Dental Implants – Los Alamitos, CA
Complete Your Smile & Improve Your Oral Health
A missing tooth is a small thing, but it can cause big problems. Your remaining teeth can eventually shift into the open space, which not only makes them crooked, but can also change how your jaw fits together. This can lead to chronic pain, unconscious teeth grinding, and it even makes you more vulnerable to gum disease! This isn’t even mentioning the effect it can have on your self-confidence, and the problems are only compounded if you are missing multiple teeth.
Thankfully, you can now replace them using the most complete and reliable solution available today – dental implants in Los Alamitos. Contact us today to learn how Dr. William Poe can complete your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants.
Why Choose Dr. William Poe for Dental Implants?
- Entire Process Completed Under One Roof
- Dentist with 30+ Years of Experience
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology Used
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a comprehensive approach to tooth restoration that does what no other solution can: replicate a tooth from root to crown.
Rather than simply giving you a fake tooth that sits on top of your gums, dental implants are held firmly in place using a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jaw that will naturally bond with the surrounding bone. Not only does this give it the security of a natural tooth, but it also ensures the long-term health of your gums and jaw.
After you have lost a tooth, the body cuts off the blood supply to the area, which can cause the surrounding tissue to atrophy. This can make it much easier for your remaining teeth to fall out. Dental implants help restore this blood flow and keep your mouth healthy just like your natural teeth. That’s why if you’re missing teeth, Dr. Poe will usually recommend dental implants as your best option for replacing them.
4 Step Dental Implant Process
Dr. Poe can oversee every step of the dental implant process in-house, meaning he can walk you through the entire treatment and personally see that you remain comfortable at all times. The length of the dental implant process varies, but it can generally be divided into four basic steps that are the same for everybody. We can go over the finer details of each step with you during your consultation, but in the meantime, you can review the basics of placing dental implants below.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The initial implant consultation serves a variety of purposes. First, it lets us evaluate your overall oral health and decide whether or not dental implants are suitable for your unique situation. Second, it gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have before agreeing to move forward with the process. And finally, it helps us determine whether bone grafting, gum disease therapy, or other types of preliminary work are required before the surgery. The implant placement procedure can be scheduled once any other necessary treatments have been taken care of.
Dental Implant Surgery
Implant placement is a very simple procedure that often only requires a local anesthetic to numb the mouth. The gum tissue is opened up at strategic areas, granting us access to the jawbone. The implants are then carefully inserted into the jaw at the ideal angle. Afterwards, the gums will be sutured shut again. A protective cap will be attached to the top of the implant, keeping the post safe while also serving to maintain the overall shape of your gums as your mouth heals.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Osseointegration usually takes between three to six months. During this time, the bone around the implants will start to merge with the metal. Once osseointegration is complete, your implants can be considered part of your mouth, enjoying enhanced stability and durability as a result.
After successful osseointegration, we’ll schedule a second surgical procedure to place an abutment. This procedure will be much smaller than the initial implant surgery. All we need to do is place the metal connector pieces known as abutments to the top of your implants. This stage is crucial because the abutment is what will ultimately secure your final restoration in place during the fourth and final step of the implant process.
Delivery of Dental Restoration(s)
To make the final crown, bridge, or denture for your dental implants, we need to take an impression of your natural smile after an abutment has been placed. The impression will be used by a team of professional ceramists to create a restoration that looks just like your natural teeth. Once we’ve received the final restoration, we’ll arrange for you to come back to our office. Last-minute adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible fit as well as a highly natural appearance. After your new teeth are firmly attached, you’ll be ready to use them to eat, speak, and smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Every year, over 500,000 people choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Thanks to their unique placement in the jawbone, this solution comes with a variety of advantages that you simply won’t be able to get anywhere else – it’s no wonder why so many patients choose dental implants. With the ability to improve your confidence, diet, and speech, this option is life changing. Read on to learn about the top benefits of dental implants in Los Alamitos!
Day-to-Day Benefits
- Diet: Have you been avoiding your favorite foods because of ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth? Dental implants allow you to eat virtually anything, making your diet much more nutritious and enjoyable.
- Comfort: Do your dentures irritate your gums because they slip and slide around? Dental implants feel just like natural teeth, allowing you to go about your day-to-day life without even thinking of your smile!
- Confidence: For those with missing teeth, public situations can often cause embarrassment or anxiety. However, dental implants look, feel, and function like your original smile, giving you the confidence to grin, speak, and eat in any social or professional situation.
Health Benefits
- Bone health: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates the jaw to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss. When you lose teeth, the stimulation your bone was getting from their roots decreases. However, dental implants keep your jaw healthy and strong, providing you with a fuller facial appearance while preventing additional tooth loss.
- Dental health: Dental implants in Los Alamitos promote better oral health by decreasing risks of issues like decay and gum disease. Because they’re just like your natural teeth, you can brush, floss, and care for them as you would normally. Just make sure to visit our office regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Overall health: Dental implants lower the risk of gum irritation and inflammation thanks to easier cleaning and a complete smile. Gum disease Is now known to increase risks of overall health issues like heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and more, making dental implants incredibly beneficial.
Long-Term Benefits
- Predictability: While dental implants do require a surgery from an implant dentist in Los Alamitos, they have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years! This means you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence going into your procedure thanks to predictable dental implants.
- Longevity: Unlike other options, dental implants can last for 30 years, and even the rest of your life, with proper care. As long as you brush, floss, and visit us regularly, you can enjoy your lifelike smile for decades.
- Cost: Dental implants tend to cost more than other replacements. However, they can actually save you time and money by avoiding necessary replacements. Dental implants essentially pay for themselves by allowing you to skip extra dental visits and restorations down the road.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants are a versatile option for tooth replacement. If you’re missing a single tooth, one dental implant and crown can offer relief. If you’re missing several teeth, we can anchor a bridge with dental implants, and patients unhappy with their dentures can opt for implant-supported dentures, too. Our dental implant dentist in Los Alamitos will make sure that implants are right for you during your initial consultation. From there, we can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The great news is that almost any healthy adult can enjoy the life-changing advantages of this treatment. Usually, you’ll need to have these 3 things to be considered a good candidate for implants:
- Good overall health: Placing dental implants requires surgery, which is why you must be well enough to undergo a minor procedure.
- Great oral health: Issues like cavities and gum disease must be addressed before getting dental implants because they can negatively impact the success of your treatment.
- Adequate jawbone density: Because implants must be surgically placed in the jaw, it’s essential that your bone is strong enough to support them for a successful treatment.
Missing 1 Tooth
An implant-retained dental crown can replace the entire structure of a single missing tooth without having to alter any of your surrounding teeth. The custom-crafted crown will be placed atop a titanium post to provide stunning aesthetic results that look and feel completely natural. Dr. Poe creates crowns that match your remaining natural teeth so it seamlessly blends in with the rest of your grin – you may even forget which tooth was replaced with a dental implant.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, an implant-retained bridge offers added stability and security. With a traditional bridge, your existing teeth that surround the gap need to be reshaped to act as anchors for the prosthetic. However, with dental implants in Los Alamitos, your natural teeth will stay unaltered, allowing you to preserve them as-is. An implant bridge will literally bridge the space in your smile, restoring it back to its full health and appearance. This is also a much better option than relying on a partial denture, which can often be unstable and not as life-like.
Missing All Teeth
Implant-retained dentures offer better stability and security compared to traditional removable dentures. Prosthetic teeth that are held in place with dental implants do not slip or slide around like those that simply rest on your gums. Plus, there’s no need for a messy denture adhesive or cream. Implant-retained dentures also need to be replaced far less often than a traditional set, as the jawbone stays healthier and retains its full, youthful shape. This is the only full smile replacement that stimulates the jawbone to prevent it from further deteriorating after tooth loss.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
If you’re still not sure whether dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you, the price tag may be what’s holding you back. While dental implants do cost more, an investment in your smile will provide you with a variety of health and lifestyle benefits. Plus, dental implants are designed to last decades, potentially saving you money in the future. We offer affordable services, and we’re happy to process and file dental insurance claims. We also work with CareCredit to provide low- and no-interest financing plans for qualified patients. Read on to learn more about the cost of dental implants in Los Alamitos.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
In order to ensure the success of your dental implants, we must first provide any necessary preliminary treatments. This may include tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting, which will add to the overall cost of your implants. Next, your implant surgery will incur it’s own cost, which can vary based on where the implants are being placed as well as the type of sedation or anesthesia you receive. Because Dr. Poe takes care of the entire process at one convenient location, you’ll have a compact, single set of fees that are easy to manage.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
The number of dental implants you need will impact your total cost. Keep in mind that one dental implant for one missing tooth will cost less than 4 to 6 for an implant denture, however the implant denture will be more budget-friendly than replacing each tooth separately. Next, the type of restoration you need will contribute to your treatment price – a dental crown will usually cost less than dentures.
Additionally, dental implants in Lost Alamitos are designed in different sizes and with various materials. Some are made of zirconia instead of titanium, which will also influence the price of your treatment. Keep in mind that implants are like car or cell phone brands – different manufacturers make different models to cater to the unique needs of a wide range of patients. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the types of implants we use!
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
If you’re tempted to choose dentures or bridges because of their lower initial price, try thinking about treatment as an investment. In the long run, dental implants can actually save you money. They are designed to last for decades and have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years. This allows you to avoid unnecessary replacements and the dental visits that come with them. Instead of paying for new dentures every 5 to 7 years, plus all the supplies and maintenance that come with them, choose dental implants from our implant dentist in Los Alamitos. They’re stronger, stabler, longer lasting, and more natural than other replacements. Plus, they stimulate the jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating while lowering the risk of gum disease, keeping you and your wallet healthy.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental insurance may not cover the cost of the dental implant posts or their placement, but your provider may provide coverage for other aspects of the tooth replacement procedures. The replacement tooth or teeth can receive partial coverage from your benefit plan, and sedation dentistry services may also be covered. Additionally, preparatory treatments like tooth extractions and bone or soft tissue grafts may be covered. Some dental insurance providers will work with our team to determine the overall amount they will pay for your treatments. Then, they will provide a credit that can be used to offset the costs of any part of your dental implant tooth replacement plan. However, this will vary based on your provider, which is why it’s important to check with your insurance before making any decisions.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
We are happy to work with CareCredit and other third party medical and dental financiers to provide qualified patients with low and no interest financing plans. This is a great way to make your dental implant tooth replacement affordable. You can cover the entire cost of care upfront and spread payment for your treatment over the course of six months to a year. If your employer offers Health Savings Accounts (HSA), or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), these funds can also be put towards the cost of treatment.
Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions
Dental implants are known to have an incredibly high success rate, but to prevent failure, it’s important to take care of yourself correctly after your procedure. Many patients are not sure what to expect, what symptoms are considered normal, or how to heal without complications. Our compassionate team has put together the following information so that you have a comprehensive idea of what recovery typically looks like. If you experience intense or abnormal pain, or other adverse side effects not mentioned below, please contact us right away for assistance.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
After your implant surgery, your healing relies heavily on the blood clot that forms over the site. You’ll want to do everything you can to keep it intact so that you can recover as smoothly as possible. Following these helpful tips can help you avoid dislodging it:
- Do not spit. You should either swallow or use a tissue to wipe your mouth.
- Avoid straws. The suction formed when drinking with a straw can damage the blood clot.
- Leave it alone. Try not to touch the implant site with your fingers, tongue, or any food you eat.
- Quit smoking. It’s imperative not to smoke for at least the first day, although smoking later can also lead to implant failure. You can try nicotine patches if you’re having a hard time.
Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement
It’s normal to experience mild side effects in the first few days after your procedure. Some common symptoms include:
- Intermittent bleeding. You can reduce this by placing a clean piece of folded gauze over the wound and gently biting down. Light oozing is normal but if your bleeding doesn’t stop or gets worse, please contact us right away.
- Swelling is common for the first 72 hours and may last up to a week. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face can provide temporary relief.
- You can anticipate some mild throbbing, but usually, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can manage it sufficiently.
These issues generally subside gradually but if yours worsen over time or you develop additional problems, let us know as soon as possible.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
You’ll want to stick to softer foods that are easy to eat for a few days following your appointment. Some popular options are:
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Soup (but not extremely hot)
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
Then, you can transition back to eating more normally, though you may want to steer clear of overly crunchy or hard foods that can be abrasive.
Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene
Many patients want to know how to effectively clean their mouths without harming the implant site. Typically, it’s recommended that you wait to brush your teeth again until the day after your surgery. Instead, rinse your mouth gently 2 to 3 times (ideally after meals) with warm salt water. If you have a prescription antibacterial mouthwash, that’s probably safe to use. You will want to avoid rinses that contain high levels of alcohol, though, like Scope or Listerine.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Thankfully, the hard work is already done by the time your final restoration is placed. You might develop slight sensitivity in your gums, but it’s generally mild and can be addressed with over-the-counter medications. You shouldn’t have any additional swelling or bleeding at this point but if you do and are concerned, feel free to reach out to our office.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants can last upwards of 30 years or even the rest of your life, but it’s crucial that you take all the right steps to care for them. If you aren’t taking the time to protect your dental implants from damage, they could end up failing and needing to be replaced. The good news is that a few simple precautions and healthy habits can help you to enjoy your new smile for many years to come!
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
While dental implants themselves cannot get cavities, you still need to practice excellent oral hygiene. In addition to keeping your surrounding teeth healthy, sticking to an excellent oral hygiene routine can prevent other dental problems, like gum disease, that can cause your implants to fail. Remember to brush twice, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the great things about dental implants is that you don’t have any eating restrictions. This means that you can enjoy a full, nutritious diet without too much trouble. Just remember that enjoying too many hard, sticky, or sugary foods can be problematic. Remember to eat foods with plenty of calcium and vitamin C to keep your jawbone and gums healthy.
Break Bad Habits
Bad habits can cause your dental implants to fail. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products, as they can slow down healing and increase your risk of infection. Don’t use your teeth as tools either, as you could accidently damage your restoration or your surrounding teeth. Instead, find a tool that can help you safely complete your task.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Your dental implants are very strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Be sure to always wear a mouthguard to protect your dental implants during sports. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a nightguard to protect your dental implant from additional wear and tear.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Remember to always attend your regular cleanings and checkups every six months. This way, we can monitor your dental implant and spot any issues as early as possible. By catching potential problems early on, you can prevent them from becoming more serious and leading to greater consequences, like a failed dental implant.
Dental Implant FAQs
Whether you’re replacing one, several, or all of your teeth, dental implants offer a permanent, more durable, and longer-lasting solution. As one of many viable tooth restoration options, dental implants in Los Alamitos can give you a fully restored smile and greater confidence. If you want to learn more about them before talking with Dr. Poe, we’ve compiled the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
Why do people prefer dental implants?
While dental implants are not for everyone, they are a leading choice for many people looking to replace missing teeth. This is because they want a more stable, permanent solution. Dentures can slip and require messy adhesives to stay in place. Dental implants are surgically placed, so there’s no need to worry about your teeth falling out.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are considered to be one of the safest and most effective tooth restorations available. But it’s important to remember that it is a medical procedure, and with any surgery, there can be complications. This is why choosing a well-trained, expert implant dentist in Los Alamitos like Dr. Poe is crucial to ensuring a successful procedure with minimal complications. Should a problem arise, he will be able to handle it with extreme care.
Can dental implants fail?
The short answer is yes, dental implants can fail, but the rate is this occurring is less than 5%. There are many reasons as to why dental implant failure can happen, including:
- Improper placement
- The inability to heal as a result of a weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Infection that occurs in the oral bone or soft tissue
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Once your dental implant is in place, it acts just like a regular tooth. This means, the care and maintenance required are no different than your natural teeth. Simply brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss at least once a day, and make sure to visit us every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning.
How long can dental implants last?
One of the great benefits of dental implants is that they’re long-lasting. Compared to other tooth restoration solutions, dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. So, when you’re considering dental implants, you can rest easy knowing you’re making a great investment.