is what the dentist seeks to determine through testing. In patients without enough bone, there are other options such as bone augmentation or grafting.

It may take a few months to one year to completely finish the installation of implants. This mainly depends on whether they are being placed in the upper or lower jaw, and if a one or two-stage installation technique is being used. In the two-step procedure, the steel post is first implanted in the patient's jaw in the first operation, and in the second one a metal abutment is added. Some dentists prefer a procedure which involves all work being done at once.

If the patient does have sufficient bone, they will undergo surgery to drill small holes into the jaw bone and place the titanium posts into them. Normally this procedure is carried out by an oral surgeon or periodontist. In 4-7 months, the second step will be done.

The patient needs to wait before undergoing the second stage in this process because the implant and bone must fuse together and fortify so it can support the crown. The next procedure involves attaching an abutment, or tiny metal collar is secured to the post which serves the purpose of separating the implant from the gums. Sometimes it is removed after several days, other times it is left in place.

A temporary crown may be affixed to either the abutment or directly onto the steel post, and is worn by the patient while his or her permanent crown is being made according to the impressions the dentist made. The softer temporary crown facilitates healing of the gum tissues. After about 4-6 weeks, the permanent crown will be attached using screws or dental cement.

Implants require the same oral hygiene as natural teeth, brushing and flossing. At first the patient will need to see the dentist every 3 months, but eventually this will be reduced to every six months. In most cases involving dental implants Los Angeles patients will be pleased with the results and can expect them to last as long as 25 years.




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