Dental Implants
Pasadena

To restore a single lost tooth with dental implants in Pasadena, a surgical procedure is required. During this process, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was. This screw serves as a prosthetic root, supporting a crown that will look and function like your natural tooth.

Multiple tooth dental implants are designed to not only appear and operate like natural teeth, but also to replace teeth without the support of the original teeth that are next to them. Other typical solutions for the loss of several teeth, like fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, rely on support from the teeth next to the missing teeth in order to function properly.

All-on-4 dental implants use a combination of implants and prosthetic teeth to replace an entire arch of teeth. Four implants are secured in the jawbone, and porcelain crowns are attached to them, creating a natural-looking and functional set of teeth. This method eliminates the need for traditional dentures and provides a complete set of teeth.

In comparison to alternative tooth replacement solutions, dental implants offer several advantages:

• Unlike dentures that can slip and cause problems with speech or chewing, dental implants provide a secure, permanent solution, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly without worry.
• Dental implants can closely mimic the appearance and feel of natural teeth, enhancing the overall look of your smile.

• Additionally, implants make it simpler to reach spaces between teeth, improving dental hygiene.
• Finally, since dental implants become a part of your jaw, you never have to worry about the hassle of removing dentures and dealing with sticky adhesives.

At Pasadena Advanced Dentistry, we take a personalized approach to dental implants. We begin with a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs. The implant procedure occurs in phases, starting with the placement of a titanium implant into the socket of the missing tooth. As your jawbone heals, it integrates with the implant, creating a secure foundation. This healing process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. A small connector post, called an abutment, is attached to the implant to hold the replacement tooth securely. A crown is then placed on the abutment, completing the restoration. For patients with dentures, attachments can be placed on the implant to provide enhanced stability and support.

Dental implants involve several steps to ensure a natural-looking and functional restoration. The process starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your gums and jawbone, including X-rays, 3D imaging, and a physical exam. Impressions of your mouth are taken to create a replacement tooth that aligns seamlessly with your natural teeth. If a damaged tooth needs removal, this can often be performed on the same day.

After the extraction, the implant post is placed. The complexity of this step depends on the condition of your jawbone and gums. Some patients may need a bone graft to provide adequate support for the implant. As the jaw heals, a temporary crown is placed to protect the implant. Once fully healed, the permanent crown is attached, blending perfectly with your natural teeth.

Dr. Hanna will provide detailed aftercare instructions following your implant procedure. You may feel slight jaw stiffness due to keeping your mouth open during the surgery, but this typically resolves quickly. Swelling can be managed with ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient for managing discomfort.

On the first day, rest is essential. Avoid strenuous activity and movements like bending or stretching for several days. Recovery times may vary, especially for patients requiring bone grafting, who may experience more swelling and discomfort. Our team will closely monitor your progress and remain available to address any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.

With proper care and the expertise of a qualified dental professional, dental implants have an impressive success rate of up to 98%.

When maintained correctly, they can last 15 years or more, offering a durable and reliable solution for missing teeth.

Replacing lost teeth is essential for maintaining overall oral health. Without replacement, adjacent teeth may shift out of alignment, leading to alignment issues. Additionally, a missing tooth can result in bone loss, decay, gum disease, and ultimately, further tooth loss.

If your jawbone is insufficient to support a dental implant, you may require a bone graft or sinus lift prior to implant placement. Therefore, it is crucial to consider dental implants in Pasadena as soon as possible to prevent these complications.