West Hollywood Dentist

One of the Most Trusted Holistic Dentists in Los Angeles, CA

7865 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-2840

With A quarter century experience in dentistry, West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dentistry offers most dental treatments in one office. Call us today to schedule your free dental consultation.

Dental Implant Surgery in 2020

dental implants Los Angeles

Dental Implant Surgery in 2020

When adults lose teeth, West Hollywood dentists typically use dental implants to replace these teeth. Dental implants are embedded into the jaw and look and feel like natural teeth. A dental implant will also help preserve the mouth’s structure by holding teeth in their correct positions.

Because dental implant technology evolves quickly, a patient looking for the best implant treatment will face unique challenges. You want the best possible procedure. However, you also want one that is not outdated nor unproven. Bruce Vafa DDS has a world of experience and stays up-to-date on new dental technologies and skills.

[ See: Best Dental Implants Specialist in West Hollywood ]

What is dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery supports your root area by inserting a metal post into the jaw bone. The implant holds your artificial tooth in place.

What are the steps involved in Dental Implants?

When you need dental implants, the first step is typically a full and thorough physical exam, x-rays, and evaluation. These items help to guarantee that your dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.

The physical exam includes judging your jawbone’s condition. In years past, this evaluation was the most prolonged process and could take days or months. Medical conditions and medication evaluations occur during this time also.

This part of the evaluation helps your West Hollywood dentist to determine if antibiotics before surgery are necessary. Some medical issues will benefit from antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection after the surgery.

Surgery

On the day of the dental implants surgery, you will not be able to drive due to the medication your dentist will give you. You should arrange for a ride to and from the surgery. Your dentist will probably suggest rest for the remainder of the day.

Typically, implant surgery has to be completed in stages because the jawbone must heal between particular stages. The first step during the operation is to remove the damaged or injured tooth if needed. Next, your dentist will prep the jawbone. This preparation may require bone grafting to ensure the jawbone can handle the implants.

If bone grafting is required, the jawbone will need to heal. After healing, the dentist will place the small screw-like implant into the gum line and jawbone. After this process, your jaw will need more time to heal. Once your jawbone heals, your dentist will then place the abutment and artificial tooth completing the process.

Bone Grafting

Sometimes, an individual’s jawbone is not thick or strong enough to hold an implant. In this case, it may be necessary for a bone graft. The jaw creates a massive amount of pressure when you are chewing.

This fact means the bone must be strong enough to protect the implant as well as handle chewing. The jaw structure will help determine if and where your dentist can add bone to ensure a thick and robust jawbone.

Bone grafting for dental implants is a procedure where your dentist takes a bit of bone and places it in the jawbone to offer a solid foundation for the implant. Depending on the condition of your jaw, the dentist may be able to complete the bone graft and implant process simultaneously. If the state is not appropriate for this combining, you will have to wait for the bone graft to heal.

Abutment Placement

After the bone graft and implant, the dentist will install an abutment. The abutment is the piece that will screw onto the dental implant. Your artificial tooth will attach to the abutment also.

The procedure to place the abutment is a minor outpatient surgery but will require local anesthesia. If the conditions are right, the process will include the abutment placed with the implant. However, if you put the abutment with the implant, sometimes it leaves the post visible, causing the patient embarrassment.

West Hollywood dentists have to reopen your gums to place the abutment, so it may take another week or two to heal.

Artificial Teeth

Once the gums are healed, your dentist will take a variety of impressions of your mouth. These impressions will ensure your dental implant matches your natural teeth. Typically, the artificial teeth are either removable or fixed prosthesis.

When choosing the dental implant procedure, the condition of your jaw, mouth, and teeth is vital. The above description is the general process that many dentists follow. However, Bruce Vafa DDS only offers the most up-to-date technologies.

What dental implants technologies are available?

When discussing dental implant technology, it is vital to remember that one technique or design will be perfect for every individual or situation. Bruce Vafa DDS will research and discuss all of the options, including new technology available for your unique situation. Some of the most up-to-date technology includes fast implant integration, single-stage implant surgery, flapless implant placement, and sequential extraction implant dentistry.

Fast Implant Integration

With using the most advanced implant surfaces and fast implant integration, the implants can fuse quicker with the bone. This fusion process can take up to 8 weeks for complete healing. Bruce Vafa DDS uses the newest technology, which can reduce the fusion process to three weeks. Some dentists will use outdated procedures and make you wait six months or longer before you can get your new teeth.

Single Stage Implant Surgery

In the past, dental implants placement required two different surgeries. The first surgery would place the implant below the gum, and the second would uncover the implant. The newest technology suggests that an implant can be successful without being submerged.

A West Hollywood dentist will place a healing abutment at the same time as the implant. This process eliminated any need for the second surgery. However, some situations will still require submersion, but our dentist will only submerge an implant when it is absolutely necessary.

Flapless Implant Placement

Flapless implant placement is the result of excellent computer technology. The i-CAT computerized dental scanner and Simplant software to virtually plan the implant surgery. The machine creates templates used to transfer the virtual plan to the actual patient.

In some cases, implant placement does not require opening the gums. This guided surgery technique requires the patient to meet particular criteria. One example of the necessary rules includes the patient having enough bone without needing bone grafting at surgery time. He or she must also have adequate gum tissue.

Sequential Extraction Implant Dentistry

Sometimes, an individual will come to the dentist with a complete set of teeth. However, these teeth are in poor condition, and removal is necessary. The dentist may suggest using sequential extraction implant dentistry.

The first step is to remove all but three or four teeth to hold a temporary bridge. When removal of the teeth happens, the dentist places the implants at the same time. After the implants fuse, the dentist removes the remaining natural teeth.

This process allows the patient to have a full restoration without the issue of dentures or to be toothless. This procedure works best for those individuals who need a full set replacement. If you are only missing a few teeth, other options are available.

With some implant cases, the multi-step process may be necessary, while others can utilize the newest technology. Every case is different and requires a thorough investigation. You should call Dr. Vaja today for a complimentary dental evaluation.

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