Dental Implant Placement
Burbank, CA
Info on Dental Implant Placement provided by Lawrence Toomin, DDS
and Mark Bieber, DDS
in Burbank, CA at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry
At Toomin and Bieber, we offer dental implants which are a revolutionary addition to your options for replacing missing teeth. Consisting of small titanium rods that are surgically implanted in your jawbone, they are a favorite of both dentists and patients alike. While the procedure to get your implants is much more involved than any other replacement option on the market, the advantages they offer make them well worth it.
Determining Your Candidacy
Before you can have dental implants placed, we must first determine whether or not this treatment is the best option to suit your needs. This is done with a consultation. We will ask you questions regarding your medical history and lifestyle habits. We perform a thorough oral examination, checking the condition of your mouth, and take some X-rays. The X-rays allow us to see the state of your jawbone, and if it is sturdy enough for implants. If you have lost too much bone mass, you may first need to undergo a bone graft or consider other options (including the All-on-4 treatment concept). They also help us to plan the optimal placement of your dental implants should you be found to be a suitable candidate for surgery.
Your Surgical Procedure
Dental implants, unlike any other tooth replacement option, require a surgical procedure. Before we begin, we administer a local anesthetic. If necessary, we can provide you with sedation, which will help you to relax and remain comfortable throughout your procedure.
After the local anesthetic numbs the surgical sites, we make incisions in your gum tissue, exposing the jawbone. A specialized drill is used to drill holes into your jawbone according to your treatment plan. The implants are placed in these holes, and we stitch your gums closed around them. Before you leave, we provide you with a set of temporary teeth to use while you heal.
Post-Surgical Recovery Period
Healing from surgery varies from patient to patient, but it can range from a few weeks to several months. During this time, your bone fuses with the titanium rods, a process known as osseointegration. This process is integral for your implants to become the "roots" to support your replacement teeth. We will provide you with a set of specific instructions following your surgical procedure. These instructions will contain information on how to deal with common post-surgical issues (such as pain, swelling, and bleeding), how to take care of your mouth, what types of foods to eat, and when you can begin resuming your normal activities. It is important that you follow your instructions closely to avoid infections or other complications that can lead to implant failure. We will monitor your progress throughout your healing period to make sure that everything is going smoothly.
The Final Touches
Once you have fully healed, we then begin the process of installing your permanent replacement teeth. This process often takes two additional visits. At the first visit, we remove your temporary teeth and place the abutments on the titanium rods. We then take impressions of your mouth, which are sent to a lab for design and creation. It takes about two weeks for your final teeth to be completed. When they are ready, we secure them in place with screws.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants and finding out if they are the right fit for you, call Toomin and Bieber today at (818) 748-9998. |
