Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent and effective way to replace one or several teeth.
If you’ve lost a tooth through an injury, disease or decay, dental implants can be used to replace it. The most permanent and long-term option for replacing missing teeth is to use dental implants. They look just like normal teeth. There is a wide range of treatment options available throughout Palm Desert. Here is what makes having a teeth implant procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon different from having it performed by a dentist.
When is a dental implant a better option than a dental bridge or denture?
This will make you look better: The reason why you should replace your missing tooth or teeth is not determined by whether they are visible when you smile. A bone will shrink if it is not stimulated, just like a muscle. The loss of teeth decreases your biting force, which in turn lessens your jawbone. The result may be prematurely aged, shrunken features.
A replacement is more functional: The teeth adjacent to the missing one and those in opposing positions may begin to move. It can be difficult to eat and talk when this happens. As a result, you may suffer from bite problems and jaw or teeth pain.
It protects the surrounding teeth: A missing tooth wears out the surrounding ones and increases the likelihood of them experiencing problems.
You can regain your self-confidence: When a tooth is missing, a person may be hesitant to smile in public due to lack of self-confidence. New teeth may help you gain self-confidence, enabling you to smile again with increased self-esteem.
High-quality dental implants consist of three parts:
A crown
An artificial tooth called a crown is attached to the screw and shaped to look like your missing tooth.
An abutment
An abutment is a small piece of metal that serves as a link between the screw and the artificial tooth.
A titanium screw
It replaces the root of your missing tooth by implanting it in the bone of your jaw. The replacement tooth is inserted after the screw becomes fused with the jaw allowing a stable platform for it to rest on.
The difference between a bridge, with a titanium implant on each end and adjacent artificial teeth (attached to each other), depends on how many teeth you’ve lost.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
Want a long-term solution to your tooth loss in Palm Desert? In our private Palm Desert dental implant clinic, we offer a variety of dental implants that might be suitable for you. A dentist or health care provider needs answers to several questions before they can recommend dental implants:
– Is your jawbone sufficiently large and dense?
– Have you stopped growing your jaw? Implants can only be put in once it has stopped growing in your 20s.
– Is your general health good? The outcome of your implant surgery may be affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, hemophilia, connective tissue disease, immune deficiencies, cancer and some heart conditions.
– Is there anything you are taking? Steroids, for example, suppress the immune system and can make it impossible to place a tooth implant (or teeth implant).
– What is your dental health like?
– Is chain-smoking something you do? Chain smokers are not recommended for dental implants. Implants may not be recommended because of other lifestyle factors.
In addition to being a dentist in Palm Desert, Dr. John Doe is also a physician, so he is able to assess both your dental and overall health during the implant process.
Is it possible to replace false teeth with dental implants?
In recent years, implant-supported dentures have become more popular than regular dentures (false teeth) because they are more attractive, are easier to maintain, and are more comfortable for talking and eating. After a dental implant has been placed, a denture can be supported immediately by an All on 4® implant.
Plan your virtual surgery
Bone that is healthy in your jaw is necessary to support your dental implant. The bone in your jaw may already be decayed if you lost a tooth years ago. You might not have enough bone to hold a dental implant in place if you’ve had an injury or you’re born with a defect.
The doctor will produce a three-dimensional model of your body using a cone beam x-ray at his Palm Desert practice. In order to determine how much and what kind of bone you have, he will next devise a virtual surgical plan. Computer-generated surgery guides may be made for this purpose.
Bone grafting may be recommended if there is not enough bone to support an implant. For those with little bone remaining, zygomatic implants (cheek implants) may be implanted.
Is there a facility in Palm Desert where I can get this procedure done?
During his dental implant surgery, Dr. John Doe uses local anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation in his Palm Desert private room. Also, he performs it under general anesthesia at a number of accredited Palm Desert-based private hospitals.
Your options will be discussed with Dr. John Doe, and the particular location will depend on how extensive the procedure is and how well you are feeling.
Which is more appropriate: anesthetist or sedationist?
The nurse sedationist can give IV sedation at some dental practices. A specialist as an anesthetist is always used by Dr. John Doe for reasons of safety.
Following a Palm Desert dental implants procedure, recovery may be lengthy
Surgical day procedure: You will need someone to help you get home if you have undergone general anesthesia or IV sedation. It is possible to drive home yourself if you are under local anesthesia.
Management of pain: There is very little pain for most people. The only thing you may need is a normal painkiller. Pain or swelling can be reduced with an icepack.
Work/School: In most cases, people can return to work the next day, though some may require more time off.
Stitches: Most cases require dissolving stitches. It takes 1-2 weeks for them to dissolve.
Diet: It is recommended to eat soft food for one to two days following surgery. You should be able to eat and drink normally after surgery within 1-2 weeks.
Follow-up: In order to ensure your healing is progressing well, we offer regular review appointments.
After your initial consultation, do not be surprised if Dr. John Doe gives you detailed instructions for the post-op period. Following these instructions carefully will maximize your chance of a speedy recovery without complications. This page contains general information about post-operative care and patient care.
Complications that may occur
Getting your implant surgery done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has a lot of experience is unlikely to result in complications.
The risk of complications is present in every surgery. In addition to poor general health, smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and having had radiotherapy to the jaw, you are at greater risk for mouth cancer. There are also medications that can cause complications.
Among the most frequent dental implant complications are:
– Infection
– A loose screw – A faulty implant screw can result in the procedure having to be repeated if the bone no longer fuses with it properly after healing.
– A loose post (abutment) – It’s possible that the metal post can come loose. A tightening or replacement is needed if this occurs.
– Numbness of the face and mouth due to nerve damage
What is the cost of a dental implant?
Part of your initial consultation will be reimbursed by Medicare.
When you come in for an initial consultation, we will give you a written estimate for the costs involved. So you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered, we’ll help you file Medicare and private health insurance claims.
A fee schedule for the anesthetist involved will be provided to you if one is involved. Anesthetists’ fees are covered in part by the Medicare and private insurance programs.
What are the benefits of choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
A full range of options is available
Dentists cannot perform dental implant procedures in-room or in a hospital setting; only oral and maxillofacial surgeons can.
A high level of technical proficiency is maintained during the procedure
Since they are experienced and trained in all aspects of dental surgery, their surgery is of the highest quality. In fact, they can handle procedures as complex as bone grafting with greater confidence.
Maintain your health with a decreased risk of complications
They can manage your medication and other medical conditions to minimize your risks because oral and maxillofacial surgeons have medical training. A complication is handled with the necessary dental and medical skills.
Safety is paramount
A Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon undergoes only regulated sterilization procedures (under the standards of AS/NZS 4815:2006). The dentist with many years of experience offers you one of the most reliable services on the market. For more information contact, Dr. John Doe.
Utilize only specialist anesthetists
They always use specialist anesthetists for intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Focus on patient care
The surgeon, Dr. John Doe, has a wealth of experience. His explanations are clear and he is a good listener, so don’t hesitate to ask him questions and convey any concerns you have – you’ll find that he will effectively address them. To discuss options and costs, schedule an appointment at his practice, which has ample off-street parking.
Discover more about dental implants
Single-tooth implant
With a single tooth implant, a missing tooth can be replaced with a permanent tooth implant that looks natural
Zygomatic implants
Depending on the strength of your bone, Zygomatic implants might be able to support your top denture
Grafting of bone and soft tissue
Providing healthy bone and soft tissue grafting is a good option if you don’t have enough healthy bone or soft tissue for your implant
Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures, which are fixed permanently in place, can replace several or all of your teeth
All on 4®
Get information on All on 4 dentures that are fully supported by 4 implants and available in less than 48 hours.