When we see patients in Woodland Hills, CA, with missing teeth, we talk them about their options. We want to help them enjoy a full and healthy smile, one they won’t have to hide from the world. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at some of the most commonly asked questions about placing and maintaining dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Question: How do you place them?

Answer: They will need to be placed with oral surgery. The implant portion will be created using titanium, a biocompatible material. When inserted into the jawbone, they actually bond with the tooth structure, creating a new root and preventing the loss of jawbone density, which could develop as a result of tooth loss. Once placed, the new tooth root and jaw bone will bond over a period of three to four months.

Question: Will dental implants be right for me?

Answer: We will look at the cause of extent of your tooth loss, as well as your oral health before prescribing implant dentistry. If you’ve lost too much jawbone tissue as a result of untreated tooth loss, then we may need to perform a bond grafting procedure to support your new tooth. We also watch for gum disease, as the advanced stage of the disease could cause your new tooth to fail, so treatment to manage the disease may be necessary.

Question: Do they look like natural teeth?

Answer: Yes! After the jawbone and dental implant bond, we move on to the restoration process. A custom-made restoration, created from ceramic in many cases, will be attached to the implant. The crown looks natural and also enables patients to eat their favorite foods once again. For those with multiple missing teeth, we may insert multiple dental implants and attach a prosthetic, such as a denture or dental bridge. Whether you have minor or severe tooth loss, we can help!

Question: What care do they require?

Answer: With routine care, the same you would perform to maintain your natural teeth, you can help keep your new teeth strong. We suggest brushing and flossing daily, which helps control the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Also, be sure to see us every six months for a checkup and dental cleaning. If you have any questions about tooth loss, or about implant dentistry, then contact our team today.

Woodland Hills Dental Replaces Missing Teeth

If you have minor or advanced tooth loss, we have a strong and lifelike solution with implant dentistry. Schedule a consultation to discuss our custom-made and natural looking dental prosthetics by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly work with patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, and all other surrounding areas.