Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants are a prosthetic replacement for missing teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They provide a more permanent, stable solution than traditional bridges or dentures and can help to preserve the structure of the mouth. Implants act as artificial tooth roots and are designed to provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They can also be used to support dental appliances designed to treat sleep apnea, bruxism (teeth grinding) and other conditions.

Dental implants are usually made from titanium, which has been proven to be highly biocompatible with human tissue. The implant is placed directly into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. Over time, the implant integrates with surrounding bone and tissue, creating an incredibly strong foundation that can last for decades without needing any additional maintenance or repair work. Furthermore, dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth because they’re embedded in your jawbone; there’s no need to worry about slippage or irritation in your mouth if you have them.

The Benefits of Dental Implants in Torrance, CA

Beyond providing a more aesthetically pleasing smile, dental implants have numerous health benefits.

Without having to rely on removable dentures or partial dentures that can cause bone loss over time due to lack of stimulation from tooth roots, dental implants help promote healthy bone growth by stimulating existing bone cells when chewing or speaking. They also allow you to chew food more efficiently, compared to traditional dentures, by evenly distributing chewing forces across multiple teeth instead of concentrating pressure on one area like with traditional bridges or dentures. And since they don’t require any special cleaning tools or procedures like regular brushing and flossing that may not be possible with some forms of prosthetics, they help preserve good oral hygiene while eliminating any potential discomfort caused by ill-fitting oral appliances.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are incredibly durable and can even last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. With regular brushing and flossing, as well as keeping up with standard dental appointments, dental implants can easily last for over 25 years. This is because the titanium implant acts as a replacement tooth root that is securely embedded in the jawbone and stimulates existing bone cells when chewing or speaking, helping to promote healthy bone growth over time.

In addition, the materials used for modern-day implants are highly biocompatible with human tissue, meaning that they are not rejected by the body and do not require any special maintenance or repair work once they have integrated into the jawbone. Furthermore, dental implants reduce wear on adjacent teeth since they evenly distribute chewing forces across multiple teeth instead of concentrating pressure on one area like with dentures or bridges.

Overall, dental implants provide a long-lasting solution to missing teeth that come with numerous health benefits such as promoting healthy bone growth and preserving oral hygiene. With proper care and regular visits to the dentist, you can enjoy your new smile for many years to come!

Are There Any Complications with Dental Implants?

Complications of Dental Implants can occur when the implant does not properly integrate with the jawbone or when there is an insufficient amount of existing bone for the implant to attach to. In some cases, the implant may fail to completely fuse with the jawbone, resulting in infection or damage to surrounding tissue. Additionally, a lack of adequate bone density can prevent full integration and cause the implant to become loose or unstable.

In addition, patients may experience post-procedure discomfort such as swelling and bruising at the site of surgery which usually resolves within a few days. In rarer cases, complications such as nerve damage and skin deformity could occur if there is extensive trauma during the procedure itself. Patients may also experience inflammation of soft tissues and disruption of natural tooth structure due to incorrect placement of implants or dental procedures such as crowns that are too large for a particular area. In some cases, even though an implant is successfully integrated, it may be rejected by the body over time due to changes in bone density or tissue integrity.

It's important for those considering dental implants to consult with their dentist about possible complications including infection at the site of surgery, failure for proper osseointegration (fusion between implant and bone), nerve damage or skin deformity from trauma during surgery, inflammation from incorrect placement and/or size of implants or crowns, and potential rejection in certain cases due to changes in bone density or tissue integrity over time. With proper care before and after dental implant surgery, these risks can be minimized while still providing successful results overall.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. Generally speaking, a single implant can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. This number may increase if additional procedures such as bone grafts are necessary prior to surgery or if multiple implants are being placed at once. Additionally, patients should factor in any potential follow-up visits to the dentist and any other related treatment costs such as medications.

Unlike dentures or bridges which may require replacement every few years due to normal wear and tear, dental implants can last for decades with proper care. This means that patients who choose dental implants will not have to worry about frequent replacements or costly repairs in the future. Furthermore, dental implants help maintain oral hygiene by preventing bacteria from entering adjacent teeth or gums and help reduce wear on neighboring teeth since they evenly distribute chewing forces across multiple teeth, instead of concentrating pressure on one area like with dentures or bridges.

Trust Dentist of Torrance with Your Dental Implants

For those considering a dental implant procedure, it's important to consult with your dentist about treatment options and possible cost scenarios beforehand so you understand what all is involved in both short-term and long-term costs. The experienced team at Dentist of Torrance can help you understand the dental implant process and explain all of the risks and benefits as well as go over the out of pocket costs.

Give Dentist of Torrance a call today at (310) 651-7660 to schedule your consultation!