If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Valencia, CA, or you’ve already decided and you’re just waiting for your appointment, your head must be filled with questions. Of course, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is available to answer questions, but here are some of the most common ones that are asked about dental implants. This list of FAQs will help you to understand the process and benefits.

1. What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are similar to other kinds of body implants like knee implants and hip implants. When a layperson thinks of dental implants, they often visualize the “tooth” part, but the actual implant is embedded into the jawbone, sight unseen. It’s made of titanium, since this is an inert metal that doesn’t disintegrate or impact bodily tissue in any way. The other two parts are the abutment, which connects the titanium implant to the faux “tooth,” and the “tooth” or crown.

2. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown or prosthetic on top may need replacement every 10-15 years due to normal wear. Of course, good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are key to implant longevity.

3. Is the Procedure Painful?

The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, so patients experience minimal discomfort. Some post-operative soreness is normal but can be managed. Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

4. Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Candidates should have generally healthy gums, sufficient jawbone to support the implant and overall good oral health. If bone loss is an issue, a bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the jaw.

5. How Long Does the Process Take?

The process can take several months, as it includes healing time after implant placement. Typically, the implant requires three to six months to integrate with the bone before attaching the final restoration.

6. Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are a well-established, safe procedure with high success rates. Complications are rare and often related to inadequate aftercare or preexisting health issues.

Dental implants provide a reliable, aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss. Consult with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Valencia, CA at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to determine if this is an option that could work for you.

Missing teeth can be a problem, both because a missing tooth can make eating more difficult and because a missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious about how you look.

Dental implants are one of the most popular types of prosthetic teeth available. If you’re missing a tooth and interested in dental implants, it’s important to get advice from a qualified dentist in Valencia, West Valley, and Palmdale, CA, to learn about whether dental implants are right for you. Below, we’ve listed some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.

1. What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth implanted into the jaw, similar to how your natural teeth attach to the jaw at the roots. Compared to other prosthetic teeth, dental implants are the most similar to your natural teeth.

This is why dental implants are cared for just like natural teeth: they’re brushed like natural teeth and benefit from flossing. Your dental professional will teach you how to floss your dental implants.

2. Who Needs a Dental Implant?
You may benefit from a dental implant if you’re missing a tooth and you have a healthy jaw to hold the dental implants in place. Your dentist will evaluate you for a dental implant and let you know whether this is a good option for you.

3. Do Dental Implants Look Natural?
Dental implants do look natural. In fact, your implant will be custom-made to fit in your mouth in the space available. The implant will look just like your other natural teeth and will even be colored like your other teeth. No one will be able to tell that your dental implant isn’t a real tooth.

4. How Many Office Visits Does it Require to Install a Dental Implant?
Dental implant installation takes at least three visits to the dentist, and if you need bone grafting to ensure that your jaw is sufficient to fuse with an implant, then you will need more visits.

If you’re interested in dental implants in Valencia, West Valley, and Palmdale, CA, contact Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers. Make an appointment today.

If you are considering dental implants, there are a variety of options available. However, you might not be a candidate for all of them. It’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Palmdale, CA to determine which dental implant options meet your specific needs. Until then, here are some of the different types of dental implants to consider.

The Most Common Types of Dental Implants
Here are the most common types of dental implants in Palmdale, CA. Your dentist will let you know which ones you are a candidate for.

Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal implants consist of a titanium screw that is implanted into your jawbone as a replacement for your tooth’s root. Over time, new bone will grow around that screw. Then a post or abutment will be installed, and a permanent crown will be attached to the top of it.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are placed underneath your gums but above your jawbone. These are used when your jaw doesn’t have enough bone density to support an endosteal dental implant. This type of implant is not suitable for all people. Your dentist in Palmdale, CA will let you know whether this type of implant will work for you, and if not, which one they recommend.

All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are called that because they are supported by four implants. The all-on-4 dental implants are used to secure either your upper or lower set of artificial teeth or a set of both to your jawbone. These are more secure than traditional dentures because they are held in place by implants.

Implant Overdentures
Implant overdentures are replacement teeth that are held in place by dental implants. They are called overdentures because the dentures fit over the top of your implants and are snapped into place to keep them secure.

Implant Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are similar to regular bridges except they are supported by dental implants on both ends versus being supported by your natural teeth. These are great for replacing several teeth and permanently securing your bridge to your dental implants.

Do You Need a Dentist in Palmdale, CA?
If you need a dentist in Palmdale, CA, please Contact Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers today. We have comfortable and inviting offices, and we promise to treat you and your family with all the care and respect you deserve.

If you’re considering dental implants in Palmdale, CA, it’s a good idea to go over the different types of implants available first. Doing so will help you make an informed decision about what type of implant is best for you in your particular situation.

One of the most popular dental implant options is called All-on-4s (sometimes called All-in-Four or full arch implants).

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are false teeth that are placed on four dental implants. They are used to securely attach an entire set of upper or lower replacement teeth and are held in place by four implants that are surgically implanted into your jawbone.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

All-on-4s use four dental implants that consist of four titanium posts embedded into your jawbone at different intervals. Your full set of false teeth is then attached to abutments which are what form the attachment between your false teeth plates and your implants.

Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Removable?

All-on-4 dental implants in Palmdale, CA are not removable because they are a permanent tooth replacement option. And since the implants over time will fuse into your jawbone, they can’t be removed.

How Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Different from Traditional Dentures?

All-on-4s are replacement teeth that look and act like your natural teeth. And unlike traditional dentures, they don’t need to be removed to clean or to sleep. Additionally, traditional dentures frequently need to be re-adjusted to maintain a good fit whereas All-on-4s don’t.

Another difference is that All-on-4s stay in place and have a strong hold. That means they won’t slip or move while you are eating, talking, or laughing, which gives you more confidence and peace of mind.

How Long Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last?

All-on-4 dental implants can last anywhere from 10-20 years or so if you take care of them. This lifespan is due to the material of the dentures wearing out. However, the titanium posts implanted into your jawbone will last a lifetime. So the only part of your All-on-4s that will need to be replaced is the top denture teeth and plates.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for dental implants in Palmdale, CA, please Contact Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers today. Palmdale is our newest location, where we offer our patients a tranquil experience in a state-of-the-art facility. We believe that quality matters and promise to treat you and your family with all the care and respect you deserve.