The Benefits of Dental Implants with a Dental Implant Dentist in Los Angeles

• Are you missing one or more teeth?

You may be a good candidate for Dental Implants Los Angeles. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. They are attached directly to the jawbone and can last a lifetime. When you’re missing teeth you loose the ability to chew properly. In addition, your other teeth can start to shift and the facial muscles can start losing their strength. Also, it can be highly embarrassing to have missing teeth and that can lower your self-esteem.

Dental Implants assure a hassle-free smile. There are no restrictions in the way you function and eat, and there is no need to remove anything or clean it. Dentures, partials, and bridges are often very uncomfortable. They can also be aesthetically displeasing and difficult to clean. You probably want to keep your teeth in your mouth, not in a cup, right? Dentures often slip out when you speak, cough, yawn, smile and kiss. Furthermore, they require a lot of maintenance and affect your speech. Thankfully, implants look like natural teeth and have been used for treating patients with missing teeth for decades. The Dental Implant Dentist restores your mouth to its most natural state, enhancing your overall quality of life, brightening your smile, and, in essence, renewing your self-confidence.

• What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post and it is surgically placed into the jawbone. A dental crown is positioned atop the implant to make the area look natural. Implants are made of biocompatible materials and serve as a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement of teeth. They are permanently fixed, unlike a denture and do not move. What’s most important is that they function like normal teeth.

• What are the Advantages of Dental Implants Los Angeles?

The benefits of dental implants are improved appearance, improved speech, improved comfort, easier eating, improved self-esteem, improved oral health, durability and convenience. Dental implants are more reliable with long-term success outcomes compared to root canals and dental crowns and bridges which will deteriorate over time. There are different kinds of implants that vary in brand, size, shape and type. Your Dental Implant Dentist will know and decide which implant is right for you and what your case requires for maximum success.

• How successful are dental implants?

Success varies, depending on where the implant was placed, how much bone was present and how it was done. Dr. Michael A. Kezian DDS at the Larchmont Dental Associates specializes in Dental Implants Los Angeles. Can anyone get Dental Implants? For most cases if the patient is healthy, has had a successful oral surgery and extraction, and have enough bone they may be considered for a Dental Implant Los Angeles. Most important the patient should have enough bone to hold the implant and the gums must be healthy. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct the bone deficiency and the Dental Implant Dentist will let you know if additional bone material will be needed.

Good oral hygiene is imperative. If the patient is a smoker, has diabetes, has suffered head and neck injuries and or has had radiation therapy and other uncontrolled chronic illnesses, they must be evaluated carefully on a individual basis to make sure the implant will take successfully.

• Does insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

In general Dental Implants Los Angeles are not covered by your dental insurance. Sometimes your medical plan may cover it depending on the insurance plan and the cause of your tooth loss. It’s important for you to contact your Insurance Company to discuss with your provider your specific needs and ask them questions on coverage. Additional coverage can be purchased. Dental Implants can be costly; it may be an advantage to get additional coverage.

• What is involved in getting Dental Implants?

Before doing anything, it’s important to get a treatment plan going. Each case is unique in nature, so a individualized custom plan is key. The treatment plan will go over your specific needs, the type of implant you need and the kind of surgery that is required to ensure success. Impressions of the teeth, study models and ct-scans are often done before. Next, the implant surgery is done by placing the titanium post inside the bone socket of the missing tooth. Sometimes a sinus lift or a bone graft is also placed to ensure the jawbone heals and grows properly around the implant post, secure it in the jaw. The healing process can take anywhere from about six to twelve weeks.

Once the implant has fused to the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top, enabling a crown to sit securely on top. In order to do this, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create a model of your bite. The crown is made based off the size, position, and arrangement of your pre-existing teeth. A shade is taken to make sure the dental implant crown matches with the rest of your teeth. After the laboratory makes the crown, the Dental Implant Dentist will attach the crown to the abutment, restoring your smile to its natural state.

• How painful are Dental Implants Los Angeles?

Surprisingly, most people say that the process is not as painful and uncomfortable as they originally thought. On the contrary, there is little to no discomfort involved. The patient is completely numb throughout the procedure after the anesthetic is applied. Consequently, some patients have said that implants are less painful than extractions. A little bit of soreness and/or tenderness may be present after the surgery. Don’t worry, this is nothing some over-the-counter medication can’t help. In addition, your dentist can also prescribe you stronger medications if needed. 

• Once the dental implant and crown has been placed, how do you care for them? 

Dental Implants act and look like real teeth, because of this, they will require the same amount of care your other teeth do. Therefore, brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regulary is a must. Additionally, regular dental visits are of importance to assure maximum success and oral health. Patients who visit their dentists more often seem to have less problems pertaining their implants. This is due to the fact that everything is monitored once every few months. As a result, visiting your dentist for check-ups is more important than you think.

Your dentist is the first resource in this kind of service. Hence, it’s important to find a Dental Implant Dentist with the proper dental training experience and credentials. If you’re interested in dental implants and would like to make an appointment with Dr. Michael A. Kezian DDS, a Larchmont Dentist, please call to set up a dental implant consultation. He and his staff will be happy to answer all your questions and help restore your smile back to its original glory.

Larchmont Dental Associates – 581 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004  (323) 465-2127  www.larchmontdentists.com