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I’m Missing a Tooth. Should I Consider Dental Implants?

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Your teeth work together to help you chew and talk. A missing tooth can be a problem that can impact your life in many ways, but there are solutions.

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can fix the problem. If you’re wondering whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, your oral surgeon in Valencia, Palmdale, and West Valley, CA can help. Heritage Oral Surgery and Implant Centers offers services like dental implant installation to replace missing teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that can replace a missing permanent tooth. Dental implants are made up of three pieces including a post that’s inserted into the jaw, an abutment, and a crown that sits on top of the abutment.

Once installed, dental implants look completely natural. They also function like natural teeth, with the same ability to chew and bite food.

How Is a Dental Implant Installed?

Before your dentist can install a dental implant, they must first determine whether you’re a good candidate. Your jaw health, including the bone’s density and volume, will impact whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If your jaw lacks the volume and density for a dental implant installation, then your dentist may recommend a bone graft to prepare the area.

Each piece of the dental implant is installed during separate visits to the dentist, so you’ll need to have several visits to the dentist’s office to finish the implant installation process.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have many benefits.

  • Natural appearance
  • Functions like natural teeth
  • Restore your smile
  • Prevent other teeth from shifting

Interested In Dental Implants? Contact Us

If you’re interested in dental implants in Valencia, Palmdale, and West Valley, CA, the professionals at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Center can help. We’re the experts in oral surgery, and we’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. To get started with your dental implant installation, contact us today.

4 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Implants

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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.

4 Things You Can Do to Take Care of Your New Implant

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Congratulations on your new dental implant! You may be happy to hear that taking care of your new dental implant is not that different from caring for your natural teeth. As your dentist in Valencia, West Valley and Palmdale, CA, the professionals at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers are committed to your dental health, and we’re happy to help you learn how to care for your new implant. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Brush twice daily and maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is the first step to taking good care of your teeth. Brush twice each day with non-abrasive toothpaste. Not sure which toothpaste is best? Talk to your dentist about which toothpastes are the best for maintaining good oral hygiene. At the same time, ask your dentist to show you how to floss appropriately around your tooth.

2. See your dentist twice annually.
Going to the dentist twice annually was important before you got dental implants, and it’s just as important after implants are installed. See your dentist twice per year to get a check-up, have plaque and tartar removed from your teeth, and to ensure that your dental implant is still in good condition.

3. Don’t whiten your teeth.
Whitening your teeth can make them brighter and more beautiful, but whitening won’t change the appearance of your implant. In fact, your implant was selected to match the color of your teeth. If you whiten your teeth, the result could be an implant that’s one color and natural teeth that are another color.

4. Watch for signs of a problem.
Your dental implant will most likely be a success. However, it’s important to recognize the signs of a problem. Watch for any persistent discomfort around your implant, gum recession, and swelling, inflammation, or bleeding. Knowing when your dental implant is having a problem could prompt you to get help quickly, and that can prevent the problem from getting worse.

Need more information about dental implants in Valencia, West Valley and Palmdale, CA? Call Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to make an appointment with one of our dental professionals.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

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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.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

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Dental implants are great solutions for smiles that are less than perfect. They can be useful in filling gaps between teeth and replacing teeth lost to dental neglect, trauma or extraction. If you’re curious about why so many people choose dental implants to improve the appearance and function of their teeth, your dentist in Palmdale, CA, has the scoop.

Dental Implants Are Permanent
Unlike dentures that must be removed for cleaning and sleeping, dental implants are permanently affixed inside your mouth, so no muss, no fuss, and no sticky adhesive is needed. With the proper care, they can last for 10 or 20 years, sometimes longer. Even then, usually, only the crown needs to be replaced. Additionally, you never have to worry about dental implants working loose and shifting inside your mouth, as sometimes happens with dentures.

Dental Implants Restore Tooth Function
When you lose one or more teeth, it can become difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. Your front incisors are designed for biting and tearing, such as when you’re enjoying the crisp lettuce on your favorite sandwich. Your back molars are mostly for grinding. This helps you chop up steak and spaghetti into portions safe for swallowing. When these teeth are missing, eating may become a chore. You may also run a greater risk of choking when you can’t chew your food properly.

Dental implants act just like natural teeth, restoring not only the appearance of your smile, but the function of your teeth and gums, too.

Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it will begin to recede over time. This happens because your body reabsorbs the bone. Placing a dental implant into the empty socket tells your body that support is still needed in that location. The implant supplies necessary pressure to the gum and bone when you chew. This, in turn, keeps the bone strong and healthy.

Dental Implants in Palmdale, CA
If you’d like to learn about the benefits of dental implants in Palmdale, Canoga Park, or Valencia, CA, reach out to Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers today. A knowledgeable and experienced team member is waiting to take your call.

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What Are All-on-Four Dental Implants?

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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.

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Cracked Crown on an Implant? Here’s What to Do 

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While the crowns used to finish your dental implant in Valencia, Canoga Park, and Palmdale, CA are designed to last for many years, occasionally, a crown gets damaged. If you spot a crack, chip, or other damage, it is best to speak with a dentist as soon as possible. Knowing how to handle the situation will ensure you get your crown fixed as quickly as possible. Take a look at a few questions patients tend to have regarding a cracked or damaged implant crown.

How did my implant crown get damaged?

Implant crowns can sustain damage in a number of ways, many of which are similar to ways that natural teeth get cracked or damaged. A few common reasons a dental crown can crack, chip, or break include:

  • Biting down hard on a piece of hard candy or ice
  • Accidentally striking the crown with a spoon or fork
  • Sustaining a blow to the mouth or face during an accident

It is also not impossible for crowns to crack due to stress caused by fingernail biting or chewing on objects like ink pens.

What if the crown comes off?

If your crown comes off completely, wash it in water and simply place it in a small container or plastic bag until you get to the dentist. In some cases, the crown can be repaired and replaced, which can save some money on the overall costs of the procedure. Keep in mind, however, that dental crowns with extensive damage may not have the same integrity as a new crown.

Are broken implant crowns considered a dental emergency?

Typically, a cracked or chipped implant crown is not considered a dental emergency. However, if the damaged crown has sharp edges, or you have an implant post protruding through your gums, this could be deemed an emergency situation. The risks of sustaining an oral laceration or damage to your other teeth are higher. Therefore, the situation should be addressed as soon as possible.

Talk to a Valencia, Canoga Park, or Palmdale Dentist About Dental Implant Crown Repairs

While a damaged dental implant crown can be alarming, this issue can be addressed easily by a good Valencia, Canoga Park, or Palmdale, CA dentist. Have issues with your dental implants or crowns? Reach out to the team at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to schedule an appointment.

Should Elderly People Settle For Dentures Instead of Implants?

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Most people experience the loss of natural teeth at some time or another. If you live long enough, chances are that you’ll have age-related tooth loss. Older folks who experience tooth loss have two available options, which are dental implants or dentures. The main difference between these two solutions is that dental implants in Valencia, CA are permanent, while dentures aren’t. However, there are other striking differences between these two options that should be considered when the patient is elderly.

Dental Implants Require Oral Surgery

Dental implants require oral surgery to be installed. An FDA-approved titanium implant is embedded above the gum line. A screw, or abutment, is attached to the implant, and a crown is attached to the abutment. The fact that dental implants require surgery should be the primary deciding factor in whether an older patient should choose dental implants or dentures.

In some cases, elderly patients aren’t in peak physical shape. They may have a heart condition or another condition that makes them more susceptible to problems if they undergo surgery. And remember, oral surgery is still surgery. There will be sedation or anesthesia, associated pain and discomfort and a recovery period. The process of getting dental implants isn’t just one appointment. It typically entails multiple visits to the oral surgeon’s office. In other words, although dental implants are a wonderful option, they may not be the easiest option for elderly folks.

Dentures Are Easier

The process of getting dentures isn’t seamless, but it is a lot easier. Once the natural tooth is extracted or falls out, the dentures are custom-fitted to the palate and gums. The prosthetic is then adjusted as needed so the patient feels comfortable wearing, speaking, eating and drinking with the dentures in. There will be multiple visits to ensure a good fit, and as time goes on, a new set of dentures may be needed. However, no surgery is involved and the patient’s overall health is not a huge concern with the fitting of dentures. Almost anyone in any health condition would be able to readily get dentures.

Your dental professional will be the best person to consult with about getting dentures or dental implants in Palmdale, CA or dentures. Contact us today to find out what your best option is as an older man or woman.

How to Qualify as a Candidate For Dental Implants

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If you have one or more teeth missing, you may be wondering if you would be a good candidate for dental implants in Palmdale, CA. Becoming more popular with people who have suffered from low self-esteem and various problems related to their dental issues, today’s dental implants use the latest technology and look like real teeth. To qualify as an excellent candidate for this procedure, here are some things your dentist will look for during your consultation.

Gums and Teeth in Good Health

While you may have one or more teeth missing, your dentist will examine you to make sure your gums and remaining teeth are still healthy. This is crucial, since having a healthy jawbone will be necessary to support the implants once they are in place. Otherwise, they could become loose later on.

Don’t be a Smoker

While being a smoker won’t automatically disqualify you from being a candidate for dental implants, it won’t help your chances. Since smoking can impede the healing process once dental implants are installed, your dentist may be concerned about the increased risk you may face for developing an infection or other problems.

Excellent Oral Hygiene Routine

To really impress your Palmdale, CA dentist and put yourself high on the list of being a good candidate for dental implants, demonstrate that you already have an excellent oral hygiene routine. By brushing at least twice per day, flossing once daily, and perhaps taking a swig of mouthwash each day as well, your dentist will know the risk of infection is very low, and that you will likely follow their instructions after your procedure.

Realistic Expectations

Finally, your dentist will talk with you in-depth to find out if you have realistic expectations about dental implants in Palmdale, CA. Since the entire process can take as much as 12 months for all the implants to be installed and healed, you’ll need to not only demonstrate realistic expectations, but also the level of patience that will be required along the way.

If you feel you meet this criteria and are interested in obtaining dental implants, don’t wait any longer. Since it’s time for your regular dental checkup, make an appointment with your dentist in Palmdale, CA to find out if dental implants are a viable option.

Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge Surgery – Common FAQs

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The modern patient who needs full smile restoration is likely to consider some type of dental implant. When considering dental implants in Palmdale, CA, you have several options to consider. An option that may come up is an implant-supported fixed bridge. During this restoration process, a few implants support the full arch of teeth instead of just having a single crown on a bunch of implants. Here is a look at some of the questions prospective patients often have about implant-supported fixed bridge surgery.

How many implants will you need?

The number of implants for full-bridge support can vary depending on the patient. However, most patients will need two to four implants on both the upper and lower jaw to support the full-bridge of teeth in the most stable way. In rarer cases, when a patient has an especially unique jawline shape, more implants may be required.

Will you need bone grafts to give the implants proper support?

Bone grafts may be necessary if you do not have substantial jawbone available to anchor the implants to. This occurs when someone has had missing teeth for a long time or has a medical condition that has contributed to bone loss. However, this procedure is relatively straightforward and is a reliable way to make sure the implants that are placed give you a good, long-term solution.

What is the recovery period like after surgery?

Recovery after implant placement can take a few months, but you should see a major difference in just a few short weeks. The full healing process, which involves the new implant fusing to the bone, can take a while, but you may get to have your bridge placed as soon as the soft tissue around your new implant heals. Every patient can have their own unique experience, so make sure to fully discuss recovery with the surgeon before the procedure.

Find Your Way to a Palmdale Oral Surgeon for Help

Obtaining an implant-supported fixed bridge can be one of the most straightforward ways to restore your smile fully. If you are interested in dental implant surgery, be sure to trust a skilled Palmdale oral surgeon for help. Reach out to us at Heritage Oral Surgery and Implant Centers to schedule your appointment.