In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants can help the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. How?

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to shift out of place, and the bone of the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone and helps stimulate bone growth.

If you’re already noticing signs of shifting teeth or bone deterioration due to a missing tooth, don’t worry. There are different dental implant options, which you and your dental provider can discuss.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

With advantages like these, it’s no wonder why many people choose dental implants over other dental replacement options:

• Natural smile: Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll care for them just the same too: brush, floss, and get regular cleanings and checkups. Only you will know you have them.
• Look younger: Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone, helps stimulate bone growth, and prevent bone loss. Having a jawbone helps retain your natural face shape and smile for years to come.
• Build confidence again: Unlike other replacement options, dental implants won’t slip or click when you talk, eat, laugh, or kiss. You’ll also find your speech is more natural than with dentures.
• Eat whatever: Dentures can slide and cause discomfort when eating. But dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat virtually anything you want.
• Proven success: Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years with a general success rate of 98 percent. When performed by an experienced dental implant doctor, the procedure is one of the safest and most predictable in dentistry.
• Save money: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Other dental replacement options may appear cheaper upfront, but you will continue to pay that cost over and over, making them expensive in comparison.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you have one or more missing teeth – whether you were born without a tooth or had a tooth removed due to injury, infection, or decay – then the answer is:

Yes, you are likely a candidate for dental implants.

However, many factors that go into how, when, and if you meet the requirements for dental implants, including:

• Age: Children or adolescents may need to wait until their facial growth and development have been completed to ensure long-term success. This stage is typically around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys.
• Health: If you are a heavy smoker, suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders like diabetes, or have had radiation therapy to your head or neck area then you will need to be evaluated on an individual basis by your dental provider.
• Enough bone: If you are missing the necessary amount of supportive bone for a dental implant, then you may need a bone augmentation or alternative dental implant.

But for the best answer, based on your situation, you need to consult with your dental provider.

Are there different types of dental implants?

Just like teeth, dental implants come in different heights, sizes, and types. You and your dental provider will create an individualized treatment plan, which may include one of the following types of dental implants:

• Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone using a small screw, typically made of titanium. Endosteal is the most common type of dental implant.
• Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed on or above the jawbone (not in it). This type of implant may be used in patients who don’t have enough supportive bone or are unable to undergo a bone augmentation.

If you don’t have enough jawbone to support a dental implant, there are a few options:

• Bone augmentation: This procedure uses bone additives and growth factors to restore or regenerate bone in your jaw so that it can support an implant.
• Sinus lift: This procedure adds bone below a sinus, where the bone has deteriorated due to missing upper teeth. A sinus lift is also called sinus augmentation or sinus elevation.
• Ridge expansion: If your jaw isn’t wide enough to support dental implants, this procedure adds bone graft material to a small ridge, created along the top of your jaw.

Are dental implants worth it?

Take this quick quiz to find out for yourself:

1. Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth?
2. Do you want to retain your facial structure?
3. Do you want to be able to eat whatever you want?
4. Do you want to be confident about your smile and teeth?
5. Do you want to save money in the long term?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then contact your dental provider today to discuss if dental implants are your best option.

• Contact us to schedule your appointment
• Questions? Call us at (818) 405-0717



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We can provide you with a dental implant to restore your missing tooth. Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss and a more modern option than dentures. While you can still use dentures, and they are a dependable solution, there are many inconveniences with wearing a removable prosthetic. These inconveniences lead many of our patients to search for a better and more convenient solution to tooth loss, dental implants.

Reasons you should consider a dental implant if…

1) You want a natural-looking smile

To make the crown (tooth portion of the implant), we first make an impression of the mouth, take measurements, and use a shade card so that the dental lab has all the information they need to create a natural-looking tooth that blends in with surrounding teeth. This level of precision is necessary for ensuring that the patient has a tooth replacement that looks so natural that it is not distinguishable from the other teeth. In fact, implants look so natural that it is difficult for our patients to tell the difference.

2) You are looking for a durable solution

A dental implant is the most durable way to replace a missing tooth. It is the only solution that replaces both the missing root and the tooth. In this procedure, we implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. Over time, the metal and bone will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. The process of osseointegration is completely unique to implants and it causes the jawbone to provide the same level of support that it can to a natural tooth.

The implant provides the stimulation the jawbone needs just like a tooth does. Overall, this is a symbiotic relationship that is extremely beneficial for the body. As a result, the patient can engage in high impact activities (like running a marathon) and eat all of his or her favorite foods without restriction or express concern that the tooth may become loose or fall out.

3) You want a hassle-free smile

When one wears dentures, there are steps that patients must take on a daily basis. The patient may have to remove the dentures in order to clean with a gentle toothbrush and special paste, while also soaking them overnight. This has given dental prosthetics a bad reputation as being inconvenient. None of this is necessary, however, when the patient has to replace teeth with dental implants. An implant functions just like the natural tooth would.

All one needs to do is brush his or her teeth throughout the day and floss daily for the smile to remain healthy. There are no additional steps necessary, so the patient can quite literally go about the day without worrying about his or her teeth. The only thing we will advise is wearing a mouthguard if one plays sports because an implant can be knocked out just like a natural tooth can.

To learn more about getting a dental implant, call us at (818) 709-6713 and schedule a consultation.

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As a dental implants specialist in Chatsworth, we are extremely proud to be part of a technological advancement that is changing the conversation in regard to tooth loss.

With dental implants we can give you new teeth that:

• #1 Look Natural
• #2 Act Like Your Old Teeth
• #3 Remain Securely in Place

For too long tooth loss led to wires, dental cement, and gooey adhesives, all of which were used to hold their new fake teeth in place. With the introduction of dental implants, we can give you the option to replace the lost tooth with one that looks, feels, and functions exactly like the original. Even more impressively, dental implants replace the lost root of the tooth in addition to the visible surface, known as the crown. For many people, this revolutionary new way of replacing teeth has led to questions. Our patients want to know how long dental implants typically last, the procedures involved in placing a dental implant, and whether or not they are eligible to take advantage of implants.

Schedule a Consultation

All of this and more are discussed during our initial consultations. For anyone considering dental implants, people need to know that almost anyone can get them. There are a few restrictions that patients need to be aware of since dental implantation requires oral surgery and is performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist. In order to get dental implants, you will need to be healthy enough to get oral surgery.

There are also a few conditions and habits that preclude one from getting dental implants, something we will discuss at length with a dental implant specialist. It is imperative that an individual tells the dentist all of the individual’s medical conditions, any medications the individual may be taking (including herbal or other non-traditional medication), and habits that he or she may have, like smoking or consuming alcohol.

Our Success Rates

Success for a dental implant specialist is measured in the number of decades you successfully use your dental implant, not years. Typically, dental implants have a very high success rate and can last 20 or more years. Achieving this is not an accident. We carefully prepare the patients for the process, taking every precaution to ensure there are no hindrances that may cause the implant to fail.

While this is often time-consuming, it is necessary for success. The journey toward having implants will begin with an extremely comprehensive examination to determine the overall health of the patient’s mouth. We will use dental imaging like X-rays and CT scans to make sure that the jawbone has enough density to withstand and support the implant.

For some patients, we can proceed directly to the implant stage directly after the exam, which is known as an immediate implant placement. If we discover that your jawbone does not have the density it requires, we may need to perform an alveolar bone graft, which targets the upper portion of the jawbone where the teeth are. This onlay bone graft can create a block of the jawbone that is dense enough to successfully place the implant, and it only requires around six months of healing before we can proceed to the next stage.

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If you are looking to replace missing teeth with something more permanent than dentures, dental implants are an excellent option. Still, some of our patients worry that they will not be able to receive implants because they have lost too much bone density. To find out whether you qualify, we encourage you to call our Chatsworth office at (818) 709-6713 and schedule an examination. In the meantime, it helps to understand more about the process.

How We Place Dental Implants

Implants are the most durable and functional way to replace missing teeth because patients get more than a new tooth. Patients also get a new root system. The process works by implanting a small titanium post under the gums and securing it to the jawbone. Through the process of osseointegration, the post and bone fuse together. The body essentially deposits bone around the post until it is secure. This is unique to titanium since the body treats it as natural matter. While it takes time for this process to finish, we will attach the new tooth to an implant that will provide the same level of security and durability the natural teeth receive from roots.

Implants After Bone Loss

Upon first losing permanent adult teeth, the patient is going to experience resorption. Every part of the body has a special role to play and there are various signals that alert the brain each part of the body is in working order. In the case of the jaw, the stimulation provided by the teeth signifies that the jaw is doing its job of supporting them. Without a tooth or teeth, the stimulation goes away and the body responds by leaching calcium out of the jawbone for use elsewhere in the body. As a result, the patient will lose some bone density. In fact, within the first year, the patient can lose around 25 percent of his or her bone density in that specific area. The best way to avoid this is to replace the tooth right away.

If a patient already struggles with the loss of bone density, then the patient may be unable to receive a traditional dental implant without further assistance. There are certain procedures we can perform that can help restore the jawbone. If that is not an ideal solution, mini-dental implants are also available. These implants are also strong and durable, but they are shorter and are more flexible in regards to the density levels required for stability.

Many of our patients consider options like this, as well as a hybrid procedure, where a set of teeth is created and attached to a gum-like base that is then secured in the mouth using several dental implants. Instead of replacing each individual tooth, this solution only requires a few implants for stability. Given the diversity of the options we offer, it is certainly possible to replace your teeth using some form of dental implants, even if you have suffered from resorption.

To find out which solutions will work best for your particular situation, call our office and schedule a consultation. L.A. Dental Arts can examine you, take X-rays, discuss your goals, and make recommendations that will best suit your lifestyle.

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We practice implant dentistry in our Chatsworth dentist office. Realizing that adult tooth loss is still incredibly common, we seek to provide the most comprehensive solution to tooth loss and dental implants are that solution. We treat patients that have recently lost teeth and those that are interested in a better solution than wearing dentures. In fact, many people visit us complaining of their dentures being loose or uncomfortable, hoping that we have a solution. Fortunately, we do.

Why implant dentistry is better than wearing dentures

We are confident that implants are the best solution for tooth loss because of one simple reason – this is the only solution that is placed surgically to give you a new root and tooth. All of the other dental prosthetics like bridges and dentures only deal with tooth loss from outside of the gums. This avoids one fundamental problem. Your jawbone needs the stimulation it receives from your natural roots and teeth. Without it the body believes that the jaw is no longer performing its key function by providing stability to your teeth.

The lack of teeth signals the body that the level of calcium in the jaw is no longer necessary so the process of resorption can begin. This is when the body leaches calcium from the jaw to use elsewhere in the body. As a result, the jawbone starts to change shape and size, causing the face to appear sunken or aged. Dental implants are the only solution that truly addresses the issue of facial changes due to tooth loss. Once the dental implants are in place, an implant will provide the jawbone with the same level of stimulation that a natural tooth does.

How is this possible?

Osseointegration.

Osseointegration occurs when the body treats titanium implant as if it is natural matter. Once we insert the titanium post into the jawbone, the two elements will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. The process will help to form a secure root system for us to attach the new tooth. As a result, the jawbone will provide replacement teeth with the same level of security and biting force that natural teeth have. Simultaneously, the implant will provide the jaw with the stimulation that it needs to continue serving its purpose and thereby avoiding or limiting how much resorption occurs. Implant dentistry has positive implications for the lifelong health of the jaw.

The other benefits of implant dentistry –

There are numerous reasons to get dental implants, including –

• You can eat whatever you want.

If one wears dentures, it can be difficult to adjust to eating certain foods and some people may not be able to continue eating certain foods. Since we secure implants to the jawbone, patients have the same amount of biting power and security that patients get with natural teeth. Implants make it possible to eat all of the favorite foods.

• A natural smile.
• Easy to care for
• Dental implants require no additional care.

Simply brush and floss your teeth like normal to keep them healthy.

When you visit our Chatsworth dentist office for implant dentistry, you can be confident that your smile will look complete and natural when we are finished.

To learn about our cosmetic solutions for tooth loss, call us at (818) 709-6713 and schedule a consultation.

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As a cosmetic dentist in Chatsworth, we can replace your teeth using dental implants. Tooth loss is something that impacts most people at some point in their lifetime. Even those who are fastidious about oral health may lose a tooth due to an accident, age, or infection. If you are in this situation, it is important to take the time to consider your options for tooth replacement. While many people get dentures due to how common they are, this is not the most durable solution.

Dental implants are the only solution that we surgically place on the jaw. A dental bridge replaces teeth on the outside of the gums after we secure it in place using dental crowns. While it is a durable and attractive solution, this will not replace the missing root. Dentures are also a dependable solution but can fall out at inopportune times and surround the gums. None of these solutions are as permanent as implants. For the patient who wants something that looks and feels like natural teeth, dental implants are the solution.

Dental Implant Options

Traditional implants

We typically use traditional implants when a patient has lost several, but not all, of their teeth. As a cosmetic dentist, we can provide traditional implants if the patient has enough bone density to support them. In this procedure, we implant and secure a titanium post to the jawbone. Through the process of osseointegration, the titanium and bone will fuse together to create a new root system that is just as durable as a natural one. While it can take several months for the process to complete, once it does, we will attach the new tooth to create a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing tooth. Patients can bite down with force and engage in high-impact activities without worrying about the tooth becoming loose.

Mini implants

If the patient does not have sufficient bone density for traditional implants, then it is important to consider mini implants. Mini dental implants are also strong and durable, but they are shorter, which means they do not have the same bone requirements. Mini implants often secure a set of dentures in place, which makes them ideal for situations where someone has full or complete tooth loss. Since it would take several sessions to place a traditional implant for each missing tooth, this can be completed much faster and often in only two or three appointments. Mini implants make it possible for you to have the smile you used to have, with a shorter recovery time.

As a cosmetic dentist, we can provide you with the right type of dental implants for your particular needs. To find out if you qualify for this procedure and which option is right for you, give our office a call at (818) 709-6713 and schedule a consultation so we can answer any questions you may have.

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To say that dental implants are popular would be an understatement. There are already 3 million fully satisfied patients who have gotten dental implants and gone on to change their entire standard of living. This is largely due to the access people have to information, and the need that most modern patients have for a long-term solution to tooth loss.

When you consider that a dental implant works like a root, securing the tooth in place and establishing a symbiotic relationship with the jawbone, it becomes apparent why they are experiencing a surge in popularity. These tiny titanium screws, placed directly into your jawbone, give a stable base to your new dental crowns, or fake teeth while giving you a new outlook on life.

Are dental implants purely cosmetic?

Dental implants still face a degree of circumspection by insurance companies. For the longest time, people viewed dental implants as a purely cosmetic application. The confusion is understandable. Not only do dental implants replace the lost root, and provide a strong stable base to a new dental crown, but they also allow for a virtually perfect tooth to be used as a replacement for the lost tooth. A patient can once again have a great smile, with a natural looking tooth.

This idea that tooth replacement is cosmetic comes from the idea that a great smile is the only thing a dental implant replaces. Science, however, is catching up with this idea as more data shows that the dental implants are helping people with their facial structure, causing jawbones to reverse from resorption and even helping with bite issues. With new data in front of them, many insurance companies are now coming on board to support their patient’s needs for new teeth.

Dental implants: An effective solution

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, AAOMS,  found that there is a growing need among people to replace their teeth, which have been lost due to failed root canals, gum disease, accidents, and decay. In an astounding number, 69 percent of all people between the ages of 35 and 44 were found to have lost at least one tooth. Many of which had not replaced it. The AAOMS also found that for 26 percent of all patients 74 and older had lost every single one of their natural teeth.

For patients like this having dental implants is not a matter of looking good, it is a matter of functionality and the ability to lead a healthy life. Looking good is a bonus. When you consider that dental implant is extremely successful, with a 95 percent success rate in patients studied over a 10 year period, it becomes apparent that this technology has the capacity to help a lot of people, including you.

Call our Chatsworth dental office at (818) 709-6713 to schedule a free dental implant consultation today.

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