Frequently Asked Questions
What is a single tooth implant?
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Single-tooth dental implants are the most frequently used dental implant and consist of three parts: the dental implant, the abutment, and the dental crown. The dental implant is a titanium rod with a screw-like shape that is placed into the jawbone. The abutment, which is a connector piece, attaches the dental implant to the dental crown. The dental crown, also known as the restoration, reinstates the shape, function, and appearance of your natural tooth. Unlike a partial denture, single-tooth implants are extremely durable and never move or shift.
How are dental implants made?
Titanium dental implants are manufactured in reputable laboratories that offer a wide range of standard post sizes. However, the restoration is a personalized prosthetic. This ensures that each patient receives a result that meets their specific needs and aesthetic desires. Your dentist may either create your restoration in-office using a milling machine or send detailed impressions to a collaborating laboratory.
The laboratory will then create a robust and long-lasting restoration, tailored to your individual needs. Most crowns are made from durable porcelain, which closely resembles tooth enamel in appearance. Once the crown is completed, the laboratory will ship it back to the office and the dentist will finish the procedure by firmly attaching the implant crown in place.
How long will my dental implant last?
When dental implants are placed by an expert and properly maintained through good at-home hygiene and regular checkups, dental implants can last for 30 years or even the rest of your life.
The restoration, on the other hand, may eventually need to be replaced. This is no different than a traditional crown or denture, as the restoration experiences regular wear and tear from chewing and biting. Regular visits to the dentist will allow you to monitor the state of your restoration and the health of your implant, so you can maximize the longevity of your smile.
Can my dental implant become infected?
It is possible for dental implants to become infected, resulting in a condition known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this complication is extremely rare, and generally only occurs when the implant is not cared for properly after the placement surgery.
As long as you follow your doctor’s post-op instructions, your chances of developing an infection are very low.
Do dental implants stop bone loss?
Yes, and they are the only tooth replacement to do so. When you lose a tooth, your jaw is no longer being stimulated by the forces of chewing and biting. The jaw bone will begin to deteriorate, which weakens the jaw and can cause the surrounding teeth to shift or become loose.
Dental implants mimic the form and function of natural tooth roots, and are placed directly into the jaw bone. Because of this, chewing and biting forces stimulate the jaw bone just like natural teeth, which stops bone resorption from occurring in the first place.
Can I get an implant in one day?
Every implant case is different, but some patients may be able to receive an implant in a single visit. If this is a possibility for you, you’ll receive a temporary restoration to protect the implant while it heals, a process which usually takes between 3-6 months. You’ll be able to speak and eat normally in-between follow-up appointments.
Your dentist in Long Beach will monitor your healing progress and take impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which will be used to craft your final restoration. During your implant consultation we will help you decide what type of tooth replacement is best for you and your unique oral health needs.
