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Dental implant is an increasingly popular tooth replacement option. For years, most people had to choose between dental bridges and dentures. Both restorations replaced lost teeth, but their use had some drawbacks. Dental bridges require the permanent alteration of healthy tooth structure while dentures require regular adjustment to maintain a proper fit as the jawbone deteriorates. Dental implants are different. Because they replace the root of the lost tooth, they do not require the support of healthy teeth and they help preserve bone density.

Maintaining dental implants simply requires good dental hygiene. If your dental implants are used to support dental crowns, you will be able to brush and floss your teeth just as you always have by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing daily. If your implants support dental bridges, you will need to use a special flossing tool to clean above and around the bridge to remove debris and plaque. Although dental implants are not susceptible to tooth decay, any remaining teeth you have can develop dental caries, and your gums are still at risk for gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important for maintaining good dental hygiene and health.

When placed and maintained properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. With more than a 95 percent 15-year success rate, the majority of patients continue to use and enjoy their implants 15 years after they have been placed. Contact our Los Angeles dental implants specialist today to schedule your consultation and learn more.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 65 million American adults have some form of periodontal disease. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends annual comprehensive oral evaluations that can identify early signs of gum disease, which can significantly affect your dental health. However, monitoring your gums for signs of periodontal disease can keep your gum health on track. Our specialist for dental implants in Los Angeles explains how you can understand your risk.

Age
The incidence of periodontal disease increases with age.

Sex
Although women tend to take better care of their teeth and gums, hormonal changes throughout life leave them more vulnerable to gum disease.

Symptoms
Bleeding gums can be one of the earliest signs of gum disease. Loose teeth and receding gums can signal the presence of periodontal disease and indicate an immediate evaluation is in order.

Smoking
Tobacco users, including both smokers and those who chew tobacco, are dramatically more likely to suffer from tartar buildup, loose teeth and poor gum health than non-tobacco users are.

Irregular dental checkups
Failing to visit your dentist in the last two years can increase your risk.

Poor dental hygiene
Failing to brush at least twice a day or failure to floss every day contributes to the buildup of harmful bacteria that can trigger periodontal disease.

Other health problems
Heart disease, osteopenia, osteoporosis and diabetes have all been linked to periodontal disease.

A history of gum disease
Patients with a personal or family history of gum disease are at an increased risk regardless of their personal dental hygiene habits.

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Gum disease has been linked to multiple serious health concerns. Researchers have identified bacteria, inflammation and other factors in the development of such serious systemic diseases as osteoporosis, respiratory infections and cancer.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, porous bones. As it progresses, bones can become weak and fragile, and breaks can occur after even a simple fall. Osteoporosis has been linked with bone loss in the jaw, which can often occur with gum disease. As the jawbone density decreases, teeth may become looser and even fall out.

Pneumonia and other respiratory infections are more likely to occur in those with gum disease. As gum disease, which is often linked to poor dental hygiene, progresses, bacteria begin to reproduce. They inhabit the area along the gumline and eventually push the gums away from the teeth, which gives them pockets to inhabit. As these bacteria proliferate, they can be aspirated and infect the lungs.

Patients with gum disease are more likely to develop cancer. According to studies, patients with gum disease are 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers, 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer and more than 50 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Breast cancer has also been linked to gum disease.

You can reduce your risk of gum disease by maintaining excellent dental hygiene and visiting our dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning and dental exam. Our Los Angeles dental implants specialist offers a range of non-surgical and surgical periodontal disease treatments to help you achieve gum health. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your next appointment.

More than two-thirds of American between the ages of 35 and 44 are missing at least one tooth. If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, you have many options for replacement. Only one of these options closely mimics the natural structure of your teeth, however: dental implants.

The use of dental implants can be traced back nearly 1,500 years ago when shells were implanted into the jawbone of a Mayan woman. Dentistry has come a long way since then, and modern dental implants have been shown to be safe and effective. The screw-like tooth root is made of titanium, which is highly biocompatible, and is designed to fuse with the jawbone. Porcelain crowns, bridges or dentures can be attached to the implant once it has fused with the bone. Only dental implants stimulate bone growth and preserve natural bone density like your own teeth, which makes them the healthiest restoration option for most patients.

Although dental implants do not decay, your natural teeth are still susceptible to decay, and your gum tissue can still become infected. Brush after meals, floss daily and visit our dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings for the best results.

Not all dentists are equally qualified when it comes to implant dentistry. Dentists with American Academy of Implant Dentistry credentials have undergone intensive training, demonstrated competence in the successful placement of dental implants and met stringent national standards.

Contact our specialist for dental implants in Los Angeles to learn more or to schedule your consultation.

Although researchers have not yet identified the correlation between the two potentially serious conditions, several studies have linked periodontal disease with heart disease. According to these studies, the presence of periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

Some theories point to the inflammation caused by periodontal disease as the cause of this increased risk. Other studies point to the bacteria associated with periodontal disease, which can increase the risk for infective endocarditis. Patients who are at an increased risk of endocarditis or heart disease may need special care or antibiotics before undergoing certain dental procedures.

According to other studies, periodontal disease can also increase the risk of stroke. One study evaluated patients with acute cerebrovascular ischemia and determined that they were more likely to suffer from periodontal disease than the control group was.

Patients can reduce their risk of periodontal disease and related infections by practicing good dental hygiene. Brushing after meals and flossing daily can help control the development of plaque, this tends to harbor dangerous oral bacteria. Visiting our dentist regularly can also help you keep your gums healthy. Professional cleanings can remove plaque where you cannot, and our dentist can examine your gums for signs of infection. Although the ADA recommends biannual checkups, those with heart disease or who are at high risk for heart disease may need more frequent dental visits.

Learn more about how you can keep your gums and your heart healthy by contacting our Los Angeles dental implants specialist today to schedule your next appointment.

Dental implants are one of the most natural, effective and safe ways to restore one or more teeth. A dental implant is a titanium root form is used to support a prosthetic tooth. Patients with dental implants can eat, drink, and brush their implants just like they do their own natural teeth. Dental implants have one of the highest success rates and most predictable results of any dental procedure. However, as with other surgical procedures, complications can occur.

Some patients may experience infections, which can usually be easily controlled with antibiotics and other medications. Damage to adjacent teeth, nearby tooth roots or sinuses can occur. Nerve damage can lead to pain, tingling or numbing sensations. If the jawbone lacks proper bone density, the procedure may not be able to be completed as intended, and fractures can occur, which can be temporary or chronic. In rare cases, the dental implant may fail.

Complications are extremely uncommon and are more likely to occur in those who smoke or who have certain medical conditions. If you are interested in dental implants, speak to our dentist about your current health status so that we can help you make the best choices for your situation. You may need to ensure your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and other health issues are well controlled before undergoing the implant procedures. If you smoke, we may request that you quit before the procedure and during your healing period.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our Los Angeles dental implant specialist.

If you have lost one tooth or many teeth, you may be able to choose from dentures, dental bridges or dental implants to restore your smile’s function and appearance. However, of the three tooth replacement options, only one is designed to preserve your bone density and gives you a long-lasting restoration that looks feels and acts just like your own natural teeth: dental implants.

Treatment with dental implants can vary based on the type of implants used, the area in which they are placed, what other procedures may need to be performed prior to placement and other factors. Our Los Angeles dental implants expert will evaluate your smile and provide you with a treatment plan that can give you a better idea of the time estimate.

Most patients will need several appointments. Treatment generally takes a few months but could take longer than a year. If you need bone grafts, tissue grafts or other procedures to strengthen and build up the area in which the implants will be placed, the dental implant procedure may take longer.

The dental implant is generally placed in one appointment. The bone will then need to heal and fuse around the implant to provide the sturdiest, longest-lasting solution. After the bone heals, the implant will be uncovered, an abutment placed and the restoration will be prepared. A final visit will be needed to place the restoration, which may be a dental bridge, dental crowns or dentures.

Contact our dental office today to learn more or to schedule your consultation with our dentist.

Dental implants are highly adaptable and can be used to support several types of tooth replacement options. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants.

One Tooth

One missing tooth can be replaced using a single titanium dental implant and a porcelain crown. This type of dental implant looks just like your own natural tooth, and you can use it, brush it and floss it just like you do with your other teeth. After the dental implant is placed, a temporary restoration may be added to the abutment. You will receive your permanent restoration after the implant has fused with the jawbone, which can take from four to 12 months.

Multiple Teeth

If you are missing several teeth, you may struggle to eat a nutritious diet, develop speech impediments and feel self-conscious about your smile. Dental implants can replace your lost teeth using either individual porcelain crowns or dental bridges. Our dentist can help you learn more about which option may be best for you.

Dentures

When you are missing an entire arch of teeth or all your teeth, your face may appear sunken, your jawbone may begin to deteriorate and you may be unable to eat normal foods or speak clearly. Dental implants can be used to preserve jawbone density and support dentures for a more secure, natural-looking restoration.

Contact our dental office today to learn more or to schedule your consultation with our specialist for dental implant in Los Angeles.

When one or more teeth are lost, replacing them is essential to restoring a happy, healthy smile. Although several tooth replacement options are currently available, dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement because they replace not only the crown of the lost tooth but also its root. If you are a candidate for dental implants, our Los Angeles dental implant specialist may recommend one of several different techniques for placement.

Traditional dental implants can take between four and 12 months to heal, which means that you will need to wait before your restoration can be placed. Immediate load dental implants are a popular choice that allows a temporary crown to be placed at the same time the dental implants are placed so that you do not have to wait for your restoration. Immediate load dental implants are most appropriate for patients who have sufficient bone tissue to support immediate placement and use.

Mini dental implants are another option. This type of implant has a narrow diameter that allows them to be placed using a less invasive procedure. They are often used to support dentures. All-on-four dental implants can also be used to support dentures. All-on-four implants are placed in available, adequate bone tissue, and they eliminate the need for bone grafting. They can support temporary restorations the day they are placed, and permanent restorations can be placed once the implants have integrated sufficiently.

Contact our dental office today to learn more about your options for dental implants or to determine if you are a candidate.

Dental implants fit into the jawbone where they integrate with the natural bone to create a strong restoration that can last decades. However, if your jawbone lacks healthy bone tissue, you may need additional procedures before the dental implants can be placed.

Many factors can affect your jawbone density, including:

• Gum disease
• Long-term denture wear
• Facial trauma
• Natural defects
• Tooth loss

Bone augmentation may be recommended to build up the jawbone, create a sturdy foundation for dental implants and restore your smile. Several techniques may be used, including:

Bone grafts

Bone grafts can be performed using your own natural bone, donor bone or synthetic materials. After anesthesia is administered, the grafts will be performed. You may need antibiotics and pain medication, and our dentist will provide you with specific post-procedure instructions that can help reduce your risk of complications.

Sinus Lifts

When upper teeth are missing, the sinus cavity tends to expand, which leads to the deterioration of the natural bone. A sinus lift or sinus augmentation can help rebuild this bone so that dental implants can be placed without risking damage to the sinus.

Ridge Modification

Patients with a narrow jaw bone may benefit from ridge modification. Ridge modification uses grafting materials to create an additional ridge or space at the top of the jaw.

Bone augmentation procedures can take between 4 and 12 months to heal, which ensures the materials have integrated properly so that the implants have a sturdier, stronger foundation. Contact our Los Angeles dental implants specialist today to learn more or to schedule your consultation.