25
Oct
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Implants
While several tooth replacement options are available, dental implants stand out as the most effective, long-lasting, and predictable solution. Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, has been providing the most comprehensive, expert implant dentistry services designed to offer a permanent solution for missing teeth for the last 30 years. We are dedicated to helping all our patients love and feel confident and secure in their smiles. Whether you have lost one tooth or multiple teeth, or even all of your teeth…whether some or all of your teeth are loose, painful, decayed, or unsightly, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Drs. Terence, Casey, and Kayla Lau today.
Why do I need dental implants?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. That means if you have lost your teeth to decay, gum disease, accidents, or other factors, you may be a candidate for implants. Ignoring missing teeth is not advisable, as they are part of a complex, interconnected system. Prompt treatment of missing teeth is essential to prevent the following complications:
- Deterioration of smile aesthetics.
- Impaired chewing and speaking ability.
- Loss of jawbone density.
- Loss of opposing or adjacent teeth.
- Shifting of teeth.
- TMJ-related discomfort.
- Bite misalignment.
How do dental implants replace missing teeth?
Dental implants replace your entire tooth, including its root. They are biocompatible titanium or zirconia fixtures placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots, permanently anchoring your crown, bridge, or other even dentures! Each implant has an abutment, a small metal or ceramic connector that comes out of the gum line to link the implant post to the prosthetic teeth. Dental implants are covered with a custom-designed crown or denture, providing a realistic appearance and functional chewing surface. Modern restoration has never been better!
How long does the procedure take?
It depends! In many cases you can walk into our office with loose or decayed teeth and walk out with an implant, implant retained teeth the same day! This is called “TeethXpress”!
In other cases, implant treatment can take up to six months, but the procedure may take longer if you need supplementary procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift. The initial procedure takes about two hours, depending on the number of implants placed. After surgery, you’ll need 3-6 months to allow the implants to heal and fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is fused, we take an impression or digital scan to make your customized prosthetic tooth or teeth.
The timeline for dental implants depends on additional procedures, your health and healing rate, and other factors. Whatever the waiting time, it’s worth the wait because you get something that looks and functions like real teeth!
Are dental implants worth it?
The initial implant investment can be significant, especially if you need supplementary procedures. So, it’s natural to ask whether dental implants are worth the investment when cheaper options exist. Dental implants are the gold standard and are more than worth it!
Here are the unique benefits you get with dental implants.
- Enhanced stability and comfort when chewing and speaking.
- Preserved jawbone– with nothing to replace a missing tooth in the jaw bone, your natural bone degrades.
- Sky high confidence everywhere you go.
- Implants prevent the nearby teeth from shifting.
- Unlike bridges, they don’t rely on other teeth for support and don’t require shaving down your adjacent teeth.
- Implants can last for life with proper care.
- They can replace one or multiple teeth.
Who are good candidates for dental implants?
Dental implants are a good choice if you have one or multiple missing teeth or your teeth are broken or damaged beyond repair. However, dental implants aren’t ideal for everyone. Potential dental implant beneficiaries must have a healthy jawbone and good oral health. Patients with health conditions like diabetes, bone cancer, and osteoporosis may need closer monitoring before benefiting from implants.
Functional and natural-looking dental implants near me
Do you have missing, loose, or decayed teeth? Rediscover your healthy, confident smile with high-quality dental implants in Northridge, CA. Call (818) 886-3500 to schedule an appointment with Mid-Valley Dental Care. It’s time to smile again!
Share this Article
Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP
With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.
Casey Lau, DDS
Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.
Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH
Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.