If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you will be in good company. According to a study published by Reuters, an international news organization based in the United Kingdom, more than 3 million Americans currently have dental implants. The online publication also noted that roughly 500,000 dental implant procedures are performed every year in America. For those who are not as familiar with this type of dental restoration, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root, which is generally made from titanium and has a screw-like shape. These artificial tooth roots are carefully inserted in the vacant space left behind by a missing tooth and then fuses with the jaw bone through a process known as osseointegration.
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HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
Now that we have a basic understanding of dental implants and why they should be considered by those with missing teeth caused by either trauma or decay, let’s take an in-depth look at what the procedure itself entails. First and foremost, being fitted with dental implants is a lengthy process. However, most will agree that it is well worth the time and money as the procedure can completely transform their smile. Beyond that, these dental appliances make it possible for them to enjoy the foods that they would otherwise have to forgo. It is important to note, however, that there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach when it comes to a dental implant procedure as it can vary depending on the health and condition of the patient’s jaw bone. According to most dentists, including Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS., a well-regarded dentist and also the CEO and founder of Smile Angels of Beverly Hills, the type of dental implant a patient needs can also play a role in how the procedure will ultimately be carried out by the dentist. That said, the most common types of dental implants include the following:
Single tooth implants – This approach to dental implant therapy is the most common and is ideal for those seeking to fill the vacant space left behind by a single missing tooth. In many cases, a dentist will recommend a single tooth implant as an alternative to a dental bridge as the procedure does not require damaging neighboring teeth. With a traditional dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the patient’s missing tooth will have to be filed down for them to work as anchoring points for the dental bridge. In short, single tooth implants, on the other hand, are secured via a titanium post that has been fused to the jaw bone, which means that neighboring teeth can remain intact.
All-on-4 dental implants – The general premise behind all-on-4-dental implants is similar to that of single tooth implants, insomuch that they both involve the use of titanium posts. However, all-on-4 dental implants are a better choice for those who are missing multiple teeth. In many cases, a dentist will recommend this dental appliance as an alternative to traditional dentures.
HOW TO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK WITH DENTURES?
For those who are interested in all-on-4 dental implants, the procedure entails inserting two titanium posts toward the front of the patient’s mouth and another two toward the rear, both of which will serve as anchor points for the permanent dentures. The total healing time following this aspect of the procedure is between 4 and 6 months. In the interim, a dental lab will make the permanent dentures. During a second appointment, the dentist will inspect the overall quality of the dentures before permanently attaching them to the titanium posts.
COST OF ALL ON 4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
Although all-on-4 dental implants can go along toward improving your smile and allowing you to eat your favorite foods, they are one of the more costly dental restorations that an individual can undergo. Studies show that the cost of these procedures is $12,000 and $25,000 per jaw.
HOW TO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK FOR THOSE WHO ARE MISSING ONLY ONE TOOTH?
For those who are thinking about getting a single tooth implant to fill the vacant space left behind by a missing tooth, you should know that the process is almost identical to that of all-on-4 dental implants except you will, of course, only need one implant. And instead of complete dentures, you will need a crown, which is the artificial tooth that will be supported by the implant. These tooth-colored crowns are made at a dental lab and are constructed based on the patient’s dental impression.
COST OF SINGLE TOOTH DENTAL IMPLANTS
Similar to all-on-4 dental implants, single tooth dental implants can be on the expensive side, often averaging between $3,000 and $4,500 per tooth. However, studies show that those who underwent these procedures were satisfied with their results and believed that the price they paid was money well spent.
WHY DR. BRUCE VAFA DDS. IS ONE OF THE BEST DENTIST FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN LOS ANGELES
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you should choose a dentist who is well-versed in dental implant procedures and has plenty of experience under their belt. Fortunately, for those who live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or any of the surrounding areas, there is no shortage of highly skilled dental practitioners available. And many of them offer free dental implants consultation. That said, one of the best dentists in the Los Angeles County area for dental implants, according to several recent reviews, is Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS. Having practiced dentistry for more than 24 years, Bruce Vafa DDS. takes great pride in meeting the needs of the patients in his care through a mix of traditional work and cutting-edge, high-tech dentistry. And like many of the other dentists in the Los Angeles County area, Bruce Vafa DDS. also proudly offers free dental implants consultation for new patients. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, consider visiting smileangels.com today.