What you should know about dental implants
For patients with missing or failing teeth, undergoing a dental implant procedure completely restores your smile’s health and function. Not only does this treatment replace the entire tooth from root to crown, but the implant post provides jaw strength and volume.
At our dental practice, Dr. Neil S McLeod has dedicated thousands of hours to continuing education courses so he can offer patients the highest quality restorative procedures. If you are looking to have dental implants placed and restored in West Hollywood, call us today to schedule an appointment.
DESCRIBING THE IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCEDURE
It’s important for patients to fill the gaps in their smile so they can prevent further oral health complications. While most traditional prosthetics improve aesthetics and work well to stop neighboring teeth from shifting, only dental implants address bone health and bite stability.
Dr. McLeod wants patients with missing teeth to have the best possible treatment, which is why we recommend dental implants. The implant posts are placed by a trusted oral surgeon who shares our building and values the same high standards of care.
The titanium material used for the implant post is biocompatible, meaning it won’t jeopardize health. Once healed, the posts offer a stable base to secure your prosthetic tooth replacement, while also halting the resorption process caused by the absence of the original teeth.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
This restorative treatment provides a multitude of benefits, but not everyone is a qualified candidate. Those patients lacking the jaw bone tissue to support the fusion process may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure or sinus lift to increase the odds of successful integration.
THE CONVENIENCE OF IMPLANT-SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS
After the implant posts have had enough time to fuse with your jaw, we send digital imaging to a local lab for fabrication. Once ready, Dr. McLeod secures your custom-crafted prosthetic to the implant post using an abutment. We schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your newly restored teeth function properly and aren’t causing you any discomfort.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD TODAY!
At Neil S McLeod, DDS, our mission is to provide dentistry that lasts, with quality that counts. If you are looking for a dental practice with a long-standing reputation for providing comfortable and quality dental implants in West Hollywood and West Los Angeles, contact one of our dedicated team members today to set up an appointment.
Reason for dental implants
Implant Fixture
Implant Repair Done
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Missing Front Teeth
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usual titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Implant post ready for new teeth
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
6 Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
Front teeth after Implant Repair
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants, the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.