Dental Implants

Missing teeth not only affect your smile’s appearance but also lead to oral health issues, including shifting teeth, bone loss, and difficulty chewing. With extensive experience in addressing missing teeth, Dr. Karen Martinez can restore your smile’s function and aesthetics with dental implants at New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera in Pico Rivera, California. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants take the place of natural tooth roots if you have one or more missing teeth. They look like titanium posts that Dr. Martinez surgically implants into your jawbone to build a stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Compared to temporary solutions for missing teeth, like bridges and dentures, dental implants offer a more permanent and lifelike option. This essential feature ensures you can eat, speak, and smile confidently without worrying about your teeth loosening or shifting.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer many advantages for individuals with missing teeth, including:

Appearance

Implants allow your replacement teeth to look natural because they anchor to your jawbone and seamlessly blend with your gums and any remaining natural teeth.

Stability and support

While dentures can shift on your gums, implants hold your replacement teeth in place for unmatched stability.

Osseointegration

This process stimulates the bone that supports your teeth to prevent it from breaking down. Dental implants are the only replacement options for missing teeth that osseointegrate with your tooth-supporting bone.

Durability

Because dental implants include titanium materials, they’re strong and durable. With proper care, these replacement tooth roots can last for 25 years or more.

How do I prepare for dental implants?

Preparing for dental implants can take several months. The process usually includes multiple steps, such as:

Consultation and dental exam

Schedule a consultation with a qualified implant dentist like Dr. Martinez. After assessing your oral health, reviewing your medical history, and taking digital imaging scans, she can determine your eligibility for dental implants.

Treatment plan

Based on the exam, Dr. Martinez can create a personalized treatment plan, which may include extractions, bonegrafts, and other preparatory procedures, such as periodontal (gum) disease treatment.

Quit smoking

Quit smoking before the procedure to ensure a successful outcome. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

What happens during dental implant surgery?

At New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera, Dr. Martinez performs dental implant surgery using anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Once you’re relaxed, she removes any decayed or severely damaged teeth before placing the implants. She makes an incision into your gums and strategically places each implant into your jawbone. Finally, she sutures the incisions.

Healing from implant surgery takes about 6-12 weeks. At your final visit, Dr. Martinez connects your replacement teeth to the implants to restore your oral function.

Call New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.