What are Implants?

Dental implants have been in use for many years as an alternative to bridges or dentures.   Now however, dental implants have become the standard of care when it comes to an effective, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.

Dental implants consist of two main parts:

1. the replacement "root"

2. the restoration (usually a crown or a bridge).

Implants can be used in a variety of ways.  Here are some common examples:

• to replace a single tooth in one or more places

• to support bridges to replace longer spans of missing teeth.

• to support dentures

Dental implants require a team effort:  first, an oral surgeon places the implant root, then after a healing period, a restorative dentist makes the replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures) which attach to the implant.

Here at Glendale Dental Arts, we provide the entire team in one location!  Our in-house oral surgeon has brought us the latest techniques from USC for placing and restoring implants.  Plus, our 25 years of experience with crowns and bridges makes implants at Glendale Dental Arts a great choice.

How are Implants Different than Bridges or Dentures?

While a bridge relies on existing teeth for support, an implant does not.  If a single tooth is missing, a single implant can usually be placed independent of the neighboring teeth.  In contrast, a bridge would usually require support from each tooth on either side of the missing one.

Standard full or partial dentures are removable and usually rely on the gums for support.  Implants are not removable, and they rely on your jaw bone for support just like natural teeth do.

How are Implants Placed?

The most commonly used technique is the 2-stage technique which has been shown to offer the highest success rate.

• Stage 1 - Implant Placement - Oral Surgeon

  • An oral surgeon places the implant root.

  • This usually takes about 45 minutes.

• Bone Attachment Time

  • The root is allowed time to integrate with the bone.

  • This usually takes 4-12 weeks.

• Stage 2 - Crown Creation - Dentist

  • The abutment is placed on the implant.

  • A crown is made just like it would be made on a natural tooth.

  • This usually takes 2 appointments from 30-60 minutes each.

What are the Benefits of Implants?

One of most devastating effects of losing a tooth is the bone loss which follows.  Without teeth to distribute chewing forces into the bone, in other words, "exercise" the bone, the bone slowly melts away:

picture coming soon

Implants distribute forces into bone like natural teeth do, thereby preserving your bone.  Preserving bone like natural teeth do is probably the most important benefits of implants.