If you’re dealing with teeth that are lost or which may need to be extracted, the team of leading dentists at Premier Care Dental Group has provided patients from throughout Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley with the best solutions out there for replacing lost or compromised teeth.
Considering dental implants in Pasadena? Call our office at (626) 669-3141 to set up your appointment today!
Why Get Dental Implants?
Lost teeth are not only bad for our smiles and our ability to eat, they are also associated with a number of serious systemic issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. They are also a direct cause of bone loss in the jaw.
Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease, Pasadena Dental implants are, at this point, the only solution that addresses these important health matters. They are also a lot more convenient, and our happy Premiere Care Dental Group patients typically think they look extremely natural and attractive.
Here are just some of the advantages of getting dental implants:
- improved appearance
- Comfortable alternative to removable dentures
- No difficulty speaking as can happen with dentures
- Easier chewing without slipping which dentures can do while eating
- As opposed to dental bridges, there is no harm done to other teeth, keeping your mouth healthy
- Implants are just about as durable as your natural teeth
It also might make you feel better knowing that Implants have been widely in use since the mid-1960s, and both the materials and procedures used have only continued to improve over the decades.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease tends to weaken the affected gum tissue, and left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw and teeth and damage your implants. You can remedy the situation with regular cleanings but surgery may be needed depending on your condition. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to preventing and treating periodontal disease and protecting your implants.
What are dental implants, exactly?
Implants are essentially the closest thing there are to real teeth and are hard to distinguish from your actual teeth. As opposed to dentures or dental bridges, implants are connected directly to the jawbone.
One or more faux roots (usually metallic, such as titanium) are implanted into the socket of the missing tooth via a minor surgical procedure. The jawbone will soon begin to heal around the implant which will hold it in place within 6 to 12 weeks.
Then, a temporary prosthetic tooth is placed on top of the root. Over the following months, the implant will fuse with the bone. Once healing is completed, permanent replacement teeth are placed on the implant.
In the long run, with dental implants you avoid the major problems people with dentures can run into such as trouble chewing, slippage and the steady loss of facial bone caused by resorption.
On the contrary, dental implants are the only dental restoration option that protects natural bone and actually aids in stimulating bone growth.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
That very much depends on the overall state of your mouth and jawbone. In theory, however, implants can replace a single missing tooth or an entire mouth’s worth of teeth. It all depends on the patient’s individual situation.
In some cases, a combination of implants, dentures, and/or bridgework may be employed.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Most people who have lost teeth can get dental implants. However, there are some important medical considerations, including the strength of the jawbone, your overall health, and whether you are a smoker. These may influence how many implants you should have. On the other hand, there are some cases where it turns out that traditional dentures and bridgework are the best solution.
How long is the recovery period?
The day after your procedure, you should plan on resting and abstaining from any exertion in the form of stretching or bending. Strenuous exercises should be avoided for the first several days.
You should be able to return to work after only a few days, and life in general should return to normal as the dental implant becomes part of your jawbone.
The amount of overall healing time will differ significantly from patient to patient, but will take place over a period of months. After your implant procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling for up to 3 months which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. After the swelling subsides, you should begin seeing improvements in strength, structure, and appearance of your teeth.
However, Premier Care Dental Group patients agree that the results are worth investing a little time in. Also, during that time you’ll have temporary prosthetics, so you’ll experience many of the benefits very quickly.
What about cost?
It’s only natural to be concerned about the expense of any procedure. At Premier Care Dental Group, we will create a plan tailored to all of your needs, including financial considerations. When needed, we are also able to create payment plans that make it much easier to afford major dental work.