Irvine Dentist Solutions | Dental Implants

Dental Implants

by Michael Choi, DMD

With advanced cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Choi can actually reverse the loss of function and low confidence caused by missing teeth and large gaps in smiles. Expert precision and comfortable techniques make the difference in creating dental implants for a beautiful, long-lasting smile.

Dental implants are titanium metal tooth replacements surgically implanted in the jawbone that over time, works with the body to become integrated with the support structure of the new replacement tooth.

The importance of restoring any gaps or missing teeth for overall health of the mouth is shown by additional research and studies. Losing a tooth, by accidental injury or extraction, is not the end of the matter when it comes to a patient's health. The process of deterioration starts with the missing tooth:

• When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position.
• This change in position alters the support of the bite and facial bones.
• The shift in bite position can add stress and pressure to the jaw, resulting in unusually high tension – even tension to crack, fracture, break and harm other teeth.
• Other serious problems resulting from bite instability include jaw pain, joint clicking, teeth grinding, difficulties eating and functioning, and frequent headaches.
• Missing teeth can even cause the facial structure of the mouth and face to deteriorate, causing the patient extreme aging.

Dr. Choi provides dental implants to give his patients back a beautiful, natural smile – and to prevent these problems from developing or worsening. The dental implant solution ensures that the remaining teeth are kept in their normal, optimal position. Advanced options include a fixed bridge (to replace several missing teeth), or even combining implants with more convenient dentures. Both of these treatments offer great functional and cosmetic results.

With implants provided by Dr. Choi, you get a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better!) than your original teeth.

The Dental Implants Process

At Smile By Design, we begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history, and meeting with the patient to discuss what their dental goals are. A full clinical examination of the entire mouth, missing tooth area, and specific X-Rays are also completed. After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed to discuss with the patient.

As the body heals for a period of weeks after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. The length of healing time depends on the patient as well as the type of implant, and we can help with options to enhance the healing process.

After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures that can be made of realistically natural and lifelike materials. It is important to note that implant treatment consists of these two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase.

Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performs the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician performs the restorative component. However, as implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, sometimes a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry conducts the entire procedure.

The Right Treatment for the Best Result

Several types of implants are available. The American Dental Association considers both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable.

An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures, (similar to a man-made tooth root).

Other decisive factors for the number of implants needed for success are the quality and quantity of the patient's bone. Equally as important are the existing anatomy of the bone and the financial resources of the patient.

Placing enough implants to restore teeth is vitally important to the long-term success of the restoration. Simply stated, the most costly mistake is to have an implant fail because not enough implants are placed to support the teeth.

Rather than limit the number of implants and diminish the end result, due to financial constraints... we encourage patients to discuss their concerns with our team. This way, additional options can be considered to provide the best smile to our patients. At Smile By Design, we make every effort so that money doesn't get in the way of good dentistry.

Contact our team to discuss how implants can give you back function and confidence.